Cedars-Sinai's Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases Program specializes in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer in adults and children using state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical techniques.

Combining innovative research, a multidisciplinary team of experts and advanced technology, Cedars-Sinai provides a range of services for patients matched by few other medical centers. Under the leadership of Simon K. Lo, MD, Director of the Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases Program, this team of experienced specialists brings together varied perspectives. This assures that all options are given consideration to best meet each patient's personal needs.

Cedars-Sinai's record for successful outcomes and patient safety in treating pancreatic and biliary diseases is nationally recognized.

The fourth leading cause of cancer death, pancreatic cancer many have no symptoms at all initially. When symptoms occur, they often are the same as symptoms for other types of pancreatic conditions.

Timely and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is critical to treatment. Physicians at the Cedars-Sinai Pancreatic and Biliary Program are experts in the use of advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography and computer-guided biopsies.

Sophisticated tools such as the following aid in both diagnosis and treatment:

• Brachytherapy, which delivers targeted radiation inside the body using an endoscope
• Photodynamic therapy, which uses a laser to activate light-sensitive agents to destroy cancer
• Endoscopic ultrasonography, which uses sounds waves generated by a device on the tip on an endoscope to diagnose and treat digestive system tumors and cancers
  

These technologies give doctors the ability to see inside the body without using traditional surgery. For the doctor, it means a better ability to confirm diagnoses and develop treatment plans.

If pancreatic cancer is caught at its earliest stages, the cancer can sometimes be surgically removed. This procedure may include removing part of the pancreas, part of the small intestine and some nearby tissue (Whipple procedure). Sometimes the entire pancreas and surrounding organs must be removed. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used after surgery as well, which is offered through the Outpatient Cancer Center.

If the cancer has spread too far, removal of the tumor may not be an option. However, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to relieve symptoms. Endoscopic therapy, which delivers various types of therapy to the pancreas using a long flexible scope, is minimally invasive.

Along with treatment options, the Pancreatic and Biliary Program has an active research program investigating promising new therapies for treating pancreatic cancer and other conditions. Patients in the program may volunteer for clinical trials to test the effectiveness of these potential treatments.