Pancreatic cancer is complex and can be challenging to treat. When found early, tumors are generally small and contained within the pancreas, but it can be difficult to find pancreatic tumors at this stage.
In most cases, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, when tumors have spread to other areas of the body. This is why it is so important to have a team of specialists from different fields with expertise in pancreatic cancer care. You can find that team at Englewood Health.
Our multidisciplinary pancreatic team works together to bring the most up-to-date treatments to our patients. Together, they create an individualized treatment plan for you.
Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer
Our gastrointestinal surgeons and surgical oncologists perform a high volume of pancreatic cancer surgeries. Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques, operating through smaller incisions and reducing your discomfort and recovery time after surgery.
If you have operable pancreatic cancer, your surgical options may include:
- Pancreatectomy (pancreas removal surgery): If the tumor is confined to the pancreas, your may perform surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas.
- Whipple procedure: We perform this complex operation to treat tumors located at the head of the pancreas. Surgeons remove the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, parts of the small intestine and bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor surgery: Our endocrine and gastrointestinal surgeons work together, using innovative procedures to remove pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Interventional Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer
Our interventional radiologists are experienced in the use of minimally invasive treatments to kill pancreatic cancer cells and relieve pain and other symptoms. These treatments include:
- ERCP to open blocked ducts or to drain ducts.
- Radiofrequency ablation using intense heat to destroy cancer cells in people with pancreatic cancer who cannot have surgery.
- Stent insertion to open a blocked bile duct.
- Celiac plexus neurolysis to treat abdominal pain.
Medical Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer
Our Infusion Center, located on the Englewood Hospital campus, offers a comfortable and convenient experience for patients returning often for therapy. We also offer medical treatments at our Jersey City and Fair Lawn locations.
Depending on the location and size of a pancreatic tumor, we may use medical treatments before surgery (to shrink a tumor), after surgery (to kill remaining cancer cells), or instead of surgery. These medications include:
- Chemotherapy: The use of cancer-killing drugs, typically several medications in combination.
- Targeted therapy: A drug that takes aim at the specific molecules fueling pancreatic cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs that boost the power of the immune system to find and kill cancer cells in people with pancreatic cancer containing certain genetic changes.
Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Radiation therapy may be used:
- Alone to relieve pain and other pancreatic cancer symptoms.
- To shrink tumors before surgery.
- To treat pancreatic cancer in people who cannot have surgery.
- In combination with chemotherapy and surgery to increase treatment effectiveness.
Englewood Health’s radiation oncology team offers therapy that spares healthy tissue, using state-of-the-art equipment at the Coe Radiation Oncology Center at our main Englewood Hospital campus.
Geriatric Oncology for Pancreatic Cancer
At Englewood Health, we offer specialized care for older adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Our team focuses on the unique needs of elderly patients, tailoring treatment plans to address both the cancer and any age-related health concerns. With a comprehensive approach that balances effective cancer treatment and maintaining quality of life, we provide personalized care that takes into account the patient's overall well-being and treatment tolerability.
Clinical Trials
Our oncologists participate in many clinical trials evaluating promising new treatment options for pancreatic cancer. A clinical trial may give you access to a cutting-edge therapy that is not yet available as a standard treatment. Your care team will let you know if you may be eligible for any clinical trials. The decision to participate is entirely yours.
Palliative Care for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer can cause unpleasant symptoms and treatment side effects. We encourage patients with pancreatic cancer to work with the palliative care experts at Englewood Health as soon as possible after diagnosis. Palliative care focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving your quality of life throughout the course of cancer treatment.
Survivorship Services
After completing multidisciplinary therapy, patients are guided through a comprehensive survivorship meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity to review the treatments received and establish a personalized plan for ongoing surveillance and follow-up care. Our team will assess your current health status, discuss strategies for monitoring your recovery, and help ensure you have the necessary support for long-term well-being following pancreatic cancer treatment.