Pancreatic Cancer Outcomes

And if you’ve already looked them up, you’re probably not feeling very hopeful. But five-year pancreatic cancer survival rates don’t tell the whole story. First, survival rates are improving every day, thanks to new treatment options like targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Second, pancreatic cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading.

Pancreatic cancer outcomes differ among patients because every patient’s cancer is different, and because you’re different. At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leader in gastrointestinal cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective pancreatic cancer treatments with the fewest side effects. As a result, our pancreatic cancer outcomes — survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia. Comprehensive Cancer Centers must meet rigorous standards that prove they have state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s not surprising that they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials, and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

When looking at pancreatic cancer outcomes, it’s also important to consider long-term treatment and rates of recurrence. Most pancreatic cancer patients require persistent treatment with chemotherapy. At Winship, we’re currently studying the use of targeted therapy in patients who develop pancreatic cancer because of a BRCA gene mutation. The goal is to improve the pancreatic cancer outlook by reducing rates of recurrence in this population.

For patients whose pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, we have quality measures in place to confirm success, including testing the surrounding tissue to ensure there’s no remaining cancer. Once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to monitor your condition and follow you for at least five to 10 years, to ensure you remain cancer-free and assist you with managing any long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, you will receive the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects. You’ll receive minimally invasive surgery whenever possible to minimize the risks associated with open procedures and reduce your recovery time. We’ll take steps to reduce common side effects of pancreatic cancer, such as back pain and weight loss. And we will work with you on managing depression and other psychological and emotional aspects of pancreatic cancer for as long as you need us.

When it comes to pancreatic cancer outcomes, it’s also important to address nutrition since the pancreas plays such a key role in digestion. Your pancreatic cancer team will include a registered dietitian who will help you manage the nutrition-related side effects of your cancer and keep you from becoming vitamin and nutrient deficient.