Is Chemotherapy Suitable for My 82-Year-Old Grandmother with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer?
Is chemotherapy suitable for a patient with stage IV pancreatic cancer who has insufficient physical strength? My grandmother is 82 years old, lives a regular life, and has no bad habits. She has stage IV pancreatic cancer that has spread to the peritoneum and intestines (diffuse...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In cases of advanced age and poor nutritional status, where the patient is unable to undergo oral chemotherapy, it is recommended to consider palliative care and symptom management. If palliative care and symptom management are initiated, subsequent evaluations will depend on the...[Read More] Is Chemotherapy Suitable for My 82-Year-Old Grandmother with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer?
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Pain: Key Differences from Muscle Strain
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer? I would like to ask the doctor about the back pain and abdominal pain that occur with pancreatic cancer. What is the nature of this pain, and how does it differ from muscle strains or muscle pain? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
These pains are indistinguishable, and many, about half, may not present any sensation of pain.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Pain: Key Differences from Muscle Strain
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Distinguishing Back Pain and Abdominal Pain
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer? I would like to ask the doctor if there is a specific pattern for the back pain and abdominal pain caused by pancreatic cancer. Also, what are the obvious differences between this pain and muscle pain? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is there a specific pattern for the back and abdominal pain caused by pancreatic cancer? A: It is difficult to describe it in such terms. 2. What are the obvious differences between this pain and muscle pain? A: You can refer to: https://heho.com.tw/archives/51626. In simple ...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Distinguishing Back Pain and Abdominal Pain
Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Pancreatic cancer metastasized to the liver, with bilateral lower extremity edema up to the knees? Last November, a family member (female) was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer and underwent a Whipple resection. Post-surgery, she did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Fou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuyu / 28 years old / Female 1. What does the doctor think should be done in this situation? A: 1.1 The cancer itself may cause cachexia, leading to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in a severe weight loss down to 33 kg. Even with supplementation, it may not be sufficient. T...[Read More] Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Signs of Pancreatic Cancer Doctor, I would like to ask if elevated blood sugar levels or weight loss are common issues before a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or if these symptoms typically appear only in the later stages. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Wei / 30 years old / Male 1. I would like to ask if elevated blood sugar levels or weight loss are common issues before a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. A: Not necessarily. Some individuals may be asymptomatic and discover the diagnosis during routine check-ups, while oth...[Read More] Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Normal pancreatic index? My mother initially thought she had stomach discomfort, but after undergoing an MRI in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department, the report indicated a 90% likelihood of stage 3 pancreatic cancer. After being evaluated by an oncologist, there wer...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Currently, the method for biopsy in pancreatic cancer is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, which has an extremely low risk of cancer cell dissemination due to the tumor biopsy. For stage III pancreatic cancer, preoperative treatment may involve either chemother...[Read More] Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Managing Swelling in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Lower extremity edema due to chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 71 years old and has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Abraxane, and he has completed his 13th cycle. Starting from the 13th cycle, ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot provide an answer without understanding the medical condition. 2. Eating eggs does not supplement albumin; albumin is produced by the liver and is not directly absorbed from any food. 3. Edema is a clinical manifestation that can accompany many different diseas...[Read More] Managing Swelling in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
The effectiveness of SLOG therapy for pancreatic cancer? Hello, doctor. My mother is 76 years old. In July of this year, she experienced abdominal pain and was examined at Cathay General Hospital in Taipei, where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis. My ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no standard answer to this treatment question. When it comes to medication options for advanced pancreatic cancer, which is better? Which has fewer side effects? What kind of treatment can the body still tolerate? It all depends on the current situation. I cannot ...[Read More] Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support
Pancreatic cancer issues? Dear Doctor, My family member has stage IV pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Is chemotherapy recommended? If chemotherapy is undertaken, what is the approximate life expectancy? Currently, they have no appetite and are unable to eat...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In stage IV pancreatic cancer, if the patient's physical condition is still acceptable (able to move freely, without cachexia, etc.), chemotherapy is still recommended. As for the survival period, it primarily depends on the patient's response to treatment and changes i...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support
Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer and Lynparza (olaparib) issues? 1) Can patients with fallopian tube cancer use Lynparza (olaparib) out-of-pocket? What is the approximate cost range? What are the criteria for insurance coverage? 2) For a patient with stage III fallopian tube cancer who has relaps...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, to answer the most important question, these new targeted therapies (Olaparib, Rucaparib, Niraparib), as well as the older targeted drug Avastin, are currently not covered by health insurance in Taiwan. The chances of them being covered in the future are also l...[Read More] Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Managing Rising Cancer Markers: Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Elevated cancer markers? Hello, my father was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in December, with vascular involvement making surgery impossible. His CA19-9 level is 340, and he has completed a regimen of 7 days of chemotherapy followed by 1 week off, and will continue wi...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to discuss with the attending physician for more appropriate guidance![Read More] Managing Rising Cancer Markers: Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Postoperative and chemotherapy monitoring of abnormal CEA levels? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a colectomy last November, and her CEA level was in the 70s at that time. After the surgery, the level did not decrease. Following the initiation of chemotherapy, the CEA level con...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level is indeed a tumor marker, but it is not specific and is not limited to colorectal cancer. Elevated levels can occur in various cancers throughout the body, such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, pa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
About pancreatic cancer? Hello, I am asking on behalf of my mother who is 50 years old, does not smoke or drink, and has a normal lifestyle. A month ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries and colon. Initially, she experienced abdominal ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
According to your description, your mother has pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the ovaries and colon, classified as stage IV cancer. Currently, she is post-surgery and receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy and thrombolytic therapy. To address your questions in order: 1. Accor...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The efficacy of TS-1? Hello, Doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage IIA pancreatic cancer and has undergone a Whipple resection to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and gallbladder. The attending physician plans to use oral TS-1 for adjuvant therapy. I would lik...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. TS-1 as adjuvant therapy after pancreatic cancer surgery has shown a clinical treatment effect compared to the commonly used first-line chemotherapy drug (Gemcitabine), with a 5-year survival rate increase of approximately 20%. 2. Overall, TS-1 may be benefi...[Read More] Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Breast cancer metastasis to the lungs? Is it possible for breast cancer that has metastasized to the lungs to also metastasize to the liver?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, sir: The most common sites of cancer metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. The primary metastatic sites for different types of cancer are as follows: - Breast cancer: lungs, liver, bones. - Colorectal cancer: liver, peritoneum, lungs. - Kidney cancer: lungs, liver,...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Can TS-1 for Pancreatic Cancer Be Taken After Liquid Meals?
Consultation on the administration of TS-1? Is the pancreatic cancer medication TS-1 required to be taken after meals? If I am unable to eat, is it acceptable to take it after drinking Ensure liquid nutrition?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Mr. Jiang: 1. According to research, administering medication in a fasting state alters the bioavailability of oteracil potassium. Additionally, the phosphorylation of capecitabine is inhibited, which reduces its antitumor efficacy. Therefore, TS-1 should be taken after m...[Read More] Can TS-1 for Pancreatic Cancer Be Taken After Liquid Meals?
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: TS-1 and Tarceva for Seniors
What are the side effects of chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Chen: Thank you for your detailed response the other day. You mentioned that for older patients, chemotherapy is recommended to be done with oral medications, with TS-1 being the first choice (and if financially feasible, addin...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. TS-1 is an oral chemotherapy drug that is taken daily for four weeks (28 days), followed by a two-week break. The daily dosage is determined based on the patient's height and weight. Tarceva, on the other hand, is also an oral targeted th...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: TS-1 and Tarceva for Seniors
Is Chemotherapy Suitable for Elderly Patients After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?
Is chemotherapy suitable for elderly patients after pancreatic cancer surgery? Dear Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding my mother, who is 88 years old. She underwent surgery for a pancreatic tumor in mid-May, and nearly three months later, on July 20, her...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the questions you raised, I can see that you have thought deeply and far about future matters. Pancreatic cancer surgery is considered one of the most complex procedures in surgery (it is difficult to perform, the operation time is extremely long, and the wound ta...[Read More] Is Chemotherapy Suitable for Elderly Patients After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?