Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12months after treatment compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients treated with HIFU in conjunction with chemotherapy presented reduced levels of pain (p < 0.05) compared to the traditional treatment group. In addition, HIFU contributed to significant tumor responsiveness, in terms of CA19-9 reduction (p < 0.05). Finally, HIFU was a considerably safe treatment modality with a low incidence of complications. These outcomes suggest that HIFU is a feasible and safe treatment modality for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and provides enhanced outcomes regarding survival and quality of life. Given the lack of a significant number of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. New randomized trials assessing HIFU are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.
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