Abstract

Each year in the UK, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in around 7,000 people.1 At least 80% of these present with locally advanced inoperable or metastatic disease and most patients with pancreatic cancer die within a year of diagnosis.2^,3 Here, we review treatment options, dealing exclusively with adenocarcinoma (the commonest tumour type), focusing on whether they cure the disease, prolong survival, alleviate symptoms or improve quality of life.