Abstract
68 Background: Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge, being the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite advances in medical science, survival rates have not significantly improved, primarily due to late diagnosis and the limited efficacy of conventional treatments. This study investigates the potential of immunotherapy, offering a new horizon for treatment strategies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, encompassing Phase I-III clinical trials that utilized immunotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer. Databases such as PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.Gov were searched following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 29 completed trials and 106 ongoing studies were analyzed, focusing on survival rates, response to treatment, and adverse events. Results: Analysis of 29 completed clinical trials revealed that immunotherapy could extend the median OS in selected cohorts, with a notable trial showing an increase in OS from 6 to 13.6 months in patients receiving PD-1 blockers. Phase I trials demonstrated a cumulative OS of 13.6 months and a PFS of 5.1 months across various interventions. Ongoing studies, numbering 106, are exploring a wide range of immunotherapeutic agents, aiming to improve these outcomes further. Adverse events were consistent with expectations for immunotherapy, indicating a manageable safety profile. The most promising interventions appear to be combination therapies that include checkpoint inhibitors, showing an increase in the 5-year survival rate of up to 30% for patients undergoing adjunctive treatment post-surgery. Conclusions: Immunotherapy presents a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, more robust clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on identifying biomarkers for patient selection and exploring combination therapies to enhance treatment responses. The disparity in access to these therapies, especially in low- and middle-income countries, underscores the need for global efforts to make advanced treatments more accessible.
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