What are the treatment options for pancreatic cancer?

A specialist team first considers whether the tumour can be removed safely, whether it has grown into nearby blood vessels, and whether it has spread elsewhere. Surgery may be considered when removal is possible; a Whipple procedure is one operation used for selected tumours in the head of the pancreas. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery, after surgery, or as the main treatment when surgery is not suitable. Radiotherapy may be used to target a specific area. PARP inhibitor therapy may be relevant for some people with particular inherited or tumour-related changes. Palliative care can be provided alongside cancer treatment to ease pain, nausea, appetite problems, fatigue or emotional strain.

Ask for a treatment plan that explains the cancer’s stage, the aim of each treatment and how options fit together. Bring your scan reports, biopsy information and medication list to appointments. Tell the team about weight loss, jaundice, diabetes, pain, digestive changes and any supplements. If genetic or tumour testing is offered, ask how the result could affect treatment choices. A dietitian, pain team or palliative-care clinician can help manage symptoms while oncology treatment is planned.

Contact your cancer team promptly for worsening yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, rapidly increasing abdominal pain, fever or new confusion. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding or sudden severe pain. These symptoms need assessment regardless of how common they are.

Which treatments are intended to shrink or control my cancer? Is surgery technically possible, and would a Whipple procedure apply? Should I have genetic or tumour testing? What side effects should I report immediately? How will pain, digestion, nutrition and blood sugar be supported?