Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is like a death sentence.  Fewer than one in 100 people who get it will survive.  It rarely goes into remission, and currently there is no cure.  However, there are some pancreatic cancer drugs that can help the patient prolong their life. There are also some drugs currently being developed that may help create breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer treatment.  In this article, we'll discuss these type of drugs.

First, let's discuss the pancreatic cancer drugs being given to the patient during chemotherapy.  Currently, the chemotherapeutic techniques for treating pancreatic cancer are being tested to improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Right now, the two most common drugs used for pancreatic cancer, during chemotherapy treatments, are gemcitabine and 5-fourouracil.

Gemcitabine and 5-fourouracil are anti-metabolites which stops cells from working properly.  This in effect will also some cancer cells from growing and multiplying.  Gemcitabine is a clear liquid that is administered through an intravenous tube.

In a recent German study at the end of 2006, gemcitabine was found to have prolonged the pancreatic cancer patient's life significantly.  On average, the group who received gemcitabine live 13.4 months without their cancer coming back.  This is an improvement of 6 1/2 months over treatment without the drug.

Unfortunately, the overall survival rate has stayed the same. 

Currently, some patients have also tried alternative pancreatic cancer drugs, such as mistletoe or coenzyme Q-10.  The problem at a alternative medicines are not regulated by the FDA, so the quality of the product is questionable.  In addition, alternative medicines may interfere with traditional treatments, so you should always consult your doctor before trying to take alternative medications.

Additionally, doctors are currently discussing the possibility of giving all patients who have advanced pancreatic cancer a daily injection of dalteparin, an anti-coagulant.  This is to be taken at the start chemotherapy.  This is true combat a blood clot problem that typically occurs for some patients during chemotherapy.

Right now there are many clinical trials going on to try to find better and more improved methods for treating pancreatic cancer, and developing pancreatic cancer drugs.  If you have pancreatic cancer, you can inquire with your specialist about these trials, and possible participation in them, if you're interested.

In conclusion, I have discussed with you some pancreatic cancer drugs that are used to treat pancreatic cancer.  Typically these drugs are chemotherapeutic, and some of them show promising signs for extending the life of the patient.

Pancreatic Cancer |