Introduction to Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Topics
- Introduction to Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
- Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options
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You may have just learned you have advanced pancreatic cancer. Perhaps you have already started your treatment. Or, you may have just found out a loved one has advanced pancreatic cancer. You may have many questions. You want to know what options exist so that you or your loved one can receive the best treatment possible.
The following sections explore some treatment options and include general information on advanced pancreatic cancer and where you can find more help. This information is not meant to replace the medical advice of the experts who may make up your healthcare team.
Do not be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health. And remember, you are not alone as you face this illness. Your healthcare team, family, and friends are here to help.
What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is a gland in your abdomen that is located behind your stomach. It is about 6 inches long and has 2 main functions:
- Exocrine: Produces special substances called enzymes that help to digest your food.
- Endocrine: Produces hormones, such as insulin, that help to balance the amount of sugar in your blood.
How advanced pancreatic cancer develops
Cancer of the pancreas can develop when cells that make up the pancreas grow out of control. These cells can form cancerous tumors, which can affect how the pancreas normally works. Both the exocrine and endocrine cells of the pancreas can form tumors. However, cancers formed by the exocrine cells are much more common.
Symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer
Symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer can be vague and may vary in each person. However, common symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer include:
- Upper abdominal or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer whose cancer has spread, grown, or cannot be surgically removed, and who have not received previous chemotherapy.
There have been reports of serious events involving the lungs in a small number of patients taking Tarceva. These events have included death in some patients. The medical name for these types of events is interstitial (in-tur-STISH-ul) lung disease-like events (or ILD-like events).
Liver and/or kidney problems (including deaths) have been reported in some patients taking Tarceva. Let your healthcare provider (HCP) know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed a hole in the lining of their stomach or intestines (including deaths). It may happen more in patients who are taking certain other medicines or who have certain stomach and intestinal diseases.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed serious skin conditions. Some patients have died from these conditions.
Patients taking Tarceva plus gemcitabine were more likely to experience bleeding and clotting problems such as heart attack or stroke.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed eye irritation and damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear part of the eyeball that covers the colored part of the eye and the pupil. Other eye problems such as abnormal eyelash growth, dry eyes, or changes in eyesight have also been reported.
Patients should tell their HCP about eye problems that get worse, including eye pain.
Women should not become pregnant while on treatment with Tarceva. If you are already pregnant or become pregnant while taking Tarceva, you should talk with your HCP about the benefits and risks of continuing to take Tarceva.
DO NOT breast-feed while receiving treatment with Tarceva.
Call your HCP right away if you have these signs or symptoms:
- New or worsening skin rash
- Serious or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
- New or worsening shortness of breath or cough
- Eye irritation
Some patients taking Tarceva have experienced difficulty with blood clotting and bleeding events, including gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin®, warfarin, or other coumarin derivatives) should be monitored regularly.
Certain medicines and herbal supplements can affect how Tarceva works in the body. It is important that you tell your HCP about all of the medicines and herbal supplements you are taking. DO NOT start taking any new medicines or herbal supplements before talking with your HCP. Tarceva may also affect other medications you are taking.
In addition, grapefruit and grapefruit juice have an effect on how Tarceva works. DO NOT eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on treatment with Tarceva, except under the care of your HCP.
Smoking may affect how well Tarceva works for you. If you smoke, you should stop smoking before starting treatment with Tarceva. Talk with your HCP about how to quit smoking. If you continue to smoke, you should talk with your HCP before taking Tarceva.
The most common side effects in patients who took Tarceva plus gemcitabine were fatigue (feeling tired), rash, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Other skin changes may also be seen.
The rash from Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy may appear on your upper body or face. Typically, rash occurs within 10 days of starting treatment, but it may occur anytime during treatment.
The rash is not an allergic reaction. It may look like acne or dry skin. It is not acne. Talk to your HCP if a rash occurs.
Typically, diarrhea may develop within 15 days of starting Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy.
Hair and nail changes have been seen with Tarceva.
Always let your HCP know if you have any side effects, and ask about the best way to handle them.
Tarceva is not right for everyone. Ask your HCP if once-daily Tarceva is right for you.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1 (800) FDA-1088.
