Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Treatment. The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on how advanced it is at the time of diagnosis. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form and most difficult to treat. The primary treatment of this tumor is complete surgical removal, most often through a complex operation called a pancreatic duodenectomy or Whipple procedure. Research indicates that it is best that a surgeon and surgical team with specialty training an experience, such as team at The Lacks Cancer Center, perform this surgery.

Depending on placement of the tumor, other procedures, such as distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy may be considered instead of a pancreatic duodenectomy. In these cases, a laparoscopic or minimally invasive technique can be used. In addition, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended in combination with surgical treatment.

Pancreatic Carcinoma Treatment. Unfortunately, many patients with pancreatic carcinoma have tumors that are not removable. Although these patients cannot be cured, there are many viable treatment options to improve the quality and extend the duration of life including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a targeted antibody therapy, such as Avastin®.

Seek the most aggressive treatments available from our Multidisciplinary GI Clinic with a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).