Why Is Pancreatic Cancer So Deadly?

Pancreatic cancer is relatively uncommon. Even so, it is well-known for its high mortality rate, a complex issue that researchers have attributed to several key factors:

Lack of screening

Early detection of pancreatic cancer can significantly improve the outcome, but the absence of effective screening tools delays this possibility. Unlike some other types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, there is currently no screening test for pancreatic cancer that has proven reliable enough to justify its routine use in the general population. Many experts believe the use of currently available tools, such as imaging and blood work, for the mass screening of healthy people with no pancreatic cancer symptoms would do more harm than good. For instance, it would likely produce a vast number of false positive results, leading to needless testing and anxiety with no meaningful benefit.

Late diagnosis

The primary reason for the high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer is its tendency to remain asymptomatic in its early stages. Because there is no routine screening test available, healthcare providers must rely in large part on the identification of symptoms to make a diagnosis. However, noticeable symptoms such as yellow of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain and weight loss usually do not develop until a pancreatic tumor has progressed to an advanced stage, making it more challenging to detect and treat. Like all cancers, a late-stage diagnosis of pancreatic cancer reduces the likelihood of successful intervention.

Rapid spread

Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its aggressive behavior, including both local invasion and metastasis. Often, the cancer begins in the exocrine cells that line the pancreatic ducts, where a cancerous tumor can quickly invade nearby structures, such as the bile duct, duodenum and blood vessels. Additionally, cancerous cells can break away from the primary tumor in the pancreas, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, travel throughout the body and form secondary tumors in distant organs and tissues, such as the liver, lungs and peritoneum. This can potentially limit the treatment options and reduce the effectiveness of surgery.

Limited treatment options

Pancreatic cancer poses some unique challenges in terms of treatment. Although surgery is often the most effective approach for many types of cancer, it may be less feasible for pancreatic cancer due to the sensitive location of the pancreas, which is situated near blood vessels and other vital structures in the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may have limited success in controlling advanced pancreatic cancer. With that said, pancreatic cancer treatment continues to evolve. For instance, a new combination of chemotherapy drugs collectively known as FOLFIRINOX has recently shown promise in treating metastatic pancreatic cancer. Additionally, scientists continue to make strides in the development of pancreatic cancer vaccines, offering a new source of hope for certain patients.

While pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge in the field of oncology, ongoing research and improved awareness can pave the way for earlier detection and treatment. For these reasons, it is important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves, such as:

• Knowing their risk factors, including family history and inherited genetic syndromes
• Making healthy choices, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight
• Learning to recognize the symptoms, such as jaundice
• Discussing any unusual changes with a physician

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt is nationally recognized for our groundbreaking research efforts, which have led to landmark advances in all aspects of cancer care. Through our robust pancreatic cancer clinical trials program, our patients can be among the first to benefit from promising new therapies before those options are made widely available in other settings. For instance, our research team is currently exploring the power of vaccines to help prevent recurrence in patients who have resected pancreatic tumors.

At Moffitt, we are dedicated to helping each patient achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life. If you would like to learn more about pancreatic cancer, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488  or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.