Pancreatic cancer can be treated in various ways depending on cancer stage, tumor location, overall health, and personal treatment goals. Your care plan may include more than one type of therapy.

Surgery

Surgery aims to remove the tumor when possible. Procedures may include the Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy, depending on tumor location. Surgery may be followed by additional therapies to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be given before surgery (to shrink tumors), after surgery (to kill remaining cells), or as the main treatment when surgery isn’t possible. Drugs used commonly include gemcitabine, 5-FU, and combinations like FOLFIRINOX.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) before or after surgery to improve local tumor control. Advanced methods such as IMRT or SBRT can help focus radiation and reduce exposure to nearby healthy tissue.

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Targeted therapy drugs act on specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Some patients may also be offered immunotherapy, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer. These options are often based on tumor testing results and clinical trial availability.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new treatments or combinations of therapies and may offer access to emerging approaches not yet widely available. Trials are available at many cancer centers and may be appropriate at any stage.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. It may be used alongside other treatments at any stage of pancreatic cancer.