Purpose: Because of the dismal outcomes of conventional therapies for pancreatic carcinomas, we postulated that hypoxia may exist within these tumors.
Methods and materials: Seven sequential patients with adenocarcinomas of the pancreas consented to intraoperative measurements of tumor oxygenation using the Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany) polargraphic electrode.
Results: All 7 tumors demonstrated significant tumor hypoxia. In contrast, adjacent normal pancreas showed normal oxygenation.
Conclusion: Tumor hypoxia exists within pancreatic cancers.