YiminZ07/PanCanBench huggingface dataset:
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and we’re considering a clinical trial but are worried about getting a placebo. How do these work?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response reviews the design of clinical trials.
description: The response reviews the four phases of clinical trials.
description: The response defines placebo.
description: The response states that patients in clinical trials for cancer are seldom given a placebo, as this may cause harm.
description: The response reviews informed consent.
description: The response defines the placebo effect.
description: The response states that patients in the control arm of clinical trials often receive the standard of care treatment for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states clinical trials are designed to discover new, effective treatments.
description: The response states clinical trials are designed to minimize patient harm.
description: The response states that patients participating in clinical trials are monitored closely for side effects from the disease and the treatment.
description: The response recommends researching clinical trials before participating.
description: The response offers resources for researching clinical trials, including ClinicalTrials.gov.
description: The response states clinical trials are designed to be ethical and are monitored closely.
description: The response should mention that clinical trials are essential for optimizing current and future therapies for cancer.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and his oncologist mentioned combination therapy. What does this involve?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states there are many different types of treatment for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy as types of treatment for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states combination therapy may mean two or more different types of treatment or two or more chemotherapy medications.
description: The response gives the example of FOLFIRINOX.
description: The response states that FOLFIRINOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen which contains 5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin.
description: The response states the treatment plan for patients with pancreatic cancer is individualized to their overall health and the cancer’s type, stage, and genetic signature.
description: The response states the decision to use any cancer treatment weighs the likelihood of benefit with the risk of side effects.
description: The response states the goal of combination therapy is to achieve the best anti-cancer effect.
description: The response should mention that examples of combination therapy include chemoradiation.
description: The response should mention that examples of combination therapy include chemotherapy and surgery, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy given before surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy given after surgery.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and we’re dealing with insurance pre-authorization issues. What can we do?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response states oncology practices often have team members who help patients with insurance issues.
description: The response states pre-authorization issues are not uncommon in oncology care.
description: The response states that denials should be appealed.
description: The response recommends contacting the insurance company.
description: The response recommends understanding the patient’s insurance plan.
description: The response recommends understanding the insurance company’s denial.
description: The response recommends contacting patient advocacy programs.
description: The response offers examples of patient advocacy programs.
description: The response recommends clearly documenting all communications.
description: The response recommends obtaining written documentation for all approved pre-authorizations.
description: The response must explicitly state that prior authorization is a process in which payers require clinicians to obtain approval before a medication is covered.
description: The response must specify that the appeal process involves submitting a formal appeal with supporting evidence, such as clinical guidelines, published trial data, and, for targeted or off-label therapies, molecular profiling results.
description: The response must mention that if appeals are unsuccessful or delays persist, alternative access strategies should be pursued, including patient assistance programs, manufacturer co-pay cards, and foundation grants, which require application and documentation of financial need.
description: The response must specifically mention patient advocacy organizations such as PanCAN and CancerCare as resources.
Question: My father has pancreatic cancer and is experiencing cognitive changes. Could this be related to treatment?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states that infections can cause cognitive changes.
description: The response states that cancer and its treatments may cause symptoms that can mimic cognitive changes, including fatigue, pain, poor sleep, dehydration, and depression.
description: The response states sudden changes in cognition may be a medical emergency and to seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.
description: The response recommends immediate medical evaluation if the patient has stroke symptoms.
description: The response states if the patient has a fever or other signs or symptoms of infection, to seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.
description: The response states patients commonly experience mental fogginess, or “chemo brain.”
description: The response states that cognitive changes from cancer treatment may improve if the treatment is stopped.
description: The response states that if treatment side effects are severe enough, the patient’s oncologist may choose to decrease the dose of the treatment so it is better tolerated or switch to a different therapy.
description: The response recommends tracking the cognitive changes and sharing this with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response should mention that cancer treatment (including radiation, chemotherapy, and pain medications such as opioids) can affect a person’s cognitive functions.
description: The response should mention that other factors unrelated to treatment could also cause cognitive changes, such as cancer progression.
description: The response should mention that stress/anxiety can cause cognitive changes unrelated to cancer or cancer treatment.
description: The response should mention that pre-existing conditions can cause cognitive changes unrelated to cancer or cancer treatment.
Question: My mother has pancreatic cancer and we’re considering a feeding tube. When is this recommended?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states feeding tubes can help patients get the nutrition and hydration they need when they are unable to eat or drink on their own.
description: The response states the most common types of feeding tubes are placed through the skin of the abdomen and into the stomach or small bowel.
description: The response states that if the patient is not eating or drinking enough because they do not want to, this may be the body’s way of signaling that the patient is nearing the end of life.
description: The response states studies have shown that in the absence of a bowel obstruction, feeding tubes do not typically increase survival in patients with cancer.
description: The response recommends considering hospice care.
description: The response states that malnutrition is common in patients with pancreatic cancer.
description: The response reviews the risks of feeding tubes, including discomfort and infection.
description: The response recommends discussing the patient’s goals of care.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer can cause digestive issues due to a blocked bile duct.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer can cause digestive issues due to a blocked stomach.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer can cause digestive issues due to low levels of digestive enzymes.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer can cause digestive issues due to loss of appetite.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer can cause digestive issues due to cancer-related pain.
description: The response should mention that nutritional counseling is recommended for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is worried about the impact on our children. How do we talk to kids about this?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response recommends involving a professional who can help with these challenging conversations, like a social worker or spiritual counselor.
description: The response recommends online resources for patients with cancer, including cancer.org.
description: The response recommends clear and honest language.
description: The response recommends tailoring the conversation to the children’s ages.
description: The response should mention to avoid overwhelming the child with too much information at once; provide information in small doses, stopping frequently to check for comprehension.
description: The response should mention to arrange for an appropriate location for the conversation and ensure there is enough time to give the information and answer questions.
description: The response should mention to provide information that is relevant to what the child wants to know.
description: The response should mention to respond empathically to the child’s emotions and acknowledge their feelings throughout the conversation.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and his sleep patterns have changed dramatically. Is this normal?

Grading rubric:
description: The response states that sleep patterns can be disturbed by cancer and its treatments.
description: The response states that sleep patterns can be disturbed by symptoms like fatigue, pain, and nausea.
description: The response states that sleep patterns can be a symptom of anxiety and depression.
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response recommends tracking the sleep disturbances and sharing this with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response recommends sleep hygiene techniques.
description: The response states other options for treatment may include supplements like melatonin, cognitive behavioral therapy, or prescribed medications.
description: The response recommends seeking immediate medical evaluation if the changes in sleep patterns are sudden or severe.
description: The response should mention that non-pharmacological interventions like relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and mindfulness can be beneficial.
description: The response should mention that addressing underlying causes of sleep disruption, such as pain management or treatment of anxiety/depression, is important.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and we’re considering complementary therapies like acupuncture. Are these safe during treatment?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing complementary therapies with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states complementary therapies like acupuncture may improve symptoms related to cancer and its treatments and may improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
description: The response states complementary therapies are not a safe alternative to standard cancer treatments.
description: The response states complementary therapies are not as effective as standard of care cancer treatments.
description: The response defines complementary therapies and provides examples, including acupuncture.
description: The response recommends informing the patient’s oncologist of any supplements the patient starts taking.
description: The response states supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
description: The response states some supplements may interact with certain treatments for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response reviews the risks of acupuncture, including bleeding and infection, which may be increased in patients receiving chemotherapy.
description: The response recommends utilizing a practitioner licensed in acupuncture.
description: The response should mention that acupuncture is generally safe for cancer patients, with no increased risk of serious adverse events compared to sham or standard care, though mild side effects such as bruising, soreness, or transient discomfort may occur.
Question: My father has pancreatic cancer and is experiencing balance problems. Could this be from the treatment?

Grading rubric:
description: The response explicitly recommends discussing balance problems with the patient’s oncologist or healthcare team immediately.
description: The response clearly states that symptoms from pancreatic cancer and its treatment, such as fatigue, headache, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy, may contribute to sensations of imbalance.
description: The response should mention that chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, anemia, and generalized weakness, which can all cause instability.
description: The response should mention that pancreatic cancer itself increases the risk of thromboembolic events, including cerebral ischemic strokes, which may present with acute balance disturbances or ataxia.
description: The response explicitly instructs seeking immediate medical evaluation if symptoms are abrupt, severe, or accompanied by other neurologic deficits.
description: The response explicitly states that balance problems can lead to falls.
description: The response explicitly recommends ensuring the patient drinks plenty of fluids.
description: The response explicitly recommends the patient stand and walk with assistance until they can be evaluated by their healthcare team.
Question: My mother has pancreatic cancer and we’re trying to understand her pathology report. What are the key things to look for?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends reviewing the pathology report with the patient’s oncologist or healthcare team.
description: The response states that pathology reports are written by doctors called pathologists who view tissue under the microscope to diagnose diseases.
description: The response states the pathology report will contain a tumor type.
description: The response states the pathology report may contain a stage of the cancer.
description: The response states the pathology report may contain a tumor size.
description: The response states the pathology report may contain a tumor grade.
description: The response states the pathology report may mention vascular invasion.
description: The response states the pathology report may mention perineural invasion.
description: The response states the pathology report may contain special stains which can sometimes be used to determine additional treatment options.
description: The response states the final stage ranges from I to IV and is a sum of a tumor (T) score, a node (N) score, and a metastasis (M) score.
description: The response states the pathology report helps the oncologist determine which treatment may be the most effective.
description: The response states the pathology report may include results from genetic testing of the tumor which may help in identifying targeted therapy.
description: The response must mention margin status, including the presence of the tumor at or within 1 mm of any resection margin (R1), and its impact on prognosis and adjuvant therapy decisions.
description: The response must mention the importance of the number of lymph nodes examined and number positive, and explicitly link perineural and vascular invasion to higher recurrence risk.
description: The response must mention tumor location (head, body, tail) as required for accurate pathologic staging (pT), and reference the AJCC staging system using pT, pN, pM nomenclature.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is considering participating in a vaccine trial. What should we know?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing the case with an oncologist to review the trial details and discuss the pros and cons.
description: The response explains that there are no FDA-approved cancer vaccines for pancreatic cancer and that all vaccines for pancreatic cancer are experimental.
description: The response explains how a cancer vaccine works.
description: The response states clinical trials are how treatments are tested for diseases like pancreatic cancer.
description: The response explains the four phases of clinical trials.
description: The response recommends researching clinical trials prior to enrolling.
description: The response recommends ClinicalTrials.gov as a resource.
description: The response states patients should consider all of their treatment options prior to enrolling in a clinical trial.
description: The response states clinical trials are designed to minimize patient harm and closely follow ethical standards.
description: The response reviews potential benefits and risks of clinical trial participation.
description: The response recommends discussing with the clinical trial research team about costs to the patient for participating in the trial.
description: The response must explicitly mention that vaccine clinical trials in pancreatic cancer are designed to address the poor response of this malignancy to standard immunotherapy.
description: The response must explicitly mention that vaccine trials aim to stimulate tumor-specific T cell (immune cell) responses to enhance the immune system’s effectiveness in killing cancer.
description: The response must mention at least two of the following vaccine platforms: peptide-based vaccines targeting defined tumor antigens, dendritic cell vaccines loaded with tumor lysates, or personalized mRNA/neoantigen vaccines that encode patient-specific tumor mutations.
description: The response must mention that safety data from recent trials indicate that most vaccine regimens are well-tolerated, with adverse events generally limited to mild-to-moderate injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms, or transient fever.
description: The response must mention that most data on vaccine trials in pancreatic cancer are derived from early-phase studies with small sample sizes and limited long-term follow-up.
description: The response must explicitly define clinical trials as research studies that explore whether a new medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans.
description: The response must explicitly state that clinical trials are essential for optimizing current and future therapies for cancer.
description: The response must mention that the patient will be informed, verbally and in writing, if a placebo is part of a clinical trial before they enroll.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and his treatment team includes many specialists. How do we coordinate care?

Grading rubric:
description: The response explicitly recommends discussing care coordination concerns directly with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response clearly states that the medical oncologist typically serves as the coordinating physician among the different specialists on the healthcare team.
description: The response explicitly recommends discussing care coordination with a patient navigator or social worker.
description: The response states that most oncology clinics have nurses who specialize in helping patients coordinate care.
description: The response explicitly recommends trying to schedule multiple appointments on one day to limit life interruptions.
description: The response states that the different specialists will communicate with one another and document their assessments in the electronic medical record.
description: The response explicitly recommends asking about a multidisciplinary meeting with the involved specialists, sometimes called a “Tumor Board.”
description: The response must explicitly mention a structured multidisciplinary approach for coordinating care among multiple specialists for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response must list all required specialists: surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, genetics, nutrition, and palliative care, and mention their distinct roles in diagnosis, staging, treatment, and supportive care.
description: The response must emphasize the necessity of clear patient-centered communication.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and we’re concerned about emergency situations. What should we be prepared for?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response reviews common medical emergencies experienced by patients with pancreatic cancer, including biliary obstruction and bowel obstruction.
description: The response recommends having an Advance Directive or Living Will in place to guide the patient’s care if they are unable to speak for themselves.
description: The response recommends seeking help from a professional in talking about these challenging questions, like a social worker, spiritual worker, or palliative care professional.
description: The response recommends ensuring supportive care medications are refilled for symptoms like pain and nausea.
description: The response must state that pancreatic cancer patients are at high risk for acute emergencies due to tumor progression, treatment effects, or comorbidities.
description: The response must mention that biliary obstruction presents with jaundice, dark urine, and pruritus.
description: The response must describe gastric outlet obstruction as persistent vomiting, inability to tolerate oral intake, and abdominal distension.
description: The response must mention VTE and include symptoms like sudden leg swelling, pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and state that pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of death after cancer itself.
description: The response must mention febrile neutropenia as a life-threatening complication of chemotherapy, characterized by fever and signs of infection in the context of neutropenia.
description: The response must mention metabolic derangements such as hypercalcemia (confusion, weakness, constipation) or hyponatremia (confusion, seizures).
description: The response must describe bowel obstruction as presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.
description: The response must mention spinal cord compression and its symptoms, such as new-onset weakness, sensory changes, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
Question: My father has pancreatic cancer and is experiencing hearing changes. Is this related to treatment?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing the hearing changes with his oncologist or healthcare team immediately.
description: The response states some chemotherapy treatments, like oxaliplatin, which is frequently used in treating pancreatic cancer as part of combination chemotherapy, can cause hearing changes.
description: The response states that platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, is well-known to cause hearing loss (ototoxicity).
description: The response states the hearing changes may be related to other conditions like fatigue, infection, dehydration, malnutrition, or metabolic abnormalities from the cancer or its treatment.
description: The response states it is important for the patient’s oncologist to know about new symptoms because they may need to adjust the dose of the chemotherapy or consider a different treatment.
description: The response states that treatment-related side effects may become worse or permanent if changes are not made to the treatment.
description: The response states hearing changes may be related to cancer spreading to the brain if there are other neurologic symptoms.
description: The response states the hearing changes may be related to normal age-related hearing loss.
description: The response should mention that the risk of hearing loss increases with cumulative doses and patient age.
description: The response should mention that other therapies, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, and radiation to the head/neck, can also contribute to hearing loss.
description: The response should mention that referral for audiologic evaluation is advised.
Question: My mother has pancreatic cancer and we’re considering proton therapy. What is this and when is it used?

Grading rubric:
description: The response states proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy.
description: The response states proton therapy uses protons rather than photons to deliver highly conformal radiation doses to tumors.
description: The response states proton therapy may be more precise in its target field compared to traditional radiation therapy techniques, which may reduce treatment-related side effects.
description: The response states proton therapy is a safe and feasible option for select patients with locally advanced or recurrent pancreatic cancer, especially when minimizing toxicity to surrounding organs is critical.
description: The response states the decision to use proton therapy is influenced by the cancer’s stage, location, size, proximity to other organs, among others.
description: The response recommends discussing this with a Radiation Oncologist.
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states proton therapy has proven benefit in some cancers, like head and neck cancer, though has unclear benefit over traditional radiation therapy and is considered experimental in most types of cancer.
description: The response states not all cancer centers have the capability to provide proton therapy.
description: The response states proton therapy still carries the risk of side effects.
description: The response states proton therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy (such as gemcitabine) as part of concurrent chemoradiation protocols.
description: The response states proton therapy can be used for locally advanced, unresectable, or recurrent disease.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is worried about the cost of medications. What assistance programs are available?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s healthcare team or oncologist, as they likely have financial experts who are knowledgeable in this area.
description: The response recommends learning about the patient’s insurance plan, including out-of-pocket costs.
description: The response states pharmaceutical companies have programs to help patients cover the cost of medications and provides examples.
description: The response states large hospital systems and cancer centers may have assistance programs.
description: The response states patient assistance programs may cover all or most of the cost of medications for cancer patients.
description: The response states government programs may offer assistance with the cost of medications and provides examples.
description: The response offers examples of non-profit organizations with patient assistance programs.
description: The response offers examples of pancreatic cancer-specific patient assistance programs.
description: The response recommends applying for assistance early as the process may take time and delay treatment.
description: The response must mention federal, state, manufacturer, and independent charity options for medication cost assistance for pancreatic cancer patients.
description: The response must explicitly state that Medicaid offers comprehensive prescription drug coverage with minimal co-payments and is the most effective public program for low-income patients.
description: The response must mention that manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs provide free or discounted medications to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients, requiring proof of financial hardship and doctor certification.
description: The response must specify that independent nonprofits like HealthWell and PAN Foundation offer co-pay and premium assistance to insured patients with incomes below 400-500% of the federal poverty level.
description: The response must mention the complexity of accessing assistance programs and disparities among non-English speakers and some ethnic groups.
description: The response must mention financial navigators and online tools such as NeedyMeds or RxAssist.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and his oncologist mentioned maintenance therapy. What does this mean?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states maintenance therapy is typically used in pancreatic cancer after the initial induction therapy.
description: The response states maintenance therapy typically involves fewer anti-cancer drugs with the goal of limiting side effects.
description: The response states the oncologist will continue to monitor the cancer closely while the patient is on maintenance therapy.
description: The response states that if the cancer grows while on maintenance therapy, combination therapy may be reintroduced to get the cancer back under control.
description: The response states chemotherapy side effects are typically cumulative, so using maintenance therapy may help the patient tolerate treatment for a longer period of time.
description: The response states maintenance therapy may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy depending upon the characteristics of the patient’s tumor.
description: The response should mention that the decision to initiate maintenance therapy should be individualized, considering disease response, cumulative toxicities, patient preference, and goals of care.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and we’re dealing with treatment-related anxiety. What resources are available?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response recommends discussing this with a licensed mental health care provider.
description: The response instructs the patient to seek immediate medical evaluation if they are experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or others.
description: The response states anxiety is a common occurrence in patients with cancer.
description: The response states treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy may help to control anxiety.
description: The response states medications may help to control anxiety.
description: The response must explicitly mention psychotherapy, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, and integrative modalities as available resources for treatment-related anxiety.
description: The response must explicitly mention mindfulness-based interventions or mindfulness-based stress reduction.
description: The response recommends mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
description: The response offers pancreatic cancer-specific resources.
description: The response offers mental health-specific resources.
description: The response recommends participation in cancer support groups.
Question: My father has pancreatic cancer and is considering cryotherapy. What is this treatment?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states cryotherapy is a procedure that uses metal instruments cooled to subzero temperatures in order to kill tumors.
description: The response should mention that cryotherapy (also called cryoablation) is a minimally invasive locoregional treatment that destroys tumor tissue by freezing it, typically using probes inserted through the skin (percutaneously) or intraoperatively under imaging guidance.
description: The response states the decision to use cryotherapy involves the cancer’s size, location, proximity to other organs, among other things.
description: The response recommends discussing the benefits and risks of this procedure with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response states cryotherapy may be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities like chemotherapy.
description: The response states cryotherapy is not typically used to cure cancer but may be used to debulk tumors that are not operable.
description: The response states not all patients benefit from cryotherapy.
description: The response should mention that in pancreatic cancer, cryotherapy is not a standard first-line therapy but is considered for patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic disease who are not candidates for surgical resection or have failed systemic therapy.
description: The response should mention that its primary role is palliative, aiming to reduce tumor burden, alleviate pain, and potentially improve quality of life and local disease control.
Question: My mother has pancreatic cancer and we want to understand more about tumor markers beyond CA 19-9. What others are there?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states CA 19-9 is the tumor marker most commonly used to track disease status in pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states other tumor markers, like CEA and CA 125, are less reliable than CA 19-9 for disease monitoring in pancreatic cancer and are used more frequently in other gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers.
description: The response states tumor markers may be used to monitor the course of disease in patients with pancreatic cancer, along with imaging studies.
description: The response states tumor markers are not reliable markers of disease in all patients with pancreatic cancer, as not all tumors secrete the markers.
description: The response states circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging technology aimed at detecting early cancer progression and recurrence.
description: The response states circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is not FDA approved for disease monitoring in pancreatic cancer and remains experimental.
description: The response should mention that CEA is elevated in 30-60% of pancreatic cancer cases and is particularly useful in Lewis-negative patients who do not secrete CA19-9.
description: The response should mention that both CEA and CA125 have demonstrated value for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring, especially when CA19-9 is not informative. CA125, when combined with CA19-9, improves diagnostic accuracy and is associated with tumor burden and metastatic disease.
description: The response should mention that emerging markers such as LAMC2, POSTN are not yet standard in routine clinical practice.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is experiencing hand-foot syndrome from chemotherapy. How is this managed?

Grading rubric:
description: The response states that hand-foot syndrome is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer, including capecitabine and 5-FU.
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist and healthcare team immediately.
description: The response states that the patient’s oncologist may recommend reducing the chemotherapy dose.
description: The response instructs the patient to seek immediate medical evaluation if the patient experiences fever, chills, blisters, or pus draining from the affected area.
description: The response states the patient’s oncology team will grade the severity of the hand-foot syndrome, which will determine the recommended treatment.
description: The response recommends hand hygiene with a gentle soap.
description: The response states pain may be controlled with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen, though the patient should check with their healthcare team first.
description: The response states oral or topical prescription pain medications may be needed if pain is severe.
description: The response recommends utilizing topical moisturizers.
description: The response recommends skin protection with loose clothing and soft shoe soles.
description: The response recommends cooling the skin with cold compresses.
description: The response recommends avoiding hot showers and activities that cause rubbing on the skin.
description: The response should mention that prevention strategies include celecoxib and urea cream.
description: The response should mention that cooling procedures, such as frozen gloves or socks applied during taxane infusions, may prevent or reduce HFS severity and are recommended by the Oncology Nursing Society for taxane-based regimens.
description: The response should mention that prevention strategies such as Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and lactic acid have not shown consistent benefit for prevention or treatment of HFS in randomized trials.
description: The response should mention that omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) and tipiracil (a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor) may have prophylactic effects, but these are not yet standard practice.
description: The response should mention that management of established HFS includes topical urea and corticosteroids.
description: The response should mention that Photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) has shown promise as an adjunct for pain and symptom control.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and we’re considering treatment at a cancer center versus community oncology. What’s the difference?

Grading rubric:
description: The decision between a cancer center and community oncology is often based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s insurance, location, and preference.
description: Cancer centers may have access to more advanced therapies and clinical trials than community oncology programs.
description: Pancreatic cancer requires multidisciplinary care involving medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology, which may be more readily available at a large cancer center.
description: Cancer centers may be more equipped to handle complex care for advanced disease.
description: Community oncology programs may be more convenient and closer to home.
description: There may be differences in cost between cancer centers and community oncology programs based on the patient’s insurance.
description: Cancer centers may offer more support services to patients.
description: Most standard cancer care can be delivered at community oncology programs.
description: Cancer centers include NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and academic medical centers.
description: Cancer centers are often located in major cities, which can mean longer travel times, more complex scheduling, and larger, busier environments.
description: In some cases, initial treatment planning can be done at a cancer center, and follow-up care can be done at a community center closer to home.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is worried about intimacy during treatment. How do we address this?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response states patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer may experience a decrease in libido related to symptoms from treatment or the cancer itself, like fatigue, nausea, pain, malnutrition, anxiety, and depression.
description: The response specifically mentions at least one of the following changes in intimacy: decreased desire, arousal disorders, pain, erectile dysfunction, altered body image, or emotional distress.
description: The response recommends open communication.
description: The response recommends seeking input from a professional trained in intimacy problems.
description: The response recommends cancer support groups.
description: The response explicitly mentions at least one of the following interventions: psychosocial therapy, psychosexual therapy, or couples-based therapy.
description: The response explicitly mentions at least one of the following referral options: medical sexologist, psycho-sexologist, social worker, or psychologist.
description: The response explicitly states that concerns about intimacy during treatment for a loved one with pancreatic cancer are common.
Question: My father has pancreatic cancer and his doctors mentioned radiofrequency ablation. What is this?

Grading rubric:
description: The response defines radiofrequency ablation.
description: The response states radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive and typically does not require surgery.
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response states not all patients with pancreatic cancer benefit from radiofrequency ablation.
description: The response considers the potential risks and benefits of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states radiofrequency ablation is typically used in a multidisciplinary treatment plan along with chemotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states radiofrequency ablation is a procedure performed by specially trained Interventional Radiologists.
description: The response states this is typically an outpatient procedure.
description: The response should mention that in pancreatic cancer, RFA is most commonly delivered via endoscopic ultrasound guidance (EUS-RFA), allowing precise targeting of the tumor while minimizing injury to surrounding structures.
description: The response should mention that radiofrequency ablation is used in pancreatic cancer primarily for unresectable or inoperable tumors as a palliative or adjunctive therapy.
description: The response should mention that RFA is not a substitute for surgery or systemic therapy in resectable disease.
Question: My mother has pancreatic cancer and we’re trying to manage her medications. She’s on so many pills - is this normal?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s healthcare team or oncologist.
description: The response states it is normal for patients with pancreatic cancer to be on multiple medications.
description: The response states patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer may need medications for symptom control, including acid reflux, nausea, pain, diarrhea, and enzyme replacement.
description: The response recommends utilizing a pill organizer.
description: The response recommends keeping an updated medication list with administration times.
description: The response recommends reviewing the patient’s medication list with the healthcare team to identify strategies to make handling the medications easier.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and is considering yoga during treatment. Is this safe and beneficial?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing yoga with the patient’s healthcare team.
description: The response states yoga may improve a cancer patient’s quality of life.
description: The response recommends gentle and slow yoga practice to avoid injury.
description: The response states patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer may be more prone to injury due to fatigue, malnutrition, dehydration, and pain.
description: The response recommends cancer support groups.
description: The response cites any studies it mentions.
description: The response states there are yoga classes specifically for cancer patients and provides resources.
description: The response should mention that yoga is generally safe for people with cancer, including those undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response should mention that yoga may help reduce cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and improve emotional well-being during and after treatment, though effects are typically small to moderate and the certainty of evidence is low to moderate.
Question: My husband has pancreatic cancer and we’re worried about long-term side effects of treatment. What should we expect?

Grading rubric:
description: The response recommends discussing this with the patient’s oncologist.
description: The response states many side effects from cancer treatment improve and disappear once treatment stops.
description: The response states some side effects like peripheral neuropathy may become permanent.
description: The response states some side effects from treatment may take time to improve or disappear, as long as many months.
description: The response states many side effects from treatment can be controlled with medications, for example pancreatic enzyme supplementation for pancreatic insufficiency or vitamins for malabsorption after surgery.
description: The response reviews potential side effects of surgery for pancreatic cancer (e.g., Whipple procedure).
description: The response reviews potential side effects of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response mentions the potential for long-term heart or kidney damage and fertility issues.
description: The response states the treating team will work within the patient’s goals of care to maximize treatment efficacy while limiting side effects.
description: The response reviews potential side effects of radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response states some cancer treatments can increase the likelihood of developing second cancers in the future.
description: The response recommends open communication with the patient’s healthcare team about symptoms and symptom control to limit the long-term effects of treatment.
description: The response must explicitly state that long-term side effects are common in patients treated for pancreatic cancer.
description: The response must mention the cumulative impact of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the underlying disease as sources of long-term side effects.
Question: My loved one has pancreatic cancer and wants to donate to pancreatic cancer research. What organizations should we consider?

Grading rubric:
description: The response offers recommendations for organizations and includes key initiatives of the organizations.
description: The response includes Charity Navigator ratings for the mentioned organizations.
description: The response must explicitly state that nonprofit organizations are vital for supporting innovative research in pancreatic cancer.
description: The response must mention that donations to nonprofit organizations can support research, clinical trials, and patient support initiatives.