Scientists discover that by treating pancreatic cancer patients with a combination therapy of chemotherapy, biotherapy and radiotherapy prior to surgery a patient has a more successful outcome.
The University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (UPCI) recently conducted a study in which researchers found that the combination of chemotherapy, biotherapy and radiotherapy on pancreatic cancer patients prior to surgery was beneficial, according to a Science Daily news article.
The study followed approximately 14 patients who had "potentially operable tumors" and all of the patients were to undergo the combination of treatments before having undergone surgery. The news article reported that following the "treatment regime" around 10 patients were capable of receiving surgery and the "incidence of serious adverse events following surgery was not increased in these patients, and several demonstrated significant shrinkage of their tumors before surgery".
The study provides significant proof that of by implementing all three therapies, patients that have developed pancreatic cancer may be able to rid their bodies of the deadly and tumor-induced condition.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pancreatic cancer is "the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States." The NLM reported that the risk factors for this condition include:
* smoking
* diabetes
* chronic pancreatitis
* hereditary/family conditions/disorders
In addition to these risk factors, there is another, less common cause of the development of pancreatic cancer, which includes the consumption of a prescription drug known as Byetta. The drug Byetta (exenatide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes among adults and is administered through a twice-a-day injection.
The drug became available for market use in April 2005 from Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company. After approximately 30 cases of inflammation and acute pancreatitis occurred in October 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an investigation into the drug, however, no Byetta recall was implemented.
An additional number of Byetta patients were hospitalized in August 2008 for pancreatitis illnesses. Two of the six patients had allegedly died because of their consumption of the drug and its subsequent side effects. Those who have been or are currently Byetta patients should consider seeking medical as well as legal assistance surrounding the alleged risks linked to consumption of the drug.
It is imperative that a patient suffering from the Byetta side effects as well as diabetes empower themselves with as much knowledge as possible as it may mean a successful outcome versus a poor one.
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