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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Life Expectancy For Pancreatic Cancer Patient?

My husband was diagnosed with pancratic cancer May 2010. Cat scans showed no spread to the lymph nodes and beyond the pancreas. Surgery was scheduled for Sep 2010. The surgeon discovered it had spread to the omentum and a small spot on the liver which was removed but he was unable to complete the operation. He did not remove the tumor which is wrapped around the main portal vein. Since then his cat scans continue to improve with Gemzar/Tarceva chemotherapy. The tumor is stable and the spread has lessened. What kind of life expectency can we expect.
Tue, 21 Jul 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your husband's situation and problem.
By your history and description, his pancreatic tumour is chemo sensitive.
This is the reason for his stable pancreatic cancer.
This is actually good sign for prognosis.
Chemo sensitive pancreatic cancer is having life expectancy of more than 10 years.
The problem in such patients is delayed resistance to chemotherapy. Patient develops chemotherapy resistance after 5-6 years of treatment. So we need to monitor patient every six monthly for worsening of tumour. And if worsening is there than change of chemotherapy is needed.
So do regular follow up with your oncologist.
He is having good prognosis within expectancy more than 10 years.
Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.
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What Is The Life Expectancy For Pancreatic Cancer Patient?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your husband s situation and problem. By your history and description, his pancreatic tumour is chemo sensitive. This is the reason for his stable pancreatic cancer. This is actually good sign for prognosis. Chemo sensitive pancreatic cancer is having life expectancy of more than 10 years. The problem in such patients is delayed resistance to chemotherapy. Patient develops chemotherapy resistance after 5-6 years of treatment. So we need to monitor patient every six monthly for worsening of tumour. And if worsening is there than change of chemotherapy is needed. So do regular follow up with your oncologist. He is having good prognosis within expectancy more than 10 years. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.