Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pancreatic cancer treatment by stage
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Pancreatic cancer treatment can vary depending on the stage of cancer.
Treatment Options by Stage
Treatment Options by Stage
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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]