new jersey cyberknife: pancreatic cancer
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Pancreatic Cancer & CyberKnife®
Learn about pancreatic cancer and your treatment options.
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
Please note: We encourage consumers to thoroughly review and understand all treatment options. The information presented here is not all-inclusive. Rather, it represents a starting point to learn more about medical conditions and treatment options. This is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your professional healthcare provider. Contact your professional healthcare provider to find out if CyberKnife® treatment is right for you.
Sources:American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
Pancreatic Cancer - Overview
• The pancreas is is an organ located behind the stomach. In adults, it is about six inches long but less than two inches wide.
• The pancreas contains two different types of glands: exocrine and endocrine.
– The exocrine gland produces enzymes that help the body digest food.
– Endocrine cells make hormones like insulin and glucagon, and release them directly into the blood.
• Pancreatic cancer is hard to detect due to the organ’s location in the body. Early tumors can’t be seen or felt by health care providers during routine physical exams.
• Some pancreatic growths are benign, while others may become cancer over time if left untreated (known as precancers.)
• Imaging tests, such as CT scans, help find pancreatic growth.
SYMPTOMS– Weight loss
– Mild abdominal discomfort
– Development of diabetes
– Jaundice
– Nausea, vomiting
RISK FACTORS– Family history
– Personal history of chronic pancreatitis, diabetes or obesity
– Cigarette smoking or high alcohol consumption
– Individuals with Lynch syndrome and other genetic syndromes, including BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
Pancreatic Cancer: By the Numbers
The American Cancer Society’s 2015 Facts & Figures released the most recent estimates for pancreatic cancer:
• An estimated 48,960 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year
– 24,840 men
– 24,120 women
• Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US.
– 96% will be cancers of the exocrine pancreas, which produces enzymes to digest food
– Endocrine carcinomas are more rare, have a better prognosis, and are often diagnosed at a younger age.
– About 1,240 deaths to pancreatic cancer are expected in New Jersey in 2015
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
Treating Pancreatic Cancer
• Pancreatic cancer may be treated with surgery, ablative techniques, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Less than 20% of patients are candidates for surgery because pancreatic cancer is usually detected after it has spread beyond the pancreas.
• Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, some of these treatments may be combined.
• Pain control is also an important part of treatment for many patients.
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
Pancreatic Cancer & CyberKnife
CyberKnife treats pancreatic cancer with high-dose radiation. Clinical studies are ongoing to test the CyberKnife’s effectiveness in treating localized, non-metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Preliminary results involving patients with relatively advanced cases of pancreatic cancer suggests that CyberKnife radiosurgery treatment is tolerated and provides some clinical benefit.
Prior to treatment, doctors implant three to five small metal makers known as fiducials in or near the tumor that enable the CyberKnife to pinpoint the tumor location throughout treatment. Implanting the markers is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour.
About a week later, patients undergo a CT scan that assists in developing a customized treatment plan.
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
How CyberKnife Works
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
CyberKnife Patient Testimonial
99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com
“I would recommend CyberKnife to anyone. Setting up my appointment was very easy and there were no surprises during the treatment thanks to the education the caring staff gave me on what to expect. I really appreciated the care and speed of my appointments and consultations.” - Barbara H., CyberKnife patient
Our Center
New Jersey CyberKnife at the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center combines experienced physicians and the latest medical advances. Our state-of-the-art technology offers hope to patients in New Jersey and beyond.
Medical Director Dr. David D’Ambrosio specializes in advanced radiation treatment and therapy options. His expertise includes intensity-modulated and stereotactic radiation therapies, including CyberKnife radiosurgery, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, contact New Jersey CyberKnife to schedule a consultation with our physicians to determine the best next step for your treatment needs.
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99 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 08755 732-557-3120 NewJerseyCK.com