New insights into how blood pressure drug may benefit patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Losartan may augment the benefits of other anti-cancer therapies by reducing tumor invasion and immunosuppression.
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The Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers offers a collaborative and caring approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with confirmed or suspected pancreatic cancer. Consistently ranked as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, we provide the latest, most effective treatments including promising new therapies and many innovative approaches to clinical care. Our expertise includes:
Our pathologists sub-specialize in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and are internationally recognized and consulted. They participate in weekly tumor board meetings, sharing information about each patient’s unique cancer with the entire care team to help guide treatment planning.
All members of our diagnostic radiology team are nationally recognized for expertise in using the most advanced imaging tools to diagnose and stage pancreatic cancer and to detect tumor changes.
Our imaging technologies include:
Other services include:
We were one of the first U.S. hospitals to offer ERCP, a minimally invasive procedure that combines X-ray and video endoscope technologies to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts. We also helped pioneer cholangioscopy, a new technique in ERCP, and have introduced other novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, some of which are available at only a few other cancer centers.
For many patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, administering cancer-fighting chemotherapy may be the most effective treatment. Some new cancer drugs that are currently available or in development are designed to block mutations and pathways that cause tumor cells to proliferate. By targeting tumor gene mutations with these “smart drugs”, our doctors are beginning to understand how to eradicate malignant cells in some patients' tumors without using standard treatments like traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
The Cancer Center has one of the country's largest, most experienced pancreatic cancer surgery teams. The type of surgery performed depends on the stage of the cancer, the location and size of the tumor and the patient's health. Our surgeons perform more than twice as many pancreatic resections as other hospitals in the region. Studies indicate that such high-volume experience often results in better outcomes for patients. Types of surgery for pancreatic cancer include:
Learn more about surgery for pancreatic cancer.
In this video, Mass General provides its outcomes and performance data for surgical treatment of pancreatic conditions including cancer and necrotizing pancreatitis.
Our high volume of pancreatectomies—and skilled team of highly rated pancreatic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and physical therapists—help us to attain expected results in treating patients with extremely complex conditions of the pancreas. In our care, we emphasize minimally invasive surgical and anesthetic techniques that enable shorter stays and fewer complications. Patients at Mass General are able to leave the hospital sooner compared to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) norms.
View our surgical outcomes compared to national data
Our team approach ensures that every patient benefits from an individualized, coordinated and compassionate treatment plan, with care provided by leading experts from many specialties. We consider patients, their family and friends involved in their care to be part of this team. Depending on the stage and other characteristics of your pancreatic cancer, this treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these therapies. Your care team may include:
Members of your care team meet regularly with you and your referring physician to ensure clear communication and seamless coordination of care.
Our multidisciplinary team of pancreatic cancer specialists provides individualized care and compassionate support services tailored to the needs of each patient. Pancreatic cancer care at Mass General combines clinical expertise with the most advanced medical technologies, research and clinical trials available to offer every patient the most appropriate therapies. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
Patients are usually seen within one week of referral.
Our team of radiation oncologists offers a variety of state-of-the-art radiation treatments to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be given alone, or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced therapies to treat pancreatic cancer, many of which are available at only a few select hospitals. Depending on the nature of a patient’s cancer, our team may suggest:
Learn about our gastrointestinal radiation oncology program.
Our research program in cancer of the pancreas is a multifaceted effort designed to better understand cancer biology, discover new therapies and improve treatment. The research program in pancreatic and all GI cancers is one of New England's largest, allowing us to bring promising new treatments to patients as quickly as possible.
The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) has recognized Mass General as both an NPF Pancreatic Cancer Center and an NPF Pancreatitis (non-cancerous) Center. These important recognitions are given to premier healthcare facilities that focus on the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis, best possible outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. Learn more about the NPF recognitions.
The Cancer Center is a leading provider of clinical trials in New England for pancreatic cancer, making clinical trial evaluation of new therapies a key treatment option. The goal of clinical trials is to seek and answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer. Find clinical trials for pancreatic cancer.
Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, MD
Learn more about genetic risks for pancreatic cancer.
Learn more about surgery for pancreatic cancer.
A checklist of items to bring with you for your first visit and helpful information.
We offer a variety of education and support resources to help you and your family.
We offer a wide range of integrative therapies, workshops and support groups.
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Your gift enables our team at the Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers to pursue new treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Make a gift.
Mass General has the only proton therapy site in all of New England, with two proton therapy centers.
Our support programs can help patients and their families cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Mass General provides its outcomes and performance data for surgical treatment of pancreatic conditions including cancer and necrotizing pancreatitis.
Losartan may augment the benefits of other anti-cancer therapies by reducing tumor invasion and immunosuppression.
Learn about screening, prevention, medical management and treatment options for those with gene mutations or those at hereditary risk for pancreatic cancer.
Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about our programs.