ADVANCES IN THE MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER: CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES AND EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGY-BASED APPROACHES

Dr. Shweta Chahal*, Kartikey Kaushik, Pushkar Mehta, Subah Sharma, Dr. Dharinder Tayal

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, with a persistently low five-year survival rate despite significant therapeutic advancements. Over recent decades, surgical techniques have evolved toward extended resections and minimally invasive approaches, improving safety and resectability in selected patients. In parallel, systemic chemotherapy regimens, including combination therapies, have demonstrated modest survival benefits. Nevertheless, treatment efficacy is frequently limited by late diagnosis, therapeutic resistance, and the dense tumor microenvironment characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Recent progress in nanotechnology and image-guided interventions has introduced novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional modalities. Among these, photothermal therapy (PTT), particularly when combined with molecular targeted therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and nano-enzyme–based systems, has shown promising preclinical outcomes. Nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery systems offer improved tumor targeting, enhanced drug penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity, addressing key limitations of standard treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer, encompassing surgical innovations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, photothermal therapy, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on combination therapeutic strategies and their potential to enhance treatment efficacy. Additionally, the challenges associated with clinical translation and future research directions are discussed, with the aim of supporting the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions for pancreatic cancer.