Few patients are alive five years after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.  The American Cancer Society estimates 37,170 new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2007 and 33,370 deaths. Like many cancers, pancreatic cancer can be free of symptoms and is usually not detected until it is too late for a favorable prognosis.  It is also increasing at a level of .4% per year.  The cancer experts are paying attention though, and funding for pancreatic cancer research by the National Cancer Institute has increased by 200%.

Pancreatic cancer has the strongest link to a gene called ras, a type of oncogene, making it one of the most difficult cancers to beat.  The ras oncogene is also found in lung cancer.  The pancreas, which is an organ found behind the stomach that extends across the abdomen, contains two glands.  The exocrine gland has enzymes that break down fats and proteins, and the endocrine balances sugar in the blood.  Tumors in the exocrine gland are most common.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or glucose intolerance.  The pressure of the tumor on the organs if often the first symptom experienced.  Tumors that are near the bile duct may result in jaundice, allowing for an easier detection and earlier treatment.  Smoking doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer.  Obesity, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, cirrhosis and heavy alcohol consumption are also strong risk factors.  The 2007 report by the American Society states that there is no method for early detection.  Optimistically, the American Journal of Roentgenology has reported advancements in a new 3-D MRI technique that shows potential to identify tumors at early stages, significantly improving life expectancy.  The standard treatments of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy merely prolong life.  The five-year survival rate is only 20%, and there is no cure for pancreatic cancer.

Intense pain is experienced by most pancreatic cancer patients and pain management is often the focus of treatment.  Visceral pain occurs because of compressed pain receptors of the chest, abdominal or pelvic organs.  The Mayo Clinic has conducted one of the largest pancreatic research studies on pain, focusing on a nerve blocking technique.  The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) provided significant relief for pancreatic cancer patients.  If applied, the quality of life would improve for the thousands suffering from painful symptoms.

The National Cancer Institute's funding for pancreatic cancer is now over $66 million dollars.  The greatest increase has been applied to the treatment category.  A vaccine using Heat Shock Protein was recently developed in the US using proteins from a patient's own tumor.  The test on ten patients had promising results, finding that two patients were alive and disease-free after two years and another alive and unaffected by the cancer five years after being vaccinated. Although a small study, it is encouraging.  Unfortunately, more research is required before a vaccine could be developed for all patients.  Hopefully, the $66 million dollars will be put to good use.