Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, whether it can be removed with surgery, and your overall health. Because pancreatic cancer is often found at a later stage, treatment typically focuses on controlling the disease, improving symptoms, and helping patients maintain quality of life.
Patients in Southwest Virginia have access to the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatments, including clinical trials, close to home. Our entire team is dedicated to providing a personalized and supportive treatment experience.
Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer
Surgery offers the best chance for long-term control when pancreatic cancer is found early and has not spread beyond the pancreas. However, only a small number of patients are candidates for surgery at the time of diagnosis because symptoms don’t appear until the cancer is advanced and more difficult to remove surgically.
The most common procedure is the Whipple procedure, which removes the head of the pancreas along with parts of nearby organs. Other surgical approaches may remove different portions of the pancreas depending on where the tumor is located.
Surgery is usually combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, either before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It is a key part of treatment for most pancreatic cancer patients. It can be given before surgery to make the tumor easier to remove, after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence, or as the main treatment if the cancer has spread and surgery is not an option. It is typically given through an IV, although some medications may be taken by mouth.
In more advanced cases, chemotherapy can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic changes in pancreatic cancer cells that help them grow and survive. Biomarker testing is performed on a sample of the tumor to see if any molecular changes are found. If the test results show the tumor has certain genetic mutations, there may be a targeted therapy drug to counteract them, slowing the growth of cancer cells.
By focusing on these specific changes, targeted therapy can be more precise than traditional chemotherapy, reducing side effects. It’s often given in combination with other treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body’s immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells. While it is not commonly used for all pancreatic cancers, it may be an option for certain patients whose tumors have specific genetic features.
For example, immunotherapy may be considered if the cancer is found to have high microsatellite instability (MSI-high) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). These characteristics make it easier for the immune system to identify cancer cells as abnormal.
This type of treatment is typically used in more advanced pancreatic cancer or when other treatments are no longer effective. It may be given as an IV infusion over a set schedule.
Clinical Trials for Pancreatic Cancer
Clinical trials for pancreatic cancer are available through Blue Ridge Cancer Care. New treatments or new combinations of therapies to improve outcomes are being evaluated. If you are qualified to participate in a clinical trial based on the type of cancer, stage, and previous treatments, the research team at BRCC will discuss this option with you. Participation is completely up to you. We hope you will consider participating so you can access the most advanced, emerging therapies for pancreatic cancer.
Palliative and Supportive Care for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Palliative care is an important part of pancreatic cancer treatment at any stage. It focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, digestive issues, or fatigue, and improving overall quality of life. This type of care is provided by the BRCC team alongside active cancer treatment and is tailored to each patient’s needs.
Personalized Pancreatic Cancer Care at Blue Ridge Cancer Care
At Blue Ridge Cancer Care, we take a personalized approach to pancreatic cancer treatment using the latest therapies. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools, including biomarker testing, to guide therapy decisions and ensure each patient receives the most appropriate care.
Patients in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Wytheville, Bedford, Lexington, Pulaski, Rocky Mount, Princeton, and Fairlea benefit from access to the latest treatments without the need to travel far. Care is delivered in a convenient, community-based cancer center where patients often experience shorter wait times, easier access, and a more personal approach.
Our goal is to provide expert pancreatic cancer care that is both advanced and accessible so that patients can focus on their treatment and well-being close to home.
