Single-shot celiac plexus radiosurgery in pancreatic cancer: Palliative and functional outcomes—Final results of a prospective clinical trial.

309Background: Pancreatic cancer is characterized by severe epigastric/lower back pain caused by infiltration of the celiac plexus. The celiac plexus is a network of nociceptive nerves, located along the abdominal aorta. Contemporary approaches (opioids, celiac plexus chemical neurolysis, systemic chemotherapy) are often inadequate. We hypothesized that ablative radiation targeted to the celiac plexus would alleviate pain. Here we report results for pancreatic cancer patients treated with a single fraction of radiation. Methods: We conducted a single-institution single-arm prospective clinical trial. Eligible cancer patients had celiac-pain > 4/10 on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and completed treatment per protocol with at least one post-treatment visit. The celiac plexus was irradiated from D12 to L2. Radiation was given as a single-fraction 25 Gy. The primary endpoint was NRS pain 3 weeks post-treatment. Secondary endpoints were toxicity, pain at 6w, analgesic use, and pain interference with daily activ...