New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer

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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Louisville

Pancreatic cancer is a severe condition directly affecting the organ responsible for blood sugar regulation and digestion. Louisville CyberKnife brings leading-edge robotic technology to treat pancreatic cancer effectively and efficiently.

The CyberKnife system provides a non-invasive, low-risk alternative to traditional surgery and radiation therapy, making it a premier choice for those fighting pancreatic cancer.

About Pancreatic Cancer and Its Challenges

Pancreatic cancer arises when abnormal cells in the pancreas, a gland situated behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass or tumor. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation by producing enzymes and hormones. The most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, starts in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas, which transport digestive enzymes​.

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, but it involves the mutation in the DNA of the pancreatic cells. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and to continue living beyond their normal life span, leading to the formation of tumors​.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer can be divided into those that are modifiable and those that are not. Modifiable risk factors include:

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking is linked to about twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. It accounts for approximately 25% of all cases​.
  • Obesity: Being overweight, particularly carrying extra weight around the waist, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 20%.
  • Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer​​.
  • Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas, often related to heavy alcohol use and smoking, also raises the risk​​.
  • Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Occupational exposure to specific carcinogens, such as those used in the dry cleaning and metalworking industries, may increase the risk​.

Benefits of the CyberKnife for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Louisville

The CyberKnife system is a revolutionary technology that combines advanced robotics and precise radiation delivery to target tumors with sub-millimeter accuracy. This precision is crucial in treating pancreatic cancer, where the tumor is located near critical structures and organs.

  • Precision and Safety: The CyberKnife system’s robotic design allows high-dose radiation beams to deliver directly to the tumor site from thousands of beam angles, significantly reducing the risk to surrounding healthy tissues. This method allows high doses of radiation to target the pancreatic tumors without harming the important surrounding organs.
  • Real-Time Motion Synchronization: One of the unique challenges of treating tumors in the pancreas is their movement with each breath the patient takes. The CyberKnife system uses real-time motion synchronization technology, which tracks the tumor’s position during treatment, adjusting the radiation beam in real time to maintain focus directly on the target. This adaptability allows for smaller treatment margins, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
  • Non-Invasive Treatment: The CyberKnife treatment is completely non-invasive, unlike traditional methods that may involve invasive surgery. This means no incisions, less pain, and no need for a lengthy hospital stay. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment, making it an ideal option for those seeking minimal disruption to their daily lives.
  • Fewer Side Effects and Shorter Treatment Time: With its precise targeting and reduced radiation exposure to healthy tissues, patients treated with the CyberKnife system experience fewer side effects than those treated with traditional radiation therapy. Additionally, the treatment course with the CyberKnife is often shorter, usually completed in just a few sessions over several days, compared to weeks of treatment required with conventional therapies.

Choosing Louisville CyberKnife for pancreatic cancer treatment means going for an effective, low-risk, and patient-friendly procedure.

Get in Touch with Louisville CyberKnife

We are committed to providing the best possible care and advanced treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. At Louisville CyberKnife, you can trust that you are receiving the highest-quality treatment delivered with unparalleled precision.

Contact us today to learn more about how the CyberKnife can help you or your loved one in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

 

Get In Touch

Request a consult or call 502-501-0037 ›

3rd

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related death in the U.S.

3 years

For patients who are diagnosed before pancreatic cancer spreads, the average pancreatic cancer survival time is 3 years.