Pancreatic Cancer (cont.)
What does the future hold for patients with
cancer of the pancreas?
Scientists at hospitals and medical centers all across the
country are studying pancreatic cancer. They are trying to
learn what
causes this disease and how to prevent it. They are also
looking for
better ways to diagnose and treat it.
The NCI is supporting may studies of new treatments for
pancreatic cancer. Researchers are exploring new drugs and drug
combinations, new forms of radiation therapy, biological
therapy, and
combinations of these treatments.
Researchers are also looking at new ways to give radiation. For
example, they are studying giving radiation therapy two or more
times a
day, or during surgery (intraoperative radiation), or with
drugs that help
protect normal tissue so that higher doses can be given.
Biological therapy is a new type of cancer treatment that uses
natural and laboratory-produced substances to stimulate or
restore the
body's immune system so it can fight disease more effectively.
This kind
of treatment is being studied in patients with advanced or
recurring
cancer of the pancreas.
When laboratory research shows that a new treatment method has
promise, it is used to treat cancer patients in clinical
trials. These
trials are designed to answer scientific questions and to find
out whether
a new treatment is both safe and effective. Patients who take
part in
clinical trials make an important contribution to medical
science and may
have the first chance to benefit from improved treatment
methods. A person
with cancer of the pancreas who is interested in taking part in
a trial
should discuss this option with his or her doctor.
One way to learn about clinical trials is through PDQ, a
computerized resource of cancer treatment information.
Developed by NCI,
PDQ contains an up-to-date list of trials all over the country.
Doctors
can obtain an access code and use a personal computer to get PDQ
information, or they can use the services of a medical library.
Also, the
Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can provide PDQ
information
to doctors, patients, and the public.
Next: What resources are available to cancer patients
and families? »
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