Recognition of Tumor Invasion of a Pancreatic Head Biliary Stent during Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2019Source: Practical Radiation OncologyAuthor(s): Ethan Song, Daniel Segarra, Kujtim Latifi, Susan Leuthold, Dalila Belinc, Luis Pena, Mokenge Malafa, Jessica M. Frakes, Sarah E. HoffeAbstractA radiation oncologist’s recognition of the typical course of anticipated side effects during pancreatic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is important. Given the excellent rates of toleration, development of unanticipated pain calls for prompt evaluation. In this article, we report the case of a 51-year-old male with locally advanced pancreatic cancer experiencing focal right upper quadrant abdominal pain during pancreatic SBRT caused by rapid tumor in-growth through an open metal stent. With a variety of stents choices available, radiation oncologists need to recognize the potential for stent malfunction and occlusion to prevent a delay in SBRT delivery and the possibility for secondary infection.
Source: Practical Radiation Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research