"Men above the age of 45 years are at greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer."


Diagnosis

 

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed on an imaging modality – the most common being a pancreatic protocol CT scan. Other imaging methods including ultrasound, MRI also may help detection and often a PET CT scan is performed to assess for loco-regional and distant spread.


In addition to these scans, endoscopy (side-viewing endoscopy) is also required.

Treatment

 

Role of Proton Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer


Although traditionally, there has not been much evidence to support the use of radiation therapy in pancreatic cancers, newer emerging studies note that there may be a role for neoadjuvant radiation therapy in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancers to reducing the risk of recurrence within the tumour bed after surgery. In those pancreatic cancers that are too advanced to be surgically removed, after chemotherapy, radiation therapy may also help to keep the growth under control. Proton therapy is being used in all the 3 settings (resectable, borderline resectable and unresectable) to improve the tolerability of the treatment and also to attempt to give higher doses to the tumour while avoiding nearby normal organs. Radiation therapy is also used with palliative intent to relieve local pain.

Other Gastrointestinal Cancers