Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in San Francisco

At San Francisco CyberKnife, we offer advanced pancreatic cancer treatment using leading-edge technology in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Our mission is to provide hope and improve outcomes for patients and their families, tackling even the most challenging cases of pancreatic cancer.

Understanding Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer originates in the tissues of the pancreas, an essential organ that lies horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. This organ plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down foods and hormones that control blood sugar levels. The most common form of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells lining the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.

The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include smoking, having a family history of pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and certain hereditary conditions. Additionally, factors like age (most patients are over 45), gender (slightly more common in men), and diet may also influence the risk.

Pancreatic cancer is notorious for being difficult to detect in its early stages because it rarely causes symptoms until it has advanced and spread to other organs. When symptoms do appear, they may include abdominal pain that radiates to the back, loss of appetite, significant weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), light-colored stools, and new-onset diabetes.

What is the CyberKnife Treatment?

The CyberKnife is a state-of-the-art, robotic radiation therapy system that offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery for treating tumors. This system uses advanced robotics and precise, real-time imaging to deliver high-dose radiation with exceptional accuracy. The technology’s precision is so refined that it can target the tumor with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues, which significantly reduces side effects and recovery time.

The CyberKnife treatments are typically completed in one to five sessions, which can be more convenient for patients as it involves less disruption to daily life compared to traditional treatment methods. This makes the CyberKnife an excellent option for treating complex or hard-to-reach tumors, such as those in the pancreas, while ensuring patient comfort and maintaining a high quality of life during and after treatment.

Advantages of the CyberKnife Treatment

Targeted Radiation with Minimal Side Effects: The CyberKnife’s advanced robotic technology offers a significant advantage in treating pancreatic cancer. Its ability to deliver radiation from thousands of angles ensures sub-millimeter accuracy, focusing treatment on the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This precision minimizes the common side effects associated with conventional radiation therapy, thus preserving the quality of life during and after treatment.
Adaptability to Patient Movement: Pancreatic tumors can shift slightly during treatment due to natural breathing and other bodily movements. The CyberKnife system is uniquely equipped with real-time motion synchronization technology. This capability allows it to adjust to these movements, maintaining accuracy throughout the treatment session and ensuring that radiation delivery is continuously optimized.
Efficient Treatment Schedule: Treatment with the CyberKnife is typically completed in fewer sessions than traditional radiation therapy, thanks to its high precision and the intense dose of radiation it can safely deliver. For many patients, this means fewer visits to the treatment center, less disruption to their daily lives, and a quicker return to normal activities.

What to Expect During Treatment at San Francisco CyberKnife?

At San Francisco CyberKnife, every patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs. Our team of radiation oncologists work closely to design the most effective treatment strategy, leveraging the CyberKnife’s capabilities to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Consultation and Planning: We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your medical history and treatment goals. Our multidisciplinary team will then use advanced imaging techniques to plan your treatment precisely.

Treatment Sessions: The CyberKnife treatments are outpatient procedures, typically completed within one to five sessions, depending on the specifics of your case. Each session lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, during which you can relax, as the CyberKnife system painlessly and silently delivers radiation therapy.

Follow-Up Care: After completing treatment, we continue to support you through follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and manage any side effects. Our team remains committed to your health and well-being, providing resources and support as you continue your recovery journey.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing this pancreatic cancer, San Francisco CyberKnife offers innovative technology, along with hope and compassionate care.