Pancreatic cancer is a common type of gastrointestinal cancer. If diagnosed in the early stage, it can be treated with various treatment options.
Pancreas is one of the important organs of the digestive system, and is located adjacent to the small intestine behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen. The main function of pancreas is to produce certain enzymes, required for the digestion process.
Pancreatic cancer results from uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. There are two types of pancreatic cancers: exocrine pancreatic cancer or adenocarcinoma and islet cell pancreatic cancer or endocrine cancer.
Pancreatic cancer usually spreads very rapidly through the lymphatic system to other organs such as lungs, liver, bones etc. It is rarely detected in the early stage. Hence it is one of the leading causes of cancer death. It is reported that approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States.
Certain factors such as obesity, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, long-term diabetes, age, gender, family history, etc. Certain hereditary disorders such as hereditary pancreatitis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually appear in the advanced stages of the disease. Some common symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen and in the back, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and weakness. Pancreatic cancer can also cause jaundice, digestive problems, muscle spasms, dizziness, and diarrhea.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the early stage is very essential in order to seek immediate medical treatment. Blood tests to determine the levels of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, are recommended.
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI scan, CT scan, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are also suggested to confirm the presence of cancerous growth.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatic cancer is decided depending upon the location and stage of the cancer. The treatment option is selected on the basis of age and overall health of the patient. Cancer treatment is aimed at removing the cancer when possible, and/or preventing further growth of the cancer.
If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stage, and any treatment option to remove the cancer is not possible, then treatment is given to reduce the symptoms, and increase the comfort level of the patient. Various treatment options for pancreatic cancer include medications, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy.
Locally advanced pancreatic cancer can be treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, or with chemotherapy only. Chemotherapy is the fundamental treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Surgery
Localized pancreatic cancer can be removed with surgery, and hence considered as resectable cancer. If cancer has spread to other organs, blood vessels or lymph nodes, then surgery is not an effective option.
When pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreatic head, the Whipple procedure or pancreatoduodenectomy is recommended. This surgery involves removal of pancreatic head, duodenum (a portion of small intestine), as well as gallbladder and part of bile duct. It may involve the removal of a part of the stomach as well.
There may be a risk of bleeding and infection. Some people may experience vomiting, nausea, and temporary diabetes after the surgery. Distal pancreatectomy is performed to remove the tail or a small portion of body of the pancreas. The spleen may also be removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of various drugs to kill the malignant cells. In this therapy, drugs can be taken orally or injected intravenously. Chemotherapy can be combined with radiation therapy, known as chemoradiation. It can be used to treat pancreatic cancer, which has spread only to nearby organs, but not involving distant organs. In case of advanced pancreas cancer, chemotherapy can be used in combination with targeted drug therapy.
Targeted Drug Therapy
This therapy involves the use of drugs that target certain abnormalities in the cancer cells. Erlotinib is one of the targeted drugs, which prevents the chemicals that promote growth and division of cancer cells.
Medication
Gemcitabine is used to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer, which directly targets malignant cells. Fluorouracil is given intravenously in combination with radiation therapy. Capecitabine is taken orally and generally used with radiation therapy.
Drugs such as cetuximab ,bevacizumab, and vatalanib are used in combination with gemcitabine. Pancrelipase is recommended to improve pancreatic function after the surgical removal of the affected portion of pancreas. A variety of pain relievers can be used to control pain and discomfort.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy focuses on killing the cancer cells to minimize the risk of relapse or metastasis of the remaining cells. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams in order to destroy malignant cells.
Radiation therapy can be given in combination with chemotherapy before or after surgery. Radiation therapy is typically given 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Some side effects of this therapy are diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and skin irritation.
Biological Therapy
It is also called Biological Response Modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy. It involves the use of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Body’s natural defenses are restored or promoted by using the substances that are made in the laboratory or made by the body.
Clinical Trial
Clinical trial involves the study of new drugs, new radiation treatments, or new approaches to surgery. Some advanced treatments that are currently under investigation in clinical trials include the use of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors to stop cancer growth by preventing the cancer cells to form new blood vessels. Pancreatic cancer vaccines can be used to enhance the immune system, and promote it to attack a specific protein secreted by cancer cells.
Although, these treatment options are helpful in reducing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it is better to adopt some preventive measures. You can minimize the risk of pancreatic cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight, following a nutritious, healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
