INTRODUCTION : Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly recommended for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent research has highlighted the significant treatment burden that patients experience during NT, but caregiver well-being during NT is poorly understood.

METHODS : A cross-sectional mixed-methods analysis of primary caregivers of patients with localized PDAC receiving NT was undertaken. All patients completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) survey, while semi-structured interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of participants.

RESULTS : Among 28 caregivers, the mean age was 60.1 years, and most were patient spouses/significant others (71.4%). Patients had resectable (18%), borderline resectable (46%), or locally advanced (36%) PDAC with a mean treatment duration of 2.9 months at the time of their caregiver's enrollment. Most caregivers felt that they received adequate emotional/psychosocial support (80%) and understood the rationale for NT (93%). A majority (60%) reported that caregiving responsibilities impacted their daily lives and required a decrease in their work hours, leading to financial challenges (47%). While overall QOL was moderate (mean 83 ± 21.1, range 0-140), "emotional burden" (47.3 ± 20.9), and "positive adaption" (57.3 ± 13.9) were the lowest ranked CQOLC subsection scores.

DISCUSSION : Caregivers of patients with PDAC undergoing NT experience significant emotional symptoms and impact on their daily lives. Assessing caregiver needs and providing resources during NT should be a priority.