Pancreatic adenocarcinoma — current trends in diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer, despite significant medical advances, is still a significant clinical problem. This article focuses on discussing risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. These elements are crucial in making a prompt diagnosis and initiating treatment. On average, a physician in primary care sees a patient with undiagnosed pancreatic cancer once every few years. Knowing the underlying symptoms and referring the patient to an appropriate center can significantly increase survival. Diagnostic methods include physical examination, numerous imaging techniques, and determination of tumor markers in serum. Surgical treatment combined with adjuvant chemotherapy is the only chance of cure for pancreatic cancer patients qualified for surgery. However, most patients experience tumor recurrence. When a tumor recurs, treatment for these patients and patients with unresectable disease is palliative chemotherapy. Numerous studies are currently underway to improve diagnostic and treatment methods.