A combination of drugs is usually given over a few days, followed by a rest period of two to three weeks. Several courses of treatment are usually given. Chemotherapy is usually given by injecting the drugs into a vein. This is called intravenous treatment. Other drugs may be given to you as tablets.
Chemotherapy can have side effects which vary according to the particular drugs used.
These side effects are temporary and measures are always taken either to prevent or reduce reactions. However, because its symptoms are also common to many other disorders, cancer of the pancreas is often not discovered until it is quite advanced. Treatment can then be used to provide relief from symptoms to help people lead as normal a life for as long as possible. The Anti-Cancer Council offers information and support services to people with cancer and to their families. Resources are available on specific cancers, treatments and diet.