pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is located deep in the abdominal cavity, between the stomach and the spine. Therefore, if a disease develops and pancreatic cancer occurs, many tests cannot accurately detect it or determine the extent of the tumor’s spread. The new generation of microneedle puncture technology can penetrate the stomach to reach the pancreas and extract tissue for biopsy, which can help improve diagnostic accuracy.
Zhu Siu-ho, honorary consultant surgeon at Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital, pointed out that the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not obvious, and there have been patients with tumors over 30 centimeters without symptoms. As many as 88% of patients were diagnosed in the middle to late stages, and the 5-year survival rate is only 44%. If If it has spread, only 3% will remain. “If you have upper abdominal discomfort but cannot tell what the problem is, you should consider the possibility of pancreatic cancer; if you continue to feel uncomfortable, you must seek medical advice to find out the cause.”
Related to type 2 diabetes
Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate. The number of diagnoses and deaths in the past 10 years has been similar. At the same time, the number of deaths and the number of diagnosed young patients have also shown an upward trend, with a significant increase of 72% and 91% respectively. Zhu Zhaohao reminded that pancreatic cancer is closely related to diabetes. “Up to 80% of patients suffer from type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance (blood sugar is elevated but does not meet the criteria for diabetes) before and after diagnosis. For every 0.56mmol/L increase in fasting blood sugar, the Increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 14%. The worse the diabetes, the greater the risk. Diabetic patients aged 20 to 54 have a risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 6 times that of the general population. If a thin person has diabetes, a structural scan of the pancreas should be performed.”
pancreatic cancer
pancreatic cancer
more accurate diagnosis
Among various examinations, blood tests (CA19-9 cancer index), magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and laparoscopy are relatively effective in diagnosing pancreatic cancer, but they still cannot extract tissue or are highly invasive. problem. The new generation of microneedle puncture uses an ultrasonic endoscope as a guide. The instrument is first entered through the mouth. When it reaches the duodenum, it uses ultrasound to examine the pancreas. If a tumor is found, 3 to 4 hair-thin microneedle punctures are used. The stomach is pierced and the pancreatic tumor tissue is extracted for testing. The accuracy is about 70%. Zhu Zhaohao pointed out, “In the past, diagnosis was only made through cancer index and scan images. With the new technology, the accuracy is not only higher, but also pancreatic tumors are not only found to be glandular tumors, but also endocrine neuromas, benign watery cysts, etc. , so more targeted treatment can be made.”
Nanoknife electrocutes cancer cells
At present, target and immunotherapy do not have good effects on pancreatic cancer. Surgery is still the main treatment method, combined with adjuvant treatments such as chemotherapy. Zhu Zhaohao explained, “There are several different surgical resection methods, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy to remove the ‘pancreatic head’, distal pancreatectomy to remove the ‘pancreatic tail’, minimally invasive pancreatectomy with smaller wounds, and total pancreatectomy. Pancreatic resection. Total pancreatectomy is suitable for patients with tumors in the head and tail. However, they will definitely develop diabetes after surgery and need to receive insulin injection treatment.”
For patients who cannot undergo surgery, in addition to radiation therapy, “irreversible electroporation therapy (NanoKnife)” can also be considered. In the process, 2 to 6 slender electric rods are inserted into the pancreatic tumor, and then a high voltage of about 3,000 volts is released at the tip of the needle. The tumor is electrocuted. “If the voltage is insufficient, the pierced cell membrane can be restored. If it is too high, the heat generated will cause pancreatic complications. The literature states that this method can kill 98% to 99% of patients within the treatment range.” Cancer cells die, but it is not suitable for patients who cannot receive general anesthesia or have pacemakers or stents implanted.”
The original article was published on AM730
2023-10-03 20:30:25
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