Pancreatic cancer treatment options in China

The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It makes digestive juices and hormones such as insulin. Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells lining the ducts that carry these juices.

The cancer is often found late, because early symptoms such as back pain, weight loss or jaundice can be vague. Doctors group it by whether surgery can remove it: resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic.

For a tumour that can be removed, surgery is the main treatment. It is usually combined with chemotherapy before or after the operation. Surgery is the only treatment that offers a chance of long-term control, and it is only possible for a minority of patients.

For tumours that cannot be removed, chemotherapy is the usual first step. Radiation therapy, including stereotactic radiation, may be added in some cases. Targeted treatments and immunotherapy are used when a tumour has certain genetic features. Palliative care teams help with pain, digestion and wellbeing throughout, and clinical trials are worth asking about at any stage.

You may wish to ask about options in China if your tumour cannot be removed, if you have finished or are finishing standard chemotherapy, or if your team at home has few treatments left to offer. Some people also want a second view on whether a tumour that was called inoperable could be approached differently.

These treatments are usually added to standard care or used after it. Some, such as NanoKnife and iodine-125 seeds, have limited evidence in pancreatic cancer, and benefit is not guaranteed. Chinese hospitals decide whether they can accept you after reviewing your records. We are not able to promise access or results.