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Pancreatic cancer

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Current Treatment Options in Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Opinion statement

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, 19111, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Steven J. Cohen MD & Neal J. Meropol MD

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, 19111, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Wayne H. Pinover DO

  3. Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, 19111, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    James C. Watson MD

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  1. Steven J. Cohen MD
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  2. Wayne H. Pinover DO
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  3. James C. Watson MD
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  4. Neal J. Meropol MD
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Cohen, S.J., Pinover, W.H., Watson, J.C. et al. Pancreatic cancer. Curr. Treat. Options in Oncol. 1, 375–386 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-000-0065-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-000-0065-2

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