Chemo Treatments For Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It often does not get diagnosed until it has progressed to the point of affecting other body parts and systems. As a result, chemotherapy is often used for treatment. Here are some important aspects of chemotherapy and its use on pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is responsible for producing digestive fluids and insulin for the body. The digestive fluids help break down food for the stomach to process, releasing carbohydrates, nutrients and protein. When the pancreas becomes consumed with cancer cells, these functions can cease to exist or become heavily impacted. If the tumor cells grow large enough, they can obstruct the ducts responsible for disseminating the fluids to the stomach and small intestine.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves a distribution of chemical compounds into the body for the purpose of killing cancer cells. These chemicals can be designed to attack the very cell's genetic make up or DNA. Some chemicals, for example, will target the reproductive capabilities of tumor cells, while others will destroy the vessels that rob the body's nutrients. These drugs are either injected into the bloodstream or orally taken.

Purpose

Since pancreatic cancer is not normally caught until Stage 3, chemotherapy is usually given to relieve painful symptoms and not as a cure. The Cancer News website reports that survival rates do improve with chemotherapy. Sometimes the chemotherapy targets the lymph nodes for better distribution through the body. Chemicals, such as Five-Fluorouracil or Gemcitabine, may shrink obstructing tumors that cause pain or block the bile ducts.

Side Effects

Chemotherapy in general does come with side effects, such as fatigue and general weakness. Depending on the chemicals used, other symptoms like hair loss and low white blood cell count can also occur. Gemcitabine is associated with side effects like vomiting, flu-like symptoms and nausea. Watery eyes and photo-sensitivity can be associated with FIve-Fluorouracil. Some doctors would recommend taking dietary supplements to combat these side effects.