Current treatment options for pancreatic carcinoma

Curr Oncol Rep. 2011 Jun;13(3):195-205. doi: 10.1007/s11912-011-0164-1.

Abstract

Pancreas cancer is a significant cause of cancer mortality; therefore, the development of early diagnostic strategies and effective treatment is essential. Improvements in imaging technology, as well as use of biomarkers such as CA 19-9, are changing the way that pancreas cancer is diagnosed and staged. Although progress in treatment for pancreas cancer has been incremental, development of combination therapies involving both chemotherapeutic and biologic agents is ongoing. This article reviews current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of resectable and advanced pancreas cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • CA-19-9 Antigen / analysis
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Deoxycytidine / therapeutic use
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CA-19-9 Antigen
  • Deoxycytidine
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Gemcitabine