Pancreatic cancer treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, vaccination, pain management, immunotherapy and dietary changes.

Surgery is available to about 20 percent of pancreatic cancer patients as a potentially effective treatment. Stereotactic body radiation therapy may be used to treat early-stage pancreatic cancer when surgery is not an option.

Clinical studies are being conducted to assess a novel vaccine designed to kill pancreatic cancer cells. Several effective pain management options, including pharmacological and complementary techniques, are available to help maximize comfort and maintain quality of life.