Chemotherapy

The mainstay of treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy. Gemcitabine (see Medications) is the chemotherapy drug that is most frequently applied in this situation.

Imaging tests are repeated periodically while a patient is undergoing treatment to determine whether the tumor is growing or shrinking. When the tumor continues to grow despite chemotherapy, it may mean that the pancreatic cancer is no longer amenable to that treatment and that a different strategy is required. to be considered.

Depending on the stage of pancreatic pancreatic cancer , the following chemotherapy drugs may be a part of the treatment plan:

• Gemcitabine (Gemzar): Gemcitabine is given intravenously once a week for 7 weeks (or until toxicity limits treatment), and then no treatment is given for 1 week. Then, cycles of gemcitabine are restarted once per week for three consecutive weeks, followed by a week off. This medication is typically used alone to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer cancer because it directly affects cancer cells. Due to its effects on the immune system , anemia, fatigue, and nausea are some of the side effects.
• Fluorouracil (5-FU): Fluorouracil is usually given intravenously as a continuous infusion using a medication pump. Because it makes cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation, this drug, which directly affects cancer cells, is typically used in conjunction with radiation therapy. Fatigue, diarrhoea, mouth sores, and hand-and-foot syndrome (pain, peeling, and redness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) are some of the side effects.
• Capecitabine (Xeloda): Capecitabine is given orally and is converted by the body to a compound similar to 5-FU. Capecitabine has similar effects on the cancer cells as 5-FU and is also generally used in combination with radiation therapy. Side effects are Similar negative effects are experienced with intravenous 5-FU continuous infusion.

Medications are available to alleviate thThe side effects of the treatments can be lessened with medications. In order to address side effects as soon as they arise, an oncologist should be informed if they do. An oncologist also keeps an eye out for toxicity indicators in blood and urine. If the function of the pancreas is compromised, typically following the surgical removal of a portion of the pancreas, pancrelipase (pancreatic enzyme replacement) may be administered. This oral medication is taken with meals to aid in the digestion of food and in the prevention of steatorrhea. Numerous painkillers are available to help manage any discomfort. Pain may be linked to pancreatic cancer . Good communication with the oncologist and nurses allows for optimal management of pain..