Nationwide Program to Improve Surgery and Care for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in the Netherlands

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a nationwide program in the Netherlands that aims to improve care for adults with locally advanced pancreatic cancer LAPC who have non-metastasized disease and stable condition after chemotherapy. The program implements international standards of excellence for LAPC surgery, supported by training from four leading expert centers. The goal is to increase the rate of surgical removal of tumors while maintaining survival and safety targets compared to past Dutch patient groups. The program involves a multidisciplinary training and implementation of advanced surgical techniques at three high-volume Dutch centers, with collaboration across other centers. Patients who meet criteria after at least four months of induction chemotherapy with modified FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel will be reviewed by an expert panel to select appropriate candidates for surgery. Centers can also seek advice for treatment options and patient referrals. Outcomes will be compared with historical patient data. Participants will be monitored through regular assessments of survival, surgery rates, complications, and quality of life. Data on resection rate, overall survival, in-hospital mortality and morbidity will be collected during and after the inclusion period up to 2030. Patient satisfaction and health status will be measured over two years and beyond. This comprehensive approach aims to safely increase surgery rates and improve care for LAPC patients nationwide.

PREOPANC-4 Implementation Program for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer