Pancreatic cancer can be effectively treated only if detected at an early stage. If the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, treatment will aim at restricting further growth and spread of cancer. Currently available treatment options are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Surgical treatment
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy

Surgical treatment:Depending on the location and stage of the tumor, the surgeon removes either a part of the pancreas or the whole organ (Pancreatectomy). Removal of sections of other associated structures such as the spleen, bile duct, stomach, gall bladder, small intestine and lymph nodes may also be necessary. A variety of surgical techniques are available, the choice of which depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s discretion. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be offered in conjunction with surgery in advanced stages. 

Radiotherapy: When a high dose of radiation is given to cancer cells, they get destroyed. However, in addition to the tumor, the normal area surrounding the tumor may also be damaged leading to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, loss of hair and other side effects. The amount of radiation given, the total area over which radiation is focused are some factors that determine the severity and nature of the adverse effects. . These effects resolve by itself once the treatment is complete. Radiation is usually directed to the abdominal area in case of pancreatic cancer. Other radiation-sensitive organs (eyes, thyroid, reproductive organs) are shielded to prevent damage. Radiotherapy can be given alone or after surgery or along with chemotherapy. The radiation dose is usually given in divided doses so that the patient will be able to tolerate the treatment. Therefore more than 1 visit to the cancer clinic may be required.

Chemotherapy:Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of cancer, and can be given alone or in combination with either surgery or radiotherapy. The drug is introduced inside the body by means of an injection. The injected drug then travels through the blood stream and damages the pancreatic cancer cells. This can be an outpatient procedure. The oncologist will determine the amount of the drug to be given and the frequency of dosage. 5-Flurouracil and Gemcitabine are used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and diarrhea may be seen following chemotherapy. In some cases, following administration, the patient may be required to stay in the hospital for a day or two for observation.