Pancreatic Cancer
Comprehensive treatment for pancreatic cancer including surgery (Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
Pancreatic Cancer
Solid Tumors
Overview
Comprehensive treatment for pancreatic cancer including surgery (Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
When to Consult
Upon diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or abnormal pancreatic imaging.
What to Bring
CT/MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasound reports, CA 19-9 blood test results, biopsy reports, and previous treatment records.
Risk Factors
Causes
Treatment Options
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Complex surgical procedure removing the head of pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, and part of bile duct. Most common surgery for pancreatic head tumors. Requires experienced surgical team and specialized post-operative care.
Distal Pancreatectomy
Surgical removal of the tail and body of pancreas, often with spleen removal, for tumors in the pancreatic body or tail. Less complex than Whipple procedure but still requires specialized expertise.
Chemotherapy
Systemic drug therapy using FOLFIRINOX (5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel as first-line treatment. May be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or for advanced/metastatic disease.
Targeted Therapy
Precision treatments including PARP inhibitors (olaparib) for BRCA-mutated pancreatic cancer, and other targeted agents based on genetic testing (NTRK, MSI-H). Treatment selection based on molecular profiling and genetic mutations.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation, often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), used as neoadjuvant therapy to shrink tumors before surgery, or for locally advanced unresectable tumors. Advanced techniques like SBRT minimize damage to surrounding organs.
Palliative Care
Symptom management including biliary stenting for jaundice, pain management, nutritional support, and quality of life interventions. Essential component of comprehensive care for all stages of pancreatic cancer.