Contents
Fighting Back: Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer
Published: Sep 20, 2024
While pancreatic cancer is a formidable foe, advances in treatment are offering new hope. Understanding your options is key to making informed decisions about your care.
Surgery: The Gold Standard
For patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer, surgery offers the best chance for a cure. The most common procedure is the Whipple operation, which removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. For tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas, a distal pancreatectomy may be performed. These surgeries are complex and should be done by experienced surgeons at high-volume centers for the best outcomes.
Chemotherapy: Attacking Cancer Cells
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors, after surgery (adjuvant) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as the main treatment for advanced cancers. Common chemotherapy regimens for pancreatic cancer include FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. While chemotherapy can be effective, it often comes with side effects that need to be managed carefully.
Radiation Therapy: Targeted Treatment
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It's often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) and may be used before or after surgery, or to help control symptoms in advanced cases. Newer techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can deliver higher doses of radiation more precisely, potentially improving effectiveness while reducing side effects.
Emerging Therapies: The Future of Treatment
Exciting new treatments are on the horizon for pancreatic cancer. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, has shown promise in some patients. Targeted therapies, which attack specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, are another area of active research. Clinical trials offer access to these cutting-edge treatments and are crucial for advancing pancreatic cancer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, surgery is not possible or recommended for all patients.
Treatment duration varies widely depending on the specific plan.
Early-stage cancers can sometimes be cured with proper treatment.
While some exist, they should not replace standard medical care.
Treatment plans are based on cancer stage, overall health, and preferences.
A Team Effort
Effective pancreatic cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, with patients playing an active role in their care decisions.
References
- American Cancer Society. Treating Pancreatic Cancer. www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. www.cancer.gov
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Treatment Types. www.pancan.org
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?