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Pancreatic Cancer Program
Pancreatic cancer requires subspecialized care from experts. As one of the region’s most experienced pancreatic cancer teams, we guide you with compassion and expertise to your best possible outcome.
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Expert treatment and innovation
At Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, our program is among the most experienced in the region in treating pancreatic cancer, including complex surgical procedures such as the Whipple procedure. Care is delivered by teams that focus exclusively on pancreatic disease and collaborate closely across specialties. As part of a research-driven health system, eligible patients may have access to clinical trials and emerging therapies. The program is currently the only one in New England offering proton therapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Conditions & Treatments
Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that produces hormones and digestive enzymes. Our team treats all types of pancreatic cancers, using the latest and most effective approaches, including:
Our approach to care
If you have suspected or diagnosed pancreatic cancer, we’re here to guide you. Our specialists work together to deliver comprehensive care, customized to your needs and goals.
National recognition
We’re home to a designated Pancreatic Cancer Center by the National Pancreas Foundation. This designation recognizes our commitment to providing multispecialty pancreatic cancer treatment that improves quality of life and outcomes for our patients.
Team-based treatment
Our team approach ensures each of our patients benefits from coordinated, individualized treatment. Your care team may include:
- Endoscopists
- Gastroenterologists
- Medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses and nurse practitioners
- Oncology psychiatrists and social workers
- Palliative care providers
- Pathologists and diagnostic radiologists
Expert diagnosis and staging
Our pathologists and diagnostic radiologists use the most advanced tools and technology to detect and stage cancer. We were one of the first hospitals in the nation to offer endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Our specialists use this minimally invasive procedure that combines X-rays with video technology to diagnose and treat bile duct conditions.
Advanced imaging technology
We use the latest imaging technology to provide the most accurate diagnostic testing and to guide many treatments, including:
- 2D and 3D CT scans
- 3D imaging for presurgical planning
- Combination PET/CT scans
- Endoscopic ultrasounds
- Intraoperative ultrasounds
- Molecular imaging
- MRIs
- Spectral imaging with CT
- Tumor perfusion studies with CT and MRI
Excellence in surgery
The Cancer Institute offers one of the country’s largest and most experienced pancreatic cancer surgery teams. We perform twice as many pancreatic removals as other hospitals in the region, leading to better outcomes. Patients treated through the program often experience shorter hospital stays compared with national benchmarks.
Advanced radiation therapies
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced techniques, many of which are only available at select hospitals. Your care may include:
- External beam radiation therapy: Radiation delivered from outside the body
- Intraoperative radiation therapy: Radiation delivered during surgery to treat remaining cancer cells.
- Proton therapy: An advanced form of radiation that uses high-energy proton particles instead of X-rays to deliver precise treatment.
Meet our pancreatic cancer specialists
Our multispecialty team provides compassionate, individualized care and advanced treatments. We’re dedicated to researching and offering the latest therapies.
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Patient story
An incidental finding leads to lifesaving care
Lindsey Scheyer’s appendicitis treatment revealed something more dire: a 2-inch tumor on her pancreas. At only 11 years old, spleen-sparing pancreas surgery at Mass General Brigham saved her life.
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Read Lindsey’s story
Cancer clinical trials and research
Research is a foundational part of the Cancer Institute. Our research contributions have helped shape current treatments, and our clinical trials offer eligible patients access to new therapies before they are widely available. Patients may have opportunities to participate in clinical trials at different stages of care. Trial availability depends on diagnosis, treatment history, and other factors, and participation is always voluntary.
Explore currently enrolling trials by talking with your care team about whether a clinical trial may be right for you, or by searching for trials on ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Understanding pancreatic cancer
Symptoms, treatments and how to test for it
What is pancreatic cancer? Thomas Clancy, MD, explains pancreatic cancer symptoms, causes, treatments, how we test for it, and the research underway to find better treatments.
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Patient resources and support
We offer a range of resources to support patients and caregivers before, during, and after cancer treatment. These services address physical, emotional, and practical needs and are available alongside your medical care.
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Support during treatment