Pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic adenocarcinoma, remains one of the most aggressive and deadliest cancers worldwide. As the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths, this form of cancer poses significant challenges in treatment and survival rates. Despite medical advancements, the disease continues to be diagnosed in advanced stages, limiting treatment options for most patients.
A Grim Survival Rate and Limited Treatment Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Dr. Hemanth G. N.
, Consultant in Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Manipal Hospital, highlighted that only 10-20% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at a stage where curative surgery is possible. The 5-year survival rate has shown only marginal improvements over the past decade, reflecting the urgent need for breakthroughs in treatment. “There have been no major advances in systemic therapy for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma,” Dr.
Hemanth explained to Financial Express.com . “The only significant addition has been PARP (Poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitors, which are used in cases of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving homologous recombination repair deficiencies, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
” This underlines the importance of early detection and the identification of high-risk patients to improve outcomes. Genetic Factors and Family History: A Key Risk Indicator A strong family history of cancer is one of the greatest risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Dr.
Hemanth e.