Better Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Better Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Better treatment for pancreatic cancer is the goal. Therefore, AZCCC radiation oncologist Dr. Steven Sckolnik offers options and education with Honor Health.

New Chemotherapy Regimen

Patients living with pancreatic cancer now have more treatment options. “The most significant is the personalization of therapy,” said Steven Sckolnik. “As a result, there is no longer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. By using new treatment techniques, we are individualizing cancer care. We are maximizing response. We are minimizing side effects.”

Patient Janet B. knew something was seriously wrong when her skin turned yellow. After a visit to her primary care doctor, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. it was confined to her pancreas. It is known as localized pancreatic cancer.

Honor Health Research Institute

Janet had an appointment with Erkut Borazanci, MD. He is an oncologist at Honor Health Research Institute Furthermore, the appointment was to educate herself about the difference between typical therapy and the better results expected from a new treatment. The new treatment is “neoadjuvant” therapy that means treatment before a surgery.

Dr. Borazanci and his colleagues, Albert Amini, MD, and Dr. Sckolnik, highlight several studies showing improved survival in individuals with localized pancreatic cancer. Historically, most individuals with localized pancreatic cancer are offered immediate surgery to remove a tumor. However, average survival with the upfront surgery approach is only around two years.

As a Result, an Impressive response

Janet started the regimen of four drugs from September through December of 2017

Her response to the chemotherapy was encouraging. Even more, the following surgery to remove the tumor has been remarkable. Her initial tumor marker—an indicator of how advanced the cancer is—was 100. Her last report was a 19. he normal range for the tumor marker is 0-37.

Honor Health Research Institute is conducting a Phase II study. Even more, it is the same chemotherapy regimen that Janet received. In addition, options are available for patients. Learn more about the study.

“The advantages are improving as chemotherapy options continue to improve,” Dr. Amini said. As a result, it is encouraging. In addition, it brings better treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Janet is feeling good now. Furthermore, Janet is happy with treatment. “I want to thank Honor Health Research Institute. Even more, Honor Health is a model for patient care.” Janet is grateful for every day. Now she has a great quality of life.

Even more, Janet recently celebrated her mother’s 95th birthday. Janet is happy to be with her mom. Her mom is also grateful. The photo of Janet and her mother is above. The look happy! We are happy for Janet and her mom!

Understanding Pancreatic Cancer is Key to Success

Understanding pancreatic cancer is important.

Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer are common.

• Jaundice turns the skin and the eyes yellow, a condition called jaundice. The same blockage causes dark urine, light colored stools, and itching.
• Pancreatic cancer can cause a dull ache in the front and in the back. Furthermore, the pain may come and go.
  Back pain.
• Some people with pancreatic cancer have a sense of early fullness with meals. Therefore, they experience bloating. Even more, some experience an uncomfortable swelling in the abdomen.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

In general, symptoms appear earlier from cancers in the head of the pancreas. In contrast, later cancers normally appear in the body and tail. Keep in mind that having any or all of these symptoms doesn’t mean a person has pancreatic cancer. In contrast, here are many other causes for these types of symptoms.