Booklet: What You Need to Know about Pancreatic Cancer

Treatment

Cancer of the pancreas is very hard to control. This disease can be cured only when it is found at an early stage, before it has spread. However, treatment can improve the quality of a person's life by controlling the symptoms and complications of this disease.

People with pancreatic cancer are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, the location and size of the tumor, the extent (stage) of the disease, the person's age and general health, and other factors. Cancer that begins in the pancreatic ducts may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Doctors sometimes use combinations of these treatments. Researchers are also studying biological therapy to see whether it can help when pancreatic cancer has spread to other parts of the body or has recurred. Islet cell cancer is usually treated with surgery or chemotherapy. Doctors may decide to use one method or a combination of treatment methods.

Some people take part in a clinical trial (research study) using new treatment methods. Such studies are designed to improve cancer treatment.

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