Pancreatic tumours can be produced by endocrine or exocrine cells and are associated with different risk factors. The most frequently associated symptoms are jaundice (yellow colour of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, weight loss, diabetes, and gastro-intestinal obstruction. Detection is made through imaging studies such as computerized tomography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
Depending on the type and extension of the tumour, different combined techniques are used, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, as well as palliative treatments.
Pancreatic cancer can be treated with highly accurate advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) in any of its variants or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), together with daily verification of treatment through Imaging Tests ( IGRT) to administer a dose that can eliminate the tumour and at the same time protect the surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible, allowing to simultaneously administer different doses in different areas (simultaneous integrated boost or SIB). It also allows increasing the dose per fraction by reducing the number of sessions (Hypofractionation). If a single session is used, it is called radiosurgery (SRS) and if very few sessions are used and with the help of stereotactic coordinates, it is called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
Early diagnosis and approaching these tumours with a highly experienced and multidisciplinary medical team is important. The GCCC 360 Centre of Oncological Excellence is at the forefront of treatments, with a group of specialists of international level.
