Pancreatic cancers are common tumors (9th most common overall). Unfortunately they are highly aggressive, and represent the 5th most common cause of cancer death. Cigarette smoking and diets high in fat have been associated with pancreatic cancer. Initial symptoms include weight loss, clinical wasting, and jaundice (yellow coloring). Vague abdominal pain is a late symptom.

Treatment of Pancreatic cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Common medications include 5-FU. Despite treatment less than 10% of patients will survive 5 years.

Pancreatic cancers are not currently treated with transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center. However, the physicians at the Northern New Jersey Cancer Center are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Active research studies on pancreatic cancer include a randomized open label study comparing a 28 day oral regimen of 5-FU plus 776C85 to intravenous Gemzar as first line treatment of patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. For more information on this protocol call (201) 996-5800.