Advanced, comprehensive treatment options
Research has shown that treating pancreatic cancer successfully often requires multiple modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies. VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center offers these approaches as well as new and promising treatments in clinical trials only available at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Massey.
As part of VCU Health, an academic medical center with one of Virginia’s top-rated hospitals, our specialists work hand-in-hand with genetic counselors, nutritionists, endoscopists and, in rare cases, transplant specialists.
Possible treatment options include:
Whipple procedure
A Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgery in which the “head” of the pancreas is removed along with the first part of the small intestine, or duodenum, a portion of the gallbladder and sometimes part of the stomach. The remaining intestine, gallbladder and pancreas is then reconnected. The Whipple procedure has been shown to extend the life of, and sometimes cure, patients whose tumors are confined to the head of the pancreas and have not spread to neighboring organs.
Neoadjuvant therapy
Neoadjuvant therapy incorporates chemotherapy or radiation therapy prior to surgery in order to reduce the size of the tumor. This may improve surgical outcomes, or allow patients who were not candidates for surgery to become eligible. Massey is currently conducting clinical trials to optimize neoadjuvant radiation therapy in order to improve surgical outcomes.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery uses numerous precisely focused radiation beams to deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor with minimal exposure to healthy surrounding tissue. Massey's radiation oncologists specialize in this procedure, which can effectively treat pancreatic cancer after primary treatment such as surgery
TrueBeam
The TrueBeam linear accelerator incorporates the latest image-guided radiation therapy technologies and higher dose rates to more accurately target tumors while sparing healthy tissue, reducing side effects and decreasing treatment times. With advanced imaging techniques, physicians can monitor and adapt to changes in a patient’s anatomy caused by the radiation therapy to personalize treatment plans based on each patient’s unique physiology. The optical camera system even allows physicians to see patient motion during treatments so they can monitor radiation delivery and adjust as needed.
Clinical trials
Massey also offers a wide range of clinical trials for both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients – some trials that are not found elsewhere. Our trials test new anti-cancer therapies and ways to minimize common cancer-related symptoms. These trials provide access to investigational agents and new, innovative therapies that may help increase the chance for successful treatment.
