Treatment of local pancreatic cancer

The primary treatment aimed at curing pancreatic cancer is so-called pancreatoduodenectomy, or Whipple procedure, in which, in addition to the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, extrahepatic bile ducts, the lower part of the stomach, part of the omentum, and nearby lymph nodes are removed. This surgery is one of the most challenging surgeries requiring special expertise. The procedure involves risks, but for patients carefully selected by our specialized team, it is the preferred form of treatment.

Pancreatic cancer tumor often attaches to or surrounds vital structures in the upper abdominal area, such as large blood vessels. In this case, the tumor is not directly operable. We aim to reduce the size of the tumor with chemotherapy so that it would be detached from vital blood vessels and its complete removal in surgery would be possible. We will re-examine the situation in approximately three months after the start of chemotherapy. If necessary, we can also enhance chemotherapy with radiation therapy.

After successful surgery, we will continue chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

If surgery is not possible, we may consider chemotherapy-enhanced radiation therapy. We plan and implement radiation therapy with special care, as there are many organs around the pancreas that are easily harmed by radiation therapy.

After radiation therapy or curative surgery, your follow-up will continue closely with imaging examinations and blood tests.