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Pancreatic cancer: a review with future directions
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Pancreatic cancer: a review with future directions

Anthony D. Nehlsen and Luther W. Brady
Journal of radiation oncology, v 5(3), pp 231-238
2016

Abstract

Cancer Research Imaging Medicine Medicine & Public Health Oncology Radiology Radiotherapy Review Surgery Surgical Oncology
Pancreatic cancer continues to be one of the most deadly cancers in the USA, causing over 41,780 deaths per year. Due to the nonspecific signs and symptoms of the disease, it typically presents late in the disease course, making curative therapy very difficult. Despite great improvements in imaging, such as CT, MRI/MRCP, and PET scans, there is still no truly effective screening method, and lesions are often found at sizes that are not amenable to resection. Major improvements have also been made in treatment options for pancreatic cancer, such as advanced surgical techniques, combination chemotherapy, high-dose radiation therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy. However, outcomes are still very poor, with a small minority of patients surviving at even 5 years. Therefore, it is imperative that we not only continue to examine the technology currently in use but also continue to develop more imaging techniques and treatment options. Finding ways to use biomarkers, antibodies, and labeled substrates to identify small precursor lesions would allow for the eradication of the disease before it becomes deadly. Identifying concrete roles for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy while making advancements in these fields, such as targeted chemotherapy and the use of radiosurgery, will open the door for increased survival. Lastly, examining tumors based on their location may be important in identifying groups of patients who may benefit from different methods of therapy.

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Web of Science research areas
Oncology
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