[Modern diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer--from the viewpoint of the internist].
BACKGROUND
Despite considerable progress in the areas of epidemiology and molecular genetics, pancreatic cancer is still characterized by a dismal prognosis. Pancreatic cancer remains a major unsolved health problem, with conventional cancer treatments having little impact on disease course.


OBJECTIVE
The authors purpose was to offer an overview of the modern diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer for internists and every doctors who are interested in this subject.


METHODS
The current literature has been reviewed and summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
Resectability rates and reduction in postoperative mortality are achieved by centralisation of treatment in high-volume speciality centres. For locally advanced, unresectable, and metastatic disease treatment is palliative, however, new methods are being investigated. The current overview provide recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.
Horvát-Karajz
Károly
K
Semmelweis Egyetem, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, II Belgyógyászati Klinika, Budapest. karoly.horvat-karajz@oncology.hu
D000465:Algorithms; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant