What are the treatments for pancreatic cancer?

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The goal of treatment for pancreatic cancer is typically to cure the cancer if possible or to control it and relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend survival.

In some cases, treatment may also be aimed at slowing the progression of the cancer, even if a cure is not possible.

The approach to treatment depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the person’s overall health, and the goals of the person and their healthcare team.

Doctors often use surgery to treat pancreatic cancer, particularly for tumors that have not spread beyond the pancreas.

The most common surgery for pancreatic cancer is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure.

This surgery involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, part of the bile duct, and the gallbladder. In some cases, surgeons may also remove the body and tail of the pancreas.

Benefits and risks

Surgery may be able to remove the entire tumor, offering a chance for a cure. Even if surgery cannot cure the cancer, it may help to prolong survival and improve a person’s quality of life.

However, surgery can cause significant bleeding and may require blood transfusions. Surgery can also increase the risk of infection, particularly if the patient has other health conditions that affect their immune system.

Additionally, recovery from pancreatic surgery can be lengthy, and the patient may require several weeks or even months to recover fully.

Learn more about the Whipple procedure.

Ablation is a treatment for pancreatic cancer involving heat or cold to destroy cancer cells.

Doctors may use ablation as a stand-alone treatment for small pancreatic tumors or as an additional treatment alongside surgery or other therapies for larger tumors.

Benefits and risks

Ablation can be done through a small incision, which may lead to a quicker recovery and less pain than surgery.

Ablation targets the cancer cells directly, which may spare healthy tissue and reduce the risk of complications. Ablation can be repeated if necessary to treat new or recurrent tumors.

However, there is a risk of damage to nearby organs, such as the liver or intestines, during ablation. There is also a risk of infection at the site of the ablation.

In some cases, ablation may not destroy all of the cancer cells, leading to the need for additional treatments.

Learn more about radiofrequency ablation.

Chemotherapy is a treatment for pancreatic cancer involving drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously and can be a stand-alone treatment for pancreatic cancer or combined with other therapies such as surgery or radiation.

Side effects

However, chemotherapy can also have side effects, including:

• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue
• hair loss
• increased risk of infection
• low blood cell counts

The specific drugs used and the duration of chemotherapy treatment may vary depending on the person’s situation.

Learn more about common chemotherapy side effects.

Radiation therapy is a treatment for pancreatic cancer that involves using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells. Doctors can deliver radiation therapy externally (external beam radiation therapy) or internally (brachytherapy).

Radiation therapy may be a stand-alone treatment for pancreatic cancer or in combination with other therapies such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Side effects

Radiation therapy can also have side effects, including:

• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• skin irritation
• increased risk of infection

The specific type of radiation therapy, dose, and duration of treatment may vary depending on the person’s situation.

Learn about the difference between radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In addition to the conventional treatments for pancreatic cancer, there are also new and emerging treatments that may be used, including:

• Immunotherapy: This treatment involves using drugs to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating some types of pancreatic cancer, particularly those with certain genetic mutations.
• Targeted therapy: This treatment involves using drugs that target specific proteins or other molecules in cancer cells that drive their growth and survival. Targeted therapy can treat certain types of pancreatic cancer and may have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
• Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments for pancreatic cancer. Participating in a clinical trial may give people access to the latest treatments before they are widely available.

These treatments are still being studied and may not be appropriate for all patients with pancreatic cancer. People need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of these treatments with their healthcare team to determine if they are the best option for them.

The outlook for pancreatic cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the type of treatment used.

Surgery, when possible, offers the best chance for a cure in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. However, even with surgery, the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is relatively low, ranging from 3–42%, depending on the stage at which it was diagnosed.

It is important to note that every person’s experience with pancreatic cancer and its treatments is unique, and some patients may have better outcomes than others.

People should work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for their situation and to discuss their prognosis and expectations.

Every person’s experience with pancreatic cancer is unique.

People should work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for their situation and to discuss their prognosis and expectations.