Pancreatic Cancer

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar.... 

Cancer of the Pancreas:

Cancer of the pancreas is one of the most challenging diseases physicians face today because it responds poorly to treatment and quickly spreads to surrounding organs.... Pancreatic cancer, and its treatment, may also create certain physical symptoms such as pain, digestive difficulties, and fatigue.

Dad's Diagnosis:

Stage IV: The cancer has spread outside of the pancreas to other parts of the body.
Metastatic: This type of cancer cannot be surgically removed because the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, nearly half of all pancreatic cancer cases are detected at this stage.

Treatment:

  1. FLORFIRINOX: In 2010, the American Society of Clinical Oncology hailed this combination of drugs to be the most significant advance for pancreatic cancer. It can be difficult to tolerate. Outcome: Completely ineffective. Dad's tumors grew 30% in six weeks (three rounds).
  2. Abraxane® with Gemcitabine: Phase III trials for this combination have shown superior results than gemcitabine alone. Outcome: TBD.

Support:

A strong support system, including family, friends, clergy, and an excellent medical team, help a patient deal with pancreatic cancer. A positive outlook can help a patient take better care of himself, and can also inspire a patient to appreciate those things that are meaningful in the present as opposed to focusing on what may be lost in the future.

Sources:
http://pancreasmd.org/education_home.html
https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/pancreatic-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs-treat-cancer/drug-combinations/