Treatments for pancreatic cancer

Your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. The plan is based on your health, specific information about the cancer and the treatments available at your cancer centre or hospital. What you want is also important when planning treatment. When deciding which treatments to offer for pancreatic cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • whether the cancer can be removed through surgery (is resectable)
  • if genetic testing is available where you are
  • the stage of the cancer
  • possible side effects
  • your age
  • your overall health
  • any medical problems you have
  • your lifestyle and what you prefer or want

Surgery is the main treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, given on their own or during the same time period (chemoradiation), may be used first to try to shrink a borderline resectable tumour so that it can be surgically removed. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or chemoradiation may also be given after surgery.

When pancreatic cancer cannot be surgically removed (is unresectable), treatment tries to control the growth of the tumour and any symptoms it may cause. A systemic therapy such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy is usually used as the first treatment. Some people will also have radiation therapy and palliative surgery.

Clinical trials will also be recommended to many people with pancreatic cancer.

Treatments for resectable pancreatic cancer

Resectable pancreatic cancer is often treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Chemoradiation may also be used.

Treatments for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, chemoradiation and radiation therapy. Surgery may also be used.

Treatments for unresectable pancreatic cancer

Unresectable pancreatic cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, surgery and targeted therapy may also be used.

Treatments for recurrent pancreatic cancer

Recurrent pancreatic cancer is usually treated like unresectable pancreatic cancer. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Surgery for pancreatic cancer

Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. Pancreatic cancer is sometimes treated with surgery.

Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer is often treated with chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to treat pancreatic cancer.

Targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer

Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells or inside them. Pancreatic cancer is sometimes treated with targeted therapy.

Follow-up after treatment for pancreatic cancer

Follow-up is an important part of care for pancreatic cancer. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.

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Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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