Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Originally from the Midwest, grew up in Kentucky and Ohio, Curtis Wray has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Louisville and an MD from the University of Kentucky. Curtis J. Wray, MD, MS, FACS, attended the University of Louisville and received an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. He received... more
Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate is less than 15%. For patients with resectable disease, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (e.g. chemotherapy before surgery) is associated with improved survival. Current chemotherapy protocols include modified Folfirinox or Gemcitabine/Abraxane. Many institutions are administering 3 to 4 months of chemotherapy prior to surgical resection. Surgery for pancreatic cancer is usually either a pancreaticoduodenectomy (e.g. Whipple Procedure) or a distal pancreatectomy. Both of these operations can be performed using the traditional open approach or minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic).
After surgery, the hospital stay ranges from 5-8 days (on average). Full recovery is usually 6-8 weeks. Initially, after surgery, eating regularly can be challenging in the first month after the operation. Typically softer foods and high protein foods, supplemental shakes are encouraged. Most patients find it better to eat and drink slowly for the first month after surgery. Small frequent meal portions are preferred. Avoiding high carbohydrate (ex. sugars) meals is recommended for most patients. Raw vegetables are also to be avoided. After full recovery, additional chemotherapy is often given for an additional 2-3 months.
The total treatment duration from the time of diagnosis until the end of chemotherapy is often 9 months. Many patients return to full normal, regular quality of life after treatment is completed. At present, clinical trials do exist and can be searched using the clinicaltrials.gov website. All patients should ask their treating physicians about clinical trial options. There are many websites that provide a list of questions that all patients and families should ask the treatment team. All patients and families should ask if the hospital cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer to ensure the highest standard of care.
