Pancreatic Cancer Overview
Learn About Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer; Cancer - pancreas
Common conditions include: Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Adenoma, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor
The pancreas is a large organ behind the stomach. It makes and releases enzymes into the intestines that help the body digest and absorb food, especially fats. The pancreas also makes and releases insulin and glucagon. These are hormones that help the body control blood sugar levels.
There are different types of pancreatic cancers. The type depends on the cell in which the cancer develops. Examples include:
- Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer
- Other more rare types include glucagonoma, insulinoma, islet cell tumor, VIPoma
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. It is more common in people who:
- Are obese
- Have a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables
- Have diabetes
- Have long-term exposure to certain chemicals
- Have long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis)
- Smoke
The risk for pancreatic cancer increases with age. Family history of the disease also slightly increases the chance of developing this cancer.
A tumor (cancer) in the pancreas may grow without any symptoms at first. This means the cancer is often advanced when it is first found.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine and clay-colored stools
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sudden increase in blood sugar level (diabetes)
- Jaundice (a yellow color in the skin, mucous membranes, or white part of the eyes) and itching of the skin
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly or abdomen
Treatment for adenocarcinoma depends on the stage of the tumor.
Surgery may be done if the tumor has not spread or has spread very little. Along with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both may be used before or after surgery. A small number of people can be cured with this treatment approach.
When the tumor has not spread out of the pancreas but cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy together may be recommended.
When the tumor has spread (metastasized) to other organs such as the liver, chemotherapy alone is usually used.
With advanced cancer, the goal of treatment is to manage pain and other symptoms. For example, if the tube that carries bile (bile duct) is blocked by the pancreatic tumor, a procedure to place a tiny metal tube (stent) may be done to open the blockage. This can help relieve jaundice and itching of the skin.
Promedica Central Physicians
Kerri Simo is a General Surgeon in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Simo and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. Simo is currently accepting new patients.
Jeffrey Forquer is a Radiation Oncologist in Perrysburg, Ohio. Dr. Forquer and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Familial Prostate Cancer, and Endometrial Cancer. Dr. Forquer is currently accepting new patients.
Promedica Central Physicians
Laura Wharry is a General Surgeon in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Wharry and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2, Hyperparathyroidism, Thyroid Nodule, Thyroidectomy, and Liver Embolization. Dr. Wharry is currently accepting new patients.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
Some people with pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed are cured. But in most people, the tumor has spread and cannot be completely removed at the time of diagnosis.
Chemotherapy and radiation are often given after surgery to increase the cure rate (this is called adjuvant therapy). For pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed completely with surgery or cancer that has spread beyond the pancreas, a cure is not possible. In this case, chemotherapy is given to improve and extend the person's life.
Contact your provider for an appointment if you have:
- Abdominal or back pain that does not go away
- Persistent loss of appetite
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
- Other symptoms of this disorder
Preventive measures include:
- If you smoke, now is the time to quit.
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly to stay at a healthy weight.
Summary: AGX101 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for tumor-forming cancers. The purpose of this study is to learn about AGX101 effects and safety at various dose levels in an all-comers advanced solid cancer patient population. AGX101will be administered intravenously. Dosing of AGX101 will be repeated once every 3, 6 or 9 weeks. Participants may continue study treatment until disease progressio...
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, dosimetry and preliminary efficacy of \[177Lu\]Lu-NNS309 and the safety and imaging properties of \[68Ga\]Ga-NNS309 in patients aged ≥ 18 years with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), HR+/HER2- ductal and lobular breast cancer (BC), triple negative breast canc...
Published Date: August 28, 2023
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
De Jesus-Acosta A, Narang A, Mauro L, Herman J, Jaffee EM, Laheru DA. Carcinoma of the pancreas. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 78.
Modi B, Shires GT. Pancreatic cancer, cystic pancreatic neoplasms, and other nonendocrine pancreatic tumors. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 60.
National Cancer Institute website. Pancreatic cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/hp/pancreatic-treatment-pdq. Updated February 16, 2023. Accessed September 8, 2023.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Version 2.2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/pancreatic.pdf. Updated June 19, 2023. Accessed September 28, 2023.