Pancreatic cancer treatment: options and decisions

The team first assesses the tumour’s location, whether it has reached nearby vessels or distant organs, the biopsy findings, and the person’s strength and other conditions. A removable tumour may lead to surgery with treatment before or after it. When surgery is not suitable, medicines and radiotherapy may aim to slow growth or ease symptoms.

Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream. Radiotherapy directs energy at a selected area. Some tumours have features that make a targeted medicine or PARP inhibitor therapy worth discussing. Supportive and palliative care can accompany any of these choices.

Ask what the treatment is intended to do, how it will be given, and which symptoms should be reported. Tell the team about medicines, supplements, diabetes, weight change, pain, and bowel or digestive problems. A dietitian, pain clinician, or palliative-care specialist may help alongside the oncology team.

Keep a record of appointments and side effects. Treatment plans can be adjusted when scans, blood tests, or day-to-day health show a different need.

Call the treatment team promptly for fever, chills, severe diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, new confusion, yellow skin, uncontrolled pain, or trouble breathing. Ask in advance which number to use outside clinic hours; some treatment complications need same-day assessment.

What is the aim of this treatment? Is surgery possible? Would biopsy or molecular results change the options? How will side effects be prevented? When will response be reviewed? Can supportive care start now?