Pancreatic cancer is cancer that arises in the tissues of the pancreas.The pancreas is a gland that secretes chemicals that help you digest food and derive energy from food. The National Cancer Institute estimates that, in 2009, approximately 42,270 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed in the United States.
Treatment
Three standard treatments are used for treating pancreatic cancer: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Adjuvant treatment is treatment that is added to the primary form of treatment (usually surgery). Since pancreatic cancer is generally found after the cancer has spread past the pancreas, surgery is generally not enough to treat it successfully.
Surgery
Although surgery is typically a primary treatment for this cancer, if the cancer has spread, surgery can be used palliatively, to relieve any symptoms such as blockages of the bile duct or small intestine, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Radiation Therapy
Two types of radiation may be used as adjuvant treatment. External radiation involves a machine aiming the radiation toward the cancerous area, while internal radiation consists of inserting radioactive pellets of wires near or directly into the cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to interfere with the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. Depending on the drugs used and the type of cancer, chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously or inserted into a body cavity. Gemcitabine (Gemzar) is the drug most commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer, according to Cancer.org.
Clinical Trials
Participating in a clinical trial may be an option for some patients. These are closely monitored research studies done with volunteers. Current clnical trials for pancreatic cancer involve biologic therapies, which work with the immune system to fight cancer.
