Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
in Nebraska

Cancer treatment involves much more than medications. Patients have access to:

• Oncology-certified dietitians
• Mental health counseling for patient and families
• Nurse Case Managers
• Financial counseling
• Genetic counseling
• Specialty pharmacy services
• Survivorship care planning
• Supportive Care Services

We believe treating the whole person leads to better outcomes.

Many symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• New-onset diabetes, particularly in adults over age 50
• Blood clots without another obvious cause

These symptoms can occur with conditions other than pancreatic cancer, but should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

While anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, certain factors may increase your risk.

These include:

• Smoking
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Certain inherited genetic mutations, including BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Increasing age

If you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic counseling may help determine whether additional screening is appropriate.

Diagnosis often involves several tests, including:

• CT scans or MRI
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• PET imaging in selected cases
• Biopsy
• Blood tests, including CA 19-9 when appropriate
• Molecular and biomarker testing

Our physicians review each patient’s imaging, pathology and laboratory findings to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Every pancreatic cancer is unique. Your care team considers the stage of disease, testing and imaging, overall health and treatment goals before recommending therapy.

Treatment recommendations depend on the cancer type, stage, biology, and each patient’s individual health needs. Nebraska Cancer Specialists focuses on coordinated oncology care and advanced treatment therapies.

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Medical Oncology Treatments

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often the foundation of pancreatic cancer treatment.
It may be used:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy)
• After surgery (adjuvant therapy)
• For locally advanced disease
• For metastatic pancreatic cancer
• To reduce symptoms and improve quality of life

Treatment plans are individualized using nationally recognized guidelines and the latest clinical evidence.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may help:

• Control locally advanced pancreatic cancer
• Reduce tumor size
• Relieve pain
• Improve quality of life
• Complement chemotherapy in selected patients

Our radiation oncology specialists use advanced technology to precisely target tumors while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

Targeted Therapy and Precision Medicine
Every pancreatic cancer behaves differently. Through comprehensive molecular profiling, some patients may benefit from targeted therapies that focus on specific genetic alterations within the tumor. Precision medicine helps physicians identify therapies that may be more effective based on your cancer’s unique biology.

Nebraska Cancer Specialists does not perform pancreatic surgery.

If surgery is recommended, we work closely with highly experienced pancreatic surgeons and hospital partners to coordinate every aspect of your care.

Many patients receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery and continue treatment with our team afterward. Our collaborative approach ensures seamless communication between specialists throughout your cancer journey.

Learning about pancreatic cancer can help you feel more informed and prepared. We encourage patients and caregivers to explore trusted educational resources and discuss any questions with their care team.

Helpful topics include:

• Understanding pancreatic cancer staging
• Nutrition during treatment
• Managing side effects
• Clinical trials
• Hereditary pancreatic cancer
• Caregiver support
• Questions to ask your oncologist

Yes. Many patients receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or participate in clinical trials. Treatment depends on the stage of disease and your overall health.

Many patients are referred by a primary care provider or gastroenterologist, but second opinions and self-referrals are welcome.

Molecular testing analyzes a tumor for genetic changes that may qualify a patient for targeted therapies or clinical trials.

Clinical trials follow strict safety standards and provide access to promising new treatments under close medical supervision.

Our team works to schedule new patients as quickly as possible so treatment can begin without unnecessary delays.

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You can request an appointment online or contact Nebraska Cancer Specialists directly to connect with a breast cancer specialist. Early consultation can help clarify options and next steps.

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