Pancreatic cancer treatment by stage


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief:

Overview
Pancreatic cancer treatment can vary depending on the progression of symptomatic onset. Specific treatment recommendations are given for different stages of cancer.

Stages I and II Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of stage I and stage II pancreatic cancer may include the following:
 * Surgery alone.
 * Surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Stage III Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of stage III pancreatic cancer may include the following:
 * Palliative surgery or stent placement to bypass blocked areas in ducts or the small intestine.
 * Chemotherapy with gemcitabine.

Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of stage IV pancreatic cancer may include the following:
 * Chemotherapy with gemcitabine with or without erlotinib.
 * Palliative treatments for pain, such as nerve blocks, and other supportive care.
 * Palliative surgery or stent placement to bypass blocked areas in ducts or the small intestine.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of recurrent pancreatic cancer may include the following:
 * Chemotherapy.
 * Palliative surgery or stent placement to bypass blocked areas in ducts or the small intestine.
 * Palliative radiation therapy.
 * Other palliative medical care to reduce symptoms, such as nerve blocks to relieve pain.