Treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on the patient’s general health and the stage of the disease. Standard treatments for pancreatic cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a mix of these.
Recently the FDA approved a targeted therapeutic drug (Olaparib for BRCA mutation) for pancreatic cancer and an immunotherapy (Keytruda).
Surgery
About 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer can undergo surgery to remove the tumor. For eligible patients, surgery is the best option for long-term pancreatic cancer survival. The data shows that high-volume hospitals have higher success rates and fewer complications.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells by preventing them from growing and dividing. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and target cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy can shrink tumors or stop their growth. It can be given alone or with surgery, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or a mix of these.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. It can damage cancer cells to prevent them from growing and dividing. The goal of radiation is to prevent tumor growth or shrink it without damaging nearby healthy organs or tissues.
Doctors can use radiation therapy to:
• Relieve pain caused by the tumor
• Try to shrink the tumor before surgery
• Destroy any cancer cells that may be in the area after surgery