Treatment Options for Stage 1 & 2 Pancreatic Cancer

 Surgical Resection (Curative Treatment for Early Pancreatic Cancer)

• Definition: A surgical procedure to remove the tumor from the pancreas. Depending on the tumor’s location, different types of pancreatic surgery may be performed:
• Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, bile duct, and gallbladder.
• Distal Pancreatectomy: Removes the tail or body of the pancreas, often along with the spleen.
• Total Pancreatectomy: Removes the entire pancreas, along with part of the stomach, small intestine, bile duct, and spleen.
• Ideal for: Stage 1 & 2 patients with resectable tumors.
• Cost: €35,000 – €75,000
• Prognosis: 30-50% five-year survival rate when combined with chemotherapy.

 Minimally Invasive & Robotic-Assisted Pancreatic Surgery

• Definition: A modern approach to pancreatic surgery using laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic-assisted techniques, reducing trauma and recovery time.
• Benefits:Smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and reduced complications.
• Ideal for: Localized tumors in early-stage pancreatic cancer.
• Cost: €45,000 – €90,000
• Prognosis: Similar survival rates to open surgery, with faster recovery.

 Chemotherapy (Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Therapy)

• Definition: The use of cancer-killing drugs to destroy tumor cells. It is often used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Common drugs used: FOLFIRINOX (5-FU, Leucovorin, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin), Gemcitabine, Nab-Paclitaxel.
• Ideal for: Stage 2 patients with lymph node involvement or aggressive features.
• Cost: €12,000 – €40,000 per cycle.
• Prognosis: Reduces recurrence risks & enhances survival.

Radiation Therapy (For Locally Advanced Tumors)

Definition: The use of high-energy X-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or for inoperable tumors.

Types:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Standard method delivering targeted radiation.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): High-dose, highly focused radiation.
• Ideal for: Patients with vascular invasion or close tumor margins.
• Cost: €20,000 – €50,000.
• Prognosis: Improves local control & reduces recurrence rates.

Proton Therapy (For Precise Radiation Targeting)

Definition:A highly advanced form of radiation therapy that uses proton beams instead of X-rays, delivering energy directly to the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

• Ideal for: Pancreatic cancer near critical structures (duodenum, liver, stomach).
• Cost: €50,000 – €100,000 per treatment plan.
• Prognosis: Higher tumor control with reduced radiation toxicity.

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Definition:A treatment that targets specific genetic mutations in pancreatic cancer cells or boosts the immune system to recognize and attack tumors.

Types:

 PARP inhibitors (Olaparib): For BRCA-mutated pancreatic cancer.

 Checkpoint inhibitors (Pembrolizumab): For MSI-high tumors.

 Anti-EGFR therapy (Erlotinib): Blocks growth signals in select cases.

• Cost: €48,000 – €90,000 per treatment plan.

• Prognosis: Improves survival in genetically susceptible tumors.