Biological therapy searches for ways that the cancer tissue is different from normal pancreas tissue, and tries to get the body to fight the cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body's natural defenses against disease. Treatment by stage Treatment of cancer of the pancreas depends on the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and overall condition. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Most patients with cancer of the pancreas are not cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for all stages of cancer of the pancreas.
Surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Clinical trials of radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy given before, during, or after surgery. Surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy. External radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. Surgery or other treatments to reduce symptoms.