From Original Article Written by Dr. Manny Alvarez, Fox News; Local Review and Edits by Mark E. Johns, MD, Medical Oncologist with OHC
November 14, 2017
Mark E. Johns, M.D.
Oncologist-Hematologist with OHC
Pancreatic cancer might not be the most common cancer, but it is one of the most deadly. And in light of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we want to share some recent information regarding treatment.
This year, thousands of people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The main types of treatment include surgery, ablative techniques, cryosurgery, embolization, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Of these treatment options, surgery is the most common.
Recently, a medical team from the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust decided to analyze surgery as the most common treatment. Their goal was simple: reduce the time between diagnosis and surgery. Because pancreatic cancer is so dangerous, Lead researcher Keith Roberts and his team hope to improve survival rates by acting more quickly.
During the trial, the researchers focused on speeding up the process for 32 patients, whittling down the waiting period from two months to two weeks. In doing so, they bypassed a procedure for jaundiced patients that supposedly reduces the risk of post-surgery complications, according to BBC News.
Despite overlooking this precaution, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumors from 31 out of the 32 patients. While the researchers are encouraged by these results, they will have to wait several years to see if their quick action will have any long-term effects.
Pancreatic cancer happens when cells in your pancreas cause DNA mutations. While normal cells might die from natural body defenses or common treatment, these mutations can cause the cells to keep living and growing. Eventually, a tumor will form, often causing complications to the bowels and digestive system.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. Of these, a little more than 40,000 will die from it. Why aren’t more people surviving this cancer? In many cases, patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread. For this reason, it’s especially important to identify any changes in your body early on and talk them over with your doctor.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Persistent fatigue
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
- New case of diabetes
- Blood clots
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Unfortunately, obvious symptoms don’t always occur in the beginning stages of the cancer. Overall, pancreatic cancer has a rare incidence rate, but you may have an increased risk with certain factors, including:
- A family history of pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Age
In any of these risk factors, you may want to consider screening as a precaution.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, talk through your options with your doctor. Based on the new research, you may improve your condition by opting for surgery as quickly as possible. However, treatment will vary based on your age, overall health, and the progression of the cancer.
While pancreatic cancer does prove difficult to cure, medical experts are actively researching new treatments.
Last month, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced the first patients have begun treatment in a new pancreatic cancer multi-center clinical trial. To combat the nation’s third deadliest cancer, the phase 1b/2 open-label study will explore the combination of standard chemotherapy and two immunotherapy agents. Read more here.
OHC is the area’s leader in cancer clinical trials, including trials for pancreatic cancer. For a list of available clinical trials and other information, click here.
At best, you should talk with your doctor about reducing the time between your diagnosis and your treatment. And remember to take care of yourself both mentally and physically along the way.
