RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Efficacy of Spacers in Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Planning Study JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 503 OP 508 DO 10.21873/anticanres.14801 VO 41 IS 1 A1 HIROKI KAWAGUCHI A1 YUSUKE DEMIZU A1 NARITOSHI MUKUMOTO A1 TAKEAKI ISHIHARA A1 DAISUKE MIYAWAKI A1 SHOHEI KOMATSU A1 HIROAKI AKASAKA A1 MAKOTO SHINOTO A1 YOSHIYUKI SHIOYAMA A1 KATSUMASA NAKAMURA A1 TAKUMI FUKUMOTO A1 RYOHEI SASAKI YR 2021 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/41/1/503.abstract AB Background/Aim: We aimed to investigate the dosimetric effects of a spacer placed between the pancreas and surrounding gastrointestinal structures in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning to provide more effective radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Patients and Methods: Treatment planning was performed for six patients with LAPC based on computed tomography images without spacers and with 5-mm or 10-mm spacers virtually inserted under the supervision of a hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeon. The prescription dose was 63 Gy in 28 fractions. Results: With the exception of one case of pancreatic head cancer, planning target volume receiving ≥95% of the prescribed dose (PTV V95) was achieved by 90% or more by inserting a spacer, and by 95% or more in all 3 cases of pancreatic body and tail cancer by inserting a 10-mm spacer. Conclusion: IMRT with appropriate spacer placement may help provide high-dose treatment for LAPC and improve associated patient outcomes.