The survivability of pancreatic cancer in South Korea remains a significant medical challenge, reflecting global trends where pancreatic cancer is known for its poor prognosis and low survival rates. Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its silent progression and lack of early symptoms, which contributes to its low survival rates.
In South Korea, recent advances in treatment approaches, including neoadjuvant therapy (treatment given before surgery), have shown promise in improving survival outcomes. The use of chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFIRINOX—a combination of 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin—along with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) and adjuvant chemotherapy (treatment after surgery), has been associated with better tumor regression and longer overall survival for patients who undergo surgical resection after neoadjuvant treatment. Patients who respond well to these treatments, as assessed by pathological grading systems like the College of American Pathologists (CAP) grade, tend to have significantly improved survival outcomes compared to those with poorer responses.
Despite these advances, the overall survival rates for pancreatic cancer remain low. Globally, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer hovers around 13%, and South Korea’s figures are generally consistent with this trend. This low survival rate is largely due to the aggressive nature of the disease, its tendency to metastasize early, and the difficulty in achieving complete tumor removal. Younger patients and those with suspected metastases before neoadjuvant treatment are at higher risk of recurrence even after achieving a pathological complete response, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and adjuvant therapy.
Quality of life during treatment is also a critical factor influencing survival. In South Korea, studies emphasize the importance of managing pain, depression, anxiety, and nutritional status to improve patients’ quality of life, which in turn can positively affect treatment outcomes and survival. Psychosocial support and comprehensive symptom management are integral parts of care for pancreatic cancer patients.
Risk factors such as smoking play a significant role in pancreatic cancer incidence and progression. Smoking not only increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer but also promotes tumor growth by suppressing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells. Public health efforts in South Korea focus on smoking cessation as a key preventive measure.
South Korea’s aging population also impacts the cancer burden, including pancreatic cancer. With life expectancy increasing and the population aging rapidly, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is expected to rise, which may influence future survival statistics and healthcare strategies.
In summary, while pancreatic cancer in South Korea shares the global challenge of low survival rates, advances in neoadjuvant therapies, surgical techniques, and supportive care are gradually improving outcomes for some patients. Continued research, early detection efforts, and comprehensive patient management remain crucial to enhancing survivability in this difficult-to-treat cancer.
