Pancreatic Cancer: What to Expect

For our final episode of this series, Kiruthikah and Camilla speak with Jason, who was living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He reflected on his reasons for taking part in a clinical trial and what the experience was like.We hear from Jason about why he chose to join a clinical trial, what the experience was like, and what he’s gained from it.Jason’s story offers honest and encouraging insight into what taking part in a cancer trial can involve, and why it might be worth considering.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Debs, a medical oncologist and clinical academic, to discuss clinical trials for pancreatic cancer treatments.We’ll cover:what a clinical trial is and the different types (Phase 1, 2, and 3) involved in developing new treatmentsthe potential benefits and risks of joining a clinical trialthe exciting advancements in gene sequencing and how they may lead to more personalised treatments in the future.Debs provides valuable insights into how trials offer hope and opportunities for people with pancreatic cancer to access new and innovative treatments.

In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined again by Emily, who had surgery for pancreatic cancer followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She shares her experience of going through radiotherapy and what helped her manage during treatment.We hear from Emily about:what it’s like to have radiotherapythe physical side effects she experienced, such as tiredness and skin changeshow she stayed positive and coped emotionally through the daily treatments.Emily’s story offers valuable advice and encouragement for anyone preparing for or going through radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr Kasia Owczarczyk, consultant clinical oncologist, to explore the role of radiotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer.We’ll cover:when and why radiotherapy is used, including before or after surgery, or for managing pain and other symptomswhat happens during radiotherapy, including the planning process, how treatment is delivered, and what side effects to expectnew developments in radiotherapy, such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR), which offers a more focused and shorter treatment course for some patients.This episode provides a clear and practical guide to what radiotherapy involves, helping people understand what to expect and how it can support them during treatment.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by genetics counsellor Maddie Gale to explore the role of inherited genetic changes in pancreatic cancer and what they can mean for patients and their families.We’ll cover:what genes are and how changes in them can sometimes increase the risk of cancerwhat happens at a genetics appointment, including how testing works and what the results can tell ushow results might affect family members and what support is available for them.This episode explains how genetic testing works in a clear and reassuring way, and how it can help people with pancreatic cancer and their families.

In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Emily, who had surgery for pancreatic cancer followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Now on long-term surveillance, she shares her experience of taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and how it affects daily life.We hear from Emily about:the practicalities of managing enzyme tablets, especially when eating outhow missing doses impacts digestion and overall wellbeingadjusting to dietary changes and finding what works for her.Emily’s insights offer invaluable advice for anyone navigating life after pancreatic cancer treatment, helping listeners understand what to expect and how to manage enzyme therapy.

In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Janet, who is living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She shares her experience of undergoing ERCP procedures to manage jaundice caused by her cancer.We hear from Janet about what it’s really like to undergo an ERCP, from the first emergency procedure to planned stent replacements.Janet also talks openly about how she manages the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.Janet’s story offers invaluable insights for anyone going through similar experiences, about what to expect and how to navigate these treatments.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr Sreelakshmi Kotha, a consultant gastroenterologist, to discuss the management of pancreatic cancer complications, specifically jaundice and blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel. We cover:why jaundice occurs and how gastroenterologists can help manage itmanaging blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel, the procedure involved (ERCP) and the use of stentspotential risks and benefits of these procedures and how they can help improve quality of life.Sree emphasises that while these procedures can sound complex and daunting, they are performed by highly specialist teams to offer people with pancreatic cancer the best outcomes and continue their treatment.