Q: What is chemotherapy?

Answer:

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Doctors also give chemotherapy to help reduce pain and other problems caused by pancreatic cancer. It may be given alone, with radiation, or in combination with surgery and radiation.

The commonest drugs used in pancreatic cancer treatment are currently Gemcitabine and 5-Flourouracil. Both have been shown to be beneficial, but are also associated with some, fortunately usually relatively mild , side effects.

The decision regarding the best treatment option is a complex one that needs made on an indiividual patient basis and this should be discussed with your specialist pancreatic team.

Common questions to ask about chemotherapy:

• Why do I need this treatment?
• What will it do?
• What drugs will I be taking?
• How will they be given?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital?
• Will the treatment cause side effects?
• What can I do about them?
• How long will I be on this treatment?

For further information on chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, click here