'Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Research Center' launched by Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Taipei Veterans General Hospital (VGH) was the first medical center to have the heavy iron radiotherapy or carbon iron radiotherapy (CIRT) in Taiwan. CIRT wound significant boost to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of pancreatic cancer treatment, the ' Therapeutic and Research Center of Pancreatic Cancer' (TRCPC) has been launched, bringing together the experienced experts from various departments. This center aims to become a formidable killer to the pancreas cancer, so-called 'King of Cancers', and hope to rewrite the history of pancreatic cancer treatment.
Surgical resection remains the most effective option for curing the pancreatic cancer so far. However, due to the inconspicuous symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, it is often diagnosed late and at an advanced stage where surgery is no longer feasible. In such cases, only palliative treatments involving chemotherapy and radiation are possible, earning it the nickname 'King of Cancers.' In contrast to traditional photon radiation therapy that passes through the body, heavy particles (carbon ions) can precisely target the tumor with minimal harm to the normal body tissue. For patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be curatively resected with surgery, a combination of chemotherapy and heavy iron radiotherapy or carbon iron radiotherapy (CIRT) can shrink the tumor, allowing for complete and curative resection and could provide a renewed chance at life for the pancreatic cancer patients.
Mr. Lee, a 74 years old male patient, presented in February 2023 with upper abdominal discomfort and weight loss. Examination revealed a pancreatic head cancer with encasement of the superior mesenteric vein and artery, making it inoperable due to the locally-advanced pancreatic cancer. After a combination of chemotherapy and heavy iron radiotherapy or carbon iron radiotherapy (CIRT), the tumor shrank from 4 centimeters to nearly imperceptible. In June, he successfully underwent a curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (surgery to remove the head of the pancreas and the duodenum). The surgical specimen showed minimal evidence of the tumor, and pathology examination only found single cells or rare small groups of cancer cells, indicating near complete response to neoadjuvant therapy, Modified Ryan Scheme score 1.
Director Yi-Ming Shyr emphasized that the missions of 'Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Research Center' not only perform complex pancreatic surgeries but also integrate imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and pathological diagnosis teams to swiftly, effectively and accurately diagnose patients, enabling early treatment and managing postoperative complications, resulting in a surgical mortality rate of less than 2%. For patients who cannot undergo surgical resection, the center can provide systemic chemotherapy or a combination of heavy iron radiotherapy or carbon iron radiotherapy (CIRT) to enhance local treatment control of pancreatic cancers. This approach could provide some previously inoperable patients the opportunity for surgery significantly improving the survival rate of pancreatic cancer and dispelling the reputation of being the 'King of Cancers" for the notorious pancreatic cancer.
