Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer- related death in this country with a clearly increased incidence in recent decades. Currently, overall mortality approaches 100%; and thus, palliation of these patients is the primary clinical objective. Pain and weight loss are the primary symptoms of pancreatic cancer occurring in over 90% of patients at presentation and in almost all patients at some time during their course. This project proposes to address the treatment of pain associated with pancreatic cancer by proposing two randomized, controlled studies. The two specific aims are: Protocol I which will address the role of intraoperative chemical splanchnicectomy in the treatment of patients undergoing a surgical procedure for diagnosis or palliation of pancreatic cancer, and Protocol II which will compare the ability of three standard nonoperative methods of pancreatic cancer pain control - percutaneous, celiac plexus block, external beam radiation therapy, or routine oral narcotic administration. In both protocols pain, functional status, and quality of life will be assessed prior to and following administration of the pain- relieving measure. Results of these studies will provide information concerning the best means of pain control in patients with unresectable cancer of the pancreas.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01CA049776-01
Application #
3194029
Study Section
(SRC)
Project Start
1989-06-01
Project End
1992-05-31
Budget Start
1989-06-01
Budget End
1990-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
045911138
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218