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Enhanced Survival Rates for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer at Okayama University

Okayama University Hospital has pioneered significant advancements in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Starting in 2019, they introduced a preoperative chemotherapy regimen using Gemcitabine and S-1, known as GS therapy, targeting patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. This innovative approach has achieved remarkable outcomes, allowing approximately 90% of patients to successfully complete the preoperative treatment.

In a comparative study, patients who underwent GS therapy showed a significant improvement in long-term survival rates when compared to those receiving traditional surgery-first treatment. This finding underscores the potential of GS therapy as a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Study Overview

The joint effort between the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and the Department of Gastroenterology at Okayama University Hospital has resulted in deep collaboration to formulate a comprehensive protocol for pancreatic cancer treatment. The recent research conducted by leading specialists including Dr. Kosei Takagi and Dr. Kazuya Yasui was featured in the European oncology journal Cancers on October 10, 2025.

The study demonstrated that all patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group were eligible for surgical resection, and the two-year overall survival rate in this group reached an impressive 83%. In contrast, the traditional surgery-first approach only achieved a 61% survival rate. Furthermore, the introduction of preoperative chemotherapy has notably improved patient prognoses. The research also identified three critical factors influencing outcomes: the incorporation of preoperative chemotherapy, the presence of pathological lymph node metastasis, and the successful completion of postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Significance of the Findings

These results provide compelling evidence for the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer. The study further emphasizes the necessity of safe surgical protocols and the importance of postoperative treatments with minimal complications. The hope is that these advancements will contribute to enhancing the overall treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer.

Insights from Dr. Kosei Takagi

Dr. Takagi highlighted the increasing prevalence of pancreatic cancer in recent years, stating, "Historically, patients with resectable pancreatic cancer were predominantly treated with surgery first. Our study confirms the safety and efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy, reinforcing the importance of safe surgical procedures and effective postoperative adjuvant therapy. We aim to continue improving treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients moving forward."

Publication Details

The research article is titled "Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine plus S-1 in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma," authored by a team of researchers including Dr. Yasui and Dr. Takagi. The study can be accessed through the DOI link: 10.3390/cancers17203287.

For further details on the study, please refer to the full press release available here.

About Okayama University Hospital

Located in Okayama City, Okayama University Hospital is at the forefront of medical research and patient care. The collaboration between various specialties ensures a multi-faceted approach to tackling complex health challenges, like pancreatic cancer.

For general inquiries, readers may contact the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department at Okayama University Hospital. Their commitment to advancing healthcare and research continues to impact many lives positively.