Insights into Cancer: Pancreatic Cancer 2016

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. It is the second most common cause of gastrointestinal cancers, behind colon cancer. Patients often do not experience symptoms until the cancer involves the surrounding blood vessels or spreads beyond the pancreas, and they are initially treated with chemotherapy and occasionally radiation therapy. Surgical treatment is offered to patients with early stage tumors that are confined to the region of the pancreas; it includes a Whipple resection, which is a complex surgery. This lecture will address the surgical and medical treatment of patients with both early and late stage disease. Up to date information on improved survival associated with chemotherapy regimens and biologic agents will be reviewed. We will also highlight the diverse resources that are available within the UCLA Center for Pancreatic Diseases, including clinical trials, palliative treatments and support services. Hosted by: Timothy R. Donahue, M.D., and Zev Wainberg, M.D. Event date: July 12, 2016