Pancreatic cancer

Surgery offers the best chance of removing pancreatic cancer entirely. The type of surgery depends on where the tumor is located:

• Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) — removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. Most common for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
• Total pancreatectomy — This procedure removes the entire pancreas, part of the stomach and small intestine, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and close by lymph nodes. While this surgery is less common due to the side effects of removing the whole pancreas, it may be a choice if the cancer spread throughout the pancreas and can still be removed.
• Distal pancreatectomy — removes the tail and sometimes part of the body of the pancreas. Often used for tumors on the left side of the pancreas.
• Other pancreatic resections — for less common tumor locations.

When appropriate, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques — including robotic and laparoscopic surgery — that can mean less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery.

Chemotherapy uses medicine to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be used before surgery (to shrink the tumor), after surgery (to lower the chance of the cancer coming back), or as the main treatment when surgery isn't an option. Our medical oncologists customize every chemotherapy plan.

Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. We offer:

• CyberKnife® radiosurgery — a non-invasive system that delivers precisely focused, high-dose radiation to a tumor in as few as 1 to 5 sessions. No incision needed.
• External beam radiotherapy (EBR) — Uses a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver high doses of radiation to the cancer site while limiting exposure to healthy tissues and organs and minimizing side effects. This includes:
  • 3-D conformal radiotherapy, 
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

NanoKnife® is an advanced treatment for tumors that are too close to blood vessels or other structures to be surgically removed. It uses electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells without damaging nearby structures. This technology is not widely available, and our team is among those trained in its use.

Based on the genetic makeup of your tumor, your oncologist may recommend targeted drugs that attack specific features of cancer cells, or immunotherapy medicines that help your immune system fight the cancer. Molecular testing helps identify which patients are most likely to benefit.

Clinical trials give eligible patients access to promising new treatments before they're widely available. Our team will let you know if a trial is a good fit for your situation. Participation is always your choice.