title: Pancreatic cancer.
abstract: Optimal therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma requires surgical removal with tumor-free margins. Superior outcomes have been reported for high-volume centers incorporating a multidisciplinary approach. Postoperative ("adjuvant") chemotherapy and radiation should be considered in patients with successfully resected primary tumors. Combined modality treatment with chemotherapy and radiation should be considered for locally advanced, unresectable tumors. Gemcitabine can provide symptom relief and a modest improvement in survival for patients with metastatic disease. Strict attention to relief of symptoms such as pain, depression, anorexia/cachexia, and jaundice is essential in all patients with pancreatic cancer. All patients with pancreatic cancer should be encouraged to enter clinical trials of new therapies, given that long-term survival for all stages remains poor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Pinover
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Meropol
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D015996:Survival Rate