Study area

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often found late, which is why so much research looks at both better treatment and earlier detection.

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About Pancreatic cancer

The pancreas sits behind the stomach and makes digestive enzymes and the hormones that control blood sugar. Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells that line its ducts. Because early disease rarely causes symptoms, many people learn of it once it has spread.

Studies in this area test new drug combinations, medicines aimed at particular gene changes in the tumor, and the order in which surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are given. A separate line of research follows people with a raised risk, such as a strong family history, to see whether scans and blood tests can find the disease earlier.

A doctor pointing out an image on a scan to an older man in her office

Research in this area

Kinds of study you will come across

Most studies in this area fall into one of these groups. A listing usually says which one in its first lines.

Before or after surgery

Look at whether treatment given before an operation helps more people have it, or helps it work better.

Advanced disease

Compare a new combination with the usual treatment once the cancer has spread.

Gene-matched medicines

Test drugs written for tumors that carry one particular change, found by testing the tumor or blood.

Symptoms and nutrition

Study pain, weight loss, digestion and appetite, alongside any cancer treatment.

Be ready

Before your first call

What studies in this area often involve, and what a study team is likely to ask you for.

What visits tend to involve

Blood tests, including tumor markers, at most visits
CT or MRI scans at fixed points to see how the disease is responding
Treatment at an infusion center, often every week or two
A tissue sample, or a blood sample tested for tumor DNA
Short questionnaires about pain, eating and energy

Have these to hand

Your pathology report, with the type of tumor named
Any results of gene testing on the tumor or your blood
A list of the treatments you have had and when they stopped
The name and clinic of your oncologist

Your questions

Questions to ask the study team

Write them down before you call. A good team expects them, and the answers help you decide.

Is this study for disease that can be removed by surgery, or for disease that has spread?
Does the study need a fresh biopsy, or can it use tissue already taken?
How often would I travel to the site, and is any of it done closer to home?
What happens to my treatment if I leave the study?