Pancreatic cancer can also be treated with chemotherapy - using drugs that kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be given before and after surgery, or when surgery isn't possible. It is sometimes used in conjunction with radiation - using high-energy x-rays that kill cancer cells. Likewise, you may receive radiation before and after surgery, with or without chemotherapy, or to ease symptoms in advanced stages of the disease. Our health care team can recommend the treatment that's right for you.