Treatment of pancreatic cancer

Cancer treatment is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for pancreatic cancer are based on:

• stage
• location of the tumour
• person's overall health

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer

• surgery
  • Whipple procedure – removal of tumours in the head of the pancreas or the opening of the pancreatic duct
  • distal pancreatectomy – removal of part of the pancreas for early tumours in the tail or body of the pancreas
  • total pancreatectomy – removal of the entire pancreas
  • palliative procedures – to relieve a blockage of the common bile duct or the duodenum caused by a pancreatic tumour
    • stent placement
    • surgical bypass
• chemotherapy
  • gemcitabine (Gemzar)
  • 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
• targeted therapy
  • may be given to people with advanced pancreatic cancer
  • erlotinib (Tarceva) most common drug used
• external beam radiation therapy
  • may be given alone or in combination with chemotherapy (called chemoradiation)
• follow-up after treatment is finished
  • It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 2 years after treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are some clinical trials in Canada that are open to people with pancreatic cancer. For more information, go to clinical trials.