Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
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Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) aggressively treats pancreatic cancer by using the most targeted therapies available to fight the disease and preserve your quality of life. Our medical oncologists provide chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer patients using innovative treatment delivery methods.
Chemotherapy drugs are used to destroy pancreatic cancer cells by impeding their growth and reproduction. These anti- cancer drugs are typically given intravenously, by injection or by mouth.
If pancreatic cancer chemotherapy is part of your personal treatment plan, your medical oncologist will use a combination of chemotherapy medications customized to your individual needs. The following are some examples of common chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine, cisplatin and capecitabine.
Chemotherapy may be used alone, or in combination with other pancreatic cancer treatments like radiation therapy or surgery. For treating pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy is often given concurrently with radiation therapy, called chemoradiation.
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
In addition, we understand the potential side effects of chemotherapy are unpleasant and may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss and mouth sores. Your CTCA care team will use multiple measures to help reduce or moderate chemotherapy-related symptoms.
Prior to receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, you may receive pre-medications to help make symptoms more tolerable.
While receiving chemotherapy, your care team can also provide supportive therapies to ease side effects. For example, your naturopathic clinician may recommend supplements to reduce nausea. Also, your mind-body therapist can recommend mind-body techniques to help you relax and feel less anxious during your pancreatic cancer chemotherapy treatments.
Next Topic: Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
