People choose treatment abroad to gain access to new methods of treatment. Recent clinical trials show that combined regimens improve outcomes and are most beneficial for long-term survival. Specialized hospitals offer options for all stages of pancreatic cancer, these include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and new targeted therapies. During treatment for pancreatic cancer in Germany, special attention is given to the latest stages of the disease.
Sparing and complete surgical removal of the tumor
Surgical interventions involve total or partial pancreas removal:
- Whipple procedure for neoplasms in the head of the pancreas that are removed along with part of the duodenum and stomach, and neighboring lymphatic nodes
- Distal pancreatectomy for neoplasms in the tail of the pancreas that are removed along with the pancreas body and spleen
- Total pancreatectomy for stage 4 cancer
Tumor embolization, blocking vessels via radioactive or chemotherapy-coated microspheres, represents another new technique.
Radiation therapy modalities
Radiation therapy in pancreatic cancer includes:
- Conventional fraction radiotherapy, when a patient receives low doses of radiation daily or per fraction
- Proton beam radiotherapy
- Stereotactic radiotherapy that combines features of surgery and radiation therapy
Radiotherapy often complements chemotherapy, as they boost each other’s effectiveness. Radiosensitization means radiotherapy has greater potency after certain chemotherapy agents.
Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer treatment
Pancreatic cancer treatment with chemotherapy is considered to be the first-line option in patients with advanced and metastatic disease. Typically chemotherapy combines cycles of FDA-approved drugs like:
- Gemcitabine (Gemzar)
- Capecitabine (Xeloda)
- Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Leucovorin (Wellcovorin)
- Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
Chemotherapy shrinks tumors, prevents growth and metastasis. Postoperatively it provides secondary prevention.
Targeted treatment with fewer side effects
Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins, genes or tumor microenvironments driving growth and spread. Importantly, targeted treatments destroy pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, limiting adverse effects.
Since tumors possess unique targets, treatment plans differ between patients. Diagnostic testing identifies targets before prescribing specific drugs.
Three forms of targeted therapy are available:
- Erlotinib (Tarceva)
- Sunitinib (Sutent) and everolimus (Afinitor)
- Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi)
Treatment abroad with Booking Health
Booking Health is the international provider of medical tourism that will assist you in the following issues:
- Making a choice between the best German clinics
- Appointment booking without waitlisting
- Visa and documents
- Physician communication upon returning home
- Control of the prices, avoiding excessive pancreatic cancer treatment costs
- Booking accommodation and tickets, transfer
Contact Booking Health to start treatment at premier centers with interpreters and personal medical coordinators.
