Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatment

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. These drugs are given intravenously (through a vein) or by mouth. The frequency and duration of the chemotherapy schedule will depend on the particular type of drug that your doctor prescribes. Patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer may receive chemotherapy before or after surgery. Chemotherapy is often used to treat pancreas cancer that has metastasized. The kind of chemotherapy you receive and the length of your treatment will be determined by your doctor.

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Radiation treatment is a localized therapy that uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Patients receive a prescribed amount of radiation that is directed to the tumor and local lymph nodes. Often, patients receive low doses of chemotherapy along with radiation to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients with resectable pancreas cancer may receive radiation therapy before or after surgery. The type of radiation used depends on the stage of the cancer. A radiation oncologist, a doctor who specializes in radiation therapy, will plan your radiation treatments. The length of your radiation treatment will be determined by your radiation oncologist.

Patients usually receive chemotherapy and radiation on an outpatient basis, which does not require admission to the hospital.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are powerful treatments that affect normal cells as well as cancer cells and may cause side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, decreased appetite, occasional nausea, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor, nurse, or other member of your healthcare team for information about which side effects you may experience and how to manage them.