Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers. Explore new treatment approaches, clinical trials, and advances in early detection.

New Cases (2024)
66,440
5-Yr Survival
12.5%
Annual Deaths
51,750
Trend
Slowly increasing
See active trials

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers. Explore new treatment approaches, clinical trials, and advances in early detection.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 66,440 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 51,750 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 12.5%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Whipple procedure)
2
Chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX, Gemcitabine)
3
Radiation Therapy
4
Targeted Therapy
5
Immunotherapy (limited)
6
Pain Management

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Resectable Borderline Resectable Locally Advanced Metastatic

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

Smoking
Chronic pancreatitis
Diabetes
Family history
Obesity
Age

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with pancreatic cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 12.5%. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, though most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages.
The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a complex surgery that removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. It is the primary surgical treatment for pancreatic head tumors.
Clinical trials are investigating mRNA vaccines, novel immunotherapy combinations, targeted therapies for KRAS mutations, and stromal-targeting agents to improve drug delivery to tumors.
Early detection is challenging as symptoms often appear late. Research into blood-based biomarkers, liquid biopsies, and AI-assisted imaging is ongoing. High-risk individuals may benefit from screening programs.
You’re not alone

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