Radiation therapy is one of several options for treating pancreas cancer. It is a high-dose, external beam radiation therapy that destroys the cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue. It is typically given for several days, but it can be shorter or longer, depending on the patient’s condition. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and upset stomach. These side effects generally subside soon after treatment. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Surgery is one option for treating pancreas cancer. Depending on where the tumor is located, different types of surgery may be used. Additionally, nearby lymph nodes may be removed. Different types of surgeons will be involved in the surgery. The cancer cells may be removed through surgery or radiation therapy. There are several types of radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer, and each can be effective. These options are discussed below. Some of these treatments are given in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy.
In addition to radiation therapy, doctors may prescribe other types of drugs for pancreas cancer. Gemcitabine, for example, is often used alone or in combination with nab-paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab, another drug for pancreatic cancer, is sometimes used for patients with an MSI of more than 100. MSI-high disease is rare in pancreatic cancer. Similarly, larotrectinib is used to treat cancer that has a mutation in the NTRK gene.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreas cancer, it is important to know that the treatment options for the disease depend on the stage of the cancer, the type of the disease, the type of treatment, the patient’s preferences, and the support system the patient has. In addition, you and your doctor should discuss the risks, and side effects of the various treatments, as well as your overall health. While you may be able to recover from pancreatic cancer, you might not be able to return to normal life, and the disease may be called terminal.
Fortunately, pancreas cancer treatment is possible, especially if it is detected in its early stages. The early detection of the disease is critical, as it is often difficult to detect the disease before it spreads to other organs. It is therefore important for patients with hereditary pancreas cancer to have regular screenings. However, even though the cancer may be detected in its early stages, it is still best to be tested as soon as possible.
Advances in pancreatic cancer treatment are slow. However, the current standard of care is gemcitabine. It has been proven to have improved survival. The most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer is FOLFIRINOX, a combination of gemcitabine and fluorouracil. A combination of gemcitabine and irinotecan has also shown promising results. Additionally, genomics and pathomics have advanced our understanding of the biology of cancer and helped identify actionable mutations in the disease.
