Interventional management of pancreatic cancer: Current strategies and future horizons

Abstract Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by rapid progression and increasing global incidence and mortality rates. Although surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment, most patients are ineligible for surgical intervention at diagnosis. For those with unresectable pancreatic cancer, palliative therapies such as radiotherapy and systemic treatments are the primary options. In recent decades, interventional therapies have emerged as promising alternatives in the treatment landscape of pancreatic cancer, including transcatheter arterial infusion, ablation techniques, stent placement, and brachytherapy. These methods are recognized for their effectiveness in improving both survival outcomes and patients' quality of life. This review explores the historical development, current applications, and future potential of interventional therapies for pancreatic cancer.