Pancreatic cancer: continuing diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Improved survival for patients with cancer of the pancreas awaits future therapeutic advances. A more immediate objective for these patients is to provide accurate diagnosis and effective palliation. Adherence to a diagnostic strategy should provide an accurate diagnosis with the least number of tests, minimizing cost to the patient in terms of both money and discomfort. Effective palliation using a variety of available techniques can and should be accomplished expeditiously in order to extend useful survival.