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Metastatic pancreatic cancer
1Department of Adult Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. matthew_kulke@dfci.harvard.edu
Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Metastatic pancreatic cancer treatment has advanced, with gemcitabine as standard first-line therapy. New combination therapies and agents offer future hope for patients with this deadly disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Metastatic pancreatic cancer is a significant cause of cancer mortality in North America and Europe.
- Historically, treatment options for metastatic pancreatic cancer were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- To highlight the role of palliative therapies in managing complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of current systemic therapies, including gemcitabine.
- Discussion of ongoing clinical trials for combination chemotherapy.
- Overview of palliative procedures for symptom management.
Main Results:
- Gemcitabine is the established standard first-line treatment, offering clinical benefit and prolonged survival.
- Combination chemotherapy trials are investigating further improvements.
- Novel agents show promise for future treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Systemic gemcitabine therapy is the current standard for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- Future treatments will likely involve combination regimens and novel agents.
- Palliative interventions are crucial for managing specific cancer-related complications.