Cholangitis and interruptions of neoadjuvant chemotherapy decrease survival in pancreatic cancer

Patients with pancreatic cancer who experience cholangitis have reduced overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Interrupting neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) also decreases OS and PFS. Biliary decompression with metallic stents reduces the rate of chemotherapy interruptions and cholangitis compared to plastic stents. However, the choice of stent type does not affect OS or PFS. This study underscores the importance of managing cholangitis and avoiding interruptions in NAT to improve the survival outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer.