Combination of Therapies May Successfully Treat Pancreatic Cancer

Combination of Therapies May Successfully Treat Pancreatic Cancer

The University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (UMCI) 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. Following the implementation of the “

treatment regime” approximately 10 were able to have 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,” according to the news article.


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. However, following the development

of approximately 30 cases of acute pancreatitis and sudden pancreatic

inflammation in October 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

began investigating the drug, but issued no Byetta recall.


Again, in August 2008, several Byetta patients were hospitalized for

pancreatic-induced conditions. Of the six patients admitted to the hospital

following their reported conditions, two patients died. Individuals who

consumed Byetta for their type 2 diabetes condition are encouraged to contact

a medical professional immediately as well as a personal injury lawyer or a

pharmaceutical attorney to better understand how to develop a

Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers. He manages Legalview.info, a website hosting a variety of information on legal issues, including Byetta.