Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Overview

Treatment depends on cancer stage, patient health, and preferences. Options include:

1. Surgical Resection

For localized cancer. Procedures:

• Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure): removes head of pancreas, part of stomach, duodenum, gallbladder.
• Distal pancreatectomy: removes body and tail.
• Total pancreatectomy: removes entire pancreas.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy X-rays kill cancer cells; used before/after surgery or with chemotherapy.

3. Chemotherapy

Drugs kill cancer cells systemically; IV or oral. Often combined with radiation or surgery.

4. Targeted Therapy

Drugs target specific cancer-growth molecules. Examples: erlotinib, gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel.

5. Immunotherapy

Boosts immune system to fight cancer. Examples: nivolumab, pembrolizumab.

6. Palliative Care

For advanced cancer: improves quality of life, manages pain, nausea, fatigue.

Decisions should involve a multidisciplinary team: medical oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist.