Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Whipple Surgery, Gemcitabine, and a Multidisciplinary Approach to Palliative Care

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive neoplasms with a poor prognosis, being the fourth leading cause of cancer death in many countries. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate remains low. This article explores current approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment, focusing on Whipple surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

The treatment of pancreatic cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, oncologists, and palliative care specialists. Whipple surgery, or duodenopancreatectomy, is the most common surgical procedure for resectable tumors. However, only a minority of patients are candidates for this surgery due to late detection and the rapid spread of the disease.

Adjuvant chemotherapy, particularly with gemcitabine, has been shown to prolong survival in some patients. New regimens such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel have improved outcomes in patients with metastatic disease, allowing more patients to access additional lines of treatment. These advances have opened new opportunities for nutritional support and other therapeutic interventions that enhance the quality of life for patients.

In cases where surgery is not an option, chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been shown to slow progression in locally advanced cancers, although the benefits are modest. Translational research continues to be essential for the development of new treatments and the identification of biomarkers that guide personalized therapy.

Conclusions

The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant challenge in modern oncology. Whipple surgery offers a hope for cure in selected cases, while chemotherapy and palliative care are essential for managing most patients. The rapid implementation of new treatments and collaboration across disciplines are crucial for improving outcomes in this devastating disease.

Referencias

• [1] Pancreatic cancer: diagnosis and management.
• [2] Diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer.
• [3] Updated therapeutic outcome for patients with periampullary and pancreatic cancer related to recent translational research.

Created 6/1/2025