Purple Lights for #WorldPancreaticCancerDay!
World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an annual global event on every third Thursday in November. It’s a day to raise awareness, honour those we’ve lost, and demand improved survival rates for those facing one of the world’s toughest cancers.
What is Pancreatic Cancer ?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease where cells in the pancreas grow out of control. The most common type is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This cancer is very serious because it often does not cause symptoms until it is advanced, making it hard to treat.
How Common is Pancreatic Cancer in MENA?
Pancreatic cancer is less common than some other cancers, but its rates are rising in the MENA region. In 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate was 5.3 per 100,000 people, and the death rate was 5.5 per 100,000. These rates have nearly doubled since 1990. Most cases occur in people over 60, and men are affected slightly more than women. Risk factors include smoking, high blood sugar, and obesity.
Why is Pancreatic Cancer Often Diagnosed Late?
Most people with pancreatic cancer do not have clear symptoms early on. Signs like
- stomach pain,
- weight loss,
- or yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
usually appear when the cancer is already advanced. Because of this, only about 10-20% of patients are diagnosed when surgery might cure the disease.
What are Current and New Blood Tests for Pancreatic Cancer?
Doctors use a blood test called CA19-9 to help diagnose pancreatic cancer, but it is not very accurate. CA19-9 can be high in other conditions, and some people with pancreatic cancer have normal levels.
New blood tests, called “liquid biopsies,” look for special markers like microRNAs, proteins, or DNA from cancer cells in the blood. Recent studies show that some of these new tests can find early pancreatic cancer with high accuracy. For example, microRNA-based tests have shown a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 91%, and protein biomarker panels combined with CA19-9 can reach an accuracy (AUC) of up to 0.98 for early-stage disease.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and methylation marker panels are also being developed, with some studies showing improved detection when combined with protein markers. These tests are promising for early detection and monitoring, but are not yet widely available for routine use.
Are Liquid Biopsy Blood Tests Available in the UAE?
The newer liquid biopsy tests (for microRNAs, proteins, or DNA) are still being studied and are not yet standard for routine screening or diagnosis in the UAE. They may be offered in research settings or specialized centers, but are not part of regular care at this time.
What are he Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer?
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s health. The main types are:
Surgery of Pancreatic Cancer
The only way to cure pancreatic cancer is to remove it with surgery. This is possible for about 10-20% of patients whose cancer is found early.
Chemotherapy Options of Pancreatic Cancer
Medicines like FOLFIRINOX (a combination of four drugs) or gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel are used to treat advanced cancer and can help patients live longer.
What is Neoadjuvant Treatment?
This means giving chemotherapy (sometimes with radiation) before surgery to shrink the tumor and make surgery more successful. It is used for cancers that are borderline resectable or locally advanced.
What is Adjuvant Treatment?
This is chemotherapy given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and lower the chance of the cancer coming back.
Targeted Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer
Some patients have special genetic changes in their cancer. For example, people with BRCA mutations may benefit from a drug called olaparib. Others with NTRK gene fusions may be treated with larotrectinib or entrectinib. These treatments are only for patients whose tumors have these changes, found by genetic testing.
Immunotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer
Drugs like pembrolizumab may help a small group of patients whose tumors have certain features (MSI-high or dMMR).
What are Clinical Trials and New Treatment Approaches?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments.
In the UAE and worldwide, trials are looking at new drugs, cancer vaccines, and ways to use the immune system to fight pancreatic cancer. Some trials test new combinations of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Joining a clinical trial may give access to treatments not yet available to everyone.
What do you need to know about clinical trials? We explained benefits and caveats in our blog : Advanced Colorectal Cancer
What is Palliative Treatment?
Palliative care is not „doing nothing anymore “.
If the cancer cannot be removed or has spread, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include chemotherapy, pain management, and other supportive care.
You are thriving to understand more about palliative care? We have found the “Graphic Guide to Palliative Care – for patients, families, and loved ones” from the Medical University in Vienna, Austria, prepared together with patients.
A GRAPHIC GUIDE TO PALLIATIVE CARE
In summary, treatment depends on the stage and includes surgery, chemotherapy, and newer targeted and immune therapies. Clinical trials offer hope for better treatments. If diagnosed, it is important to discuss all options, including genetic testing and clinical trials, with the care team.
TheKnowHow Independent Second Opinion Service
Are you or a loved one suffering from pancreatic cancer? You are unsure about your current diagnosis or treatment, or not satisfied with its effect?
TheKnowHow Independent Second Opinion Service is not intended to take you away from your treating doctor but rather provide an extra level of competence.
Get an unbiased assessment from an international expert without having to travel or schedule appointments. Our impartial specialists conduct a record-based assessment of your current health state and all available treatment options, including their advantages and potential hazards. Read more on : SECOND MEDICAL OPINION
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