title: Multidisciplinary considerations for patients with cancer of the pancreas or biliary tract.
abstract: The past century has been nearly all of the growth in knowledge about the anatomy and pathophysiology associated with cancers of the pancreas and surrounding biliary structures. Through advances in imaging technology, endoscopic practice, improvement in surgical technique and perioperative care, anesthesia advances, and a better appreciation for the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, physicians can offer patients some hope for long-term survival and a better quality of life when they are faced with these devastating tumors. Although surgical intervention is the "last best hope" for these patients, advances in the nonoperative disciplines will be required for substantial further improvement in patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Surgery, Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospitals, Portland, USA.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D001661:Biliary Tract Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy; D005706:Gallbladder Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant