While the death rates for other types of cancer have steadily declined over the last several decades, those for pancreas cancer are projected to rise. This is due to the increasing number of people with pancreas cancer, along with improved detection and treatment methods. However, by the year 2050, pancreas cancer will top the list of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, new research suggests that the disease is still treatable with current treatments.
Symptoms of pancreas cancer may include yellow skin and eyes. Some individuals experience itching or pain in their mid-back. While pancreas cancer may have no symptoms in the early stages, those who are diagnosed with it should seek out highly-specialized opinions to ensure that they get the most accurate diagnosis possible. Patients with any of these conditions should seek specialized care from a cancer center with a high volume of pancreas cancer patients.
Although early stage colon cancer is treatable, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer is a low twenty-five percent. While there are many factors that contribute to health and survival, it appears that the young age, healthy lifestyle and the influence of Chermack’s wife may have contributed to his remarkable survival. Although the average survival rate for pancreas cancer is twelve months, Chermack is still battling the disease every day.
In addition to the Stand Up to Cancer initiative, several unconventional players are also working to get new treatments into clinics. The Lustgarten Foundation, an entertainment industry foundation, and an advocacy group called PanCan are all pursuing new treatments to fight pancreas cancer. The Stand Up to Cancer team is testing experimental protein that targets the tumor’s immune cells. Macrophages are immune cells that keep tumor cells on protective leashes.
While surgery removes the cancerous portion of the pancreas, it does not eradicate the underlying cancer. Treatment options for pancreas cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medication. However, there is no guarantee that these treatments will be successful and that the side effects won’t recur in the future. The first stage of clinical trials must begin in six months, so the team must move quickly. The goal of this clinical trial is to improve patient outcomes.
In addition to chemotherapy and radiation, research is underway in the area of genetics. Genetics can guide more specific treatments for pancreatic cancer. Hruban et al. 2000 outlined the basic molecular profile of pancreatic cancer. The majority of invasive PDAs contain activating mutations of the KRAS proto-oncogene. Other tumor suppressor genes, such as CDKN2A, are common.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect. The earliest signs of this disease may be symptoms of blockage of the bile duct. Symptoms that accompany pancreas cancer may include jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. The disease can also manifest itself as a tumor outside the bile duct. Tumors can also develop outside the bile duct area, which makes it difficult to detect until it is large and widespread.
