Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSurvival RatesFactors That Influence SurvivalAdvances in TreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Survival Rates
Factors That Influence Survival
Advances in Treatment
Coping
Thestage 4 pancreatic cancersurvival rate is low, with a five-year relative survival rate of 2.9%.Because the signs and symptoms ofpancreatic cancertake so long to appear in those with the disease, the majority of cases are diagnosed in the later stages and are associated with a poorer prognosis.
However, data have shown that the five-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer has been increasing since 2015. This is largely due to the emergence of new targeted drug therapies andimmunotherapies.
This article discusses the survival rate of stage 4 pancreatic cancer and ways to manage and cope with the condition.
Fly View Productions / Getty Images
The 2.9% five-year relative survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer means that there is a 2.9% chance of being alive five years after diagnosis.
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer would fall under the category of distant.
Understanding the NumbersWhen it comes to survival rates, it’s important to remember:These rates are estimates and are based on previous outcomes of large numbers of people who had a specific cancer.They can’t predict what will happen in any particular person’s case.They also don’t take into account multiple factors that could play a role in survival, such as age, overall health, and how well a person’s cancer responds to treatment.Due to the emergence of improved treatments, persons who are now diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may have a better prognosis than what the numbers show.
Understanding the Numbers
When it comes to survival rates, it’s important to remember:These rates are estimates and are based on previous outcomes of large numbers of people who had a specific cancer.They can’t predict what will happen in any particular person’s case.They also don’t take into account multiple factors that could play a role in survival, such as age, overall health, and how well a person’s cancer responds to treatment.Due to the emergence of improved treatments, persons who are now diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may have a better prognosis than what the numbers show.
When it comes to survival rates, it’s important to remember:
Importance of Prognosis With Cancer
Cancer Staging
Cancer is most commonly staged using the TNM system. The overall stage is determined after the cancer is assigned a letter or number to describe the tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M) categories:
At stage 4, the cancer has spread to other organs within the body, most typically the lungs and the liver. For those with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the best course of treatment is management to help alleviate and control symptoms.
Typically, doctors will recommendchemotherapyas well as palliative care.Palliative carefocuses on improving the quality of life for those with a serious disease and can take place alongside curative treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer
Tumor Type
Two types of tumors are commonly found in pancreatic cancer.
Exocrine Tumor:Exocrine tumors account for roughly 93% of pancreatic cancer tumors.They start in the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce enzymes that help with digestion.
Adenocarcinomais an exocrine tumor and is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. About nine out of 10 people with pancreatic cancer have adenocarcinoma.
Neuroendocrine Tumor:Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(PNETs), also called islet cell tumors, are slower-growing than exocrine tumors and begin from abnormal growth of islet cells. These make the hormones insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels. People with PNETs survive longer than those with exocrine tumors.
Age
Research has shown that adults under 60 years old who underwent resection of their tumors had a longer survival time than those who were older.Age at diagnosis has also been found to be a significant prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.
In one study, the five-year survival of patients who were 20 to 40 years old was almost three times that of patients who were over 40.The mortality risk of pancreatic cancer patients who were 40 to 80 years old was twice that of patients aged under 40, while those who were 80 years old and over had a mortality risk three times that of patients under 40.
Performance Status
Using the ECOG Performance Status Scale, a performance status can be categorized into six grades:
One study found that severe weight loss, large tumor diameter, and metastatic disease, in particular, were associated with significantly shorter overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients who had a poor performance status.
Surgery
Surgery is, in general, not pursued in stage 4 pancreatic cancer because cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Although perioperative survival tends to be low, surgery can sometimes improve survival times for these people.This is most especially true with left-side pancreas cancer.
Adjuvant therapy withchemotherapyalongside surgery has also been shown to be effective in increasing the chance of survival for people with pancreatic cancer. In one study, metastatic-stage patients with stable or partial response to chemotherapy had an increased overall survival, as did surgical patients with localized disease who received adjuvant treatment.
Biliary Drainage
People with pancreatic cancer may experience certain complications. One is the obstruction of thebiliary system.
The biliary system is a collection of ducts and organs that produces, stores, secretes, and transportsbile, which helps with food digestion. When an obstruction occurs because of a tumor, a person will need biliary drainage to remove the blockage.
Biliary drainage can be helpful in improving the survival rate in those with metastatic pancreatic cancer because it can alleviatejaundice. If jaundice is not treated, it can lead to an inability to absorb nutrients andcholestasis. Biliary drainage decreases the risk of developing these conditions.
ERCP: Everything You Need to Know
There have been some advances in treatment options in recent years that may help those with stage 4 pancreatic cancer live longer and experience fewer symptoms of their disease. These treatments include:
In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Onivyde (irinotecan liposome), used in combination with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin, for the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
The physical and emotional toll that stage 4 pancreatic cancer can take can be hard to bear. However, there are things you can do to improve your quality of life.
Treatment Side Effects
There will be side effects to contend with for each treatment option. Make note of any changes in your symptoms, whether they are improving or worsening while undergoing treatment, and speak with your healthcare professional about them. They may be able to tweak your treatment plan to minimize these effects and provide options for symptom relief.
Poor Nutrition
Stress
Coping With Cancer
Lifestyle Recommendations
The pancreas is an important organ for digestion and blood sugar regulation, and because of this, it’s important for people with pancreatic cancer to eat a healthy diet. This means eating a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. By eating foods that are rich in nutrients and easy for the body to digest, you can improve your quality of life while minimizing the side effects that come with treatment.
Specific foods that should be avoided include:
Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day may help improve your body’s ability to digest. Drinking plenty of fluids can improve your appetite, and letting your food cool to room temperature can aid in digestion.
Pancreatitis Diet: What to Eat and Avoid
Summary
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is a serious diagnosis that is associated with a low five-year survival rate. But thanks to science and medicine, there are now many treatment options that can help you manage your condition and live longer and better.
There are many other things you can do to improve your quality of life, such as seeking help from a support group and eating a healthy diet to manage your symptoms. You can also investigate clinical trials since they may be able to offer a new treatment option that is not yet available.
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