By increasing understanding of pancreatic cancer before treatment begins, Ohio State doctors could improve outcomes for patients. Pancreatic cancer presents many challenges for oncologists, especially in cases that are resistant to radiation therapies, which becomes apparent after treatment has commenced. “It is a notoriously difficult cancer to treat,” Kenneth Pitter, MD, PhD, says. “One of the challenges that we face in this field is that for any given treatment, we don't necessarily know ahead of time how it's going to work for a specific patient.” Click to learn more about pancreatic cancer treatment at Ohio State. The early identification of radiation-resistant tumors is a subject of current research at Ohio State, where a diverse team of experts takes a holistic approach to the science of pancreatic cancer treatment. “We have clinical trials that are developed right here at Ohio State,” Pitter says. “We have a multi-disciplinary clinic where a patient can come in and meet with multiple providers, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology — but also a dedicated team of gastroenterologists, pain specialists, nutritionists and physical therapists — to really customize our treatment recommendations.” The trials are part of the OSUCCC – James’ comprehensive pancreatic cancer efforts, which focus on research and care to address one of the most difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. Click for info about cancer clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James. Pancreatic cancer’s challenges are often related to the lack of early diagnoses due to symptoms — including jaundice, dark urine, unexplained weight loss and back pain — that present late or are linked to other, less serious health conditions. Those barriers to early diagnoses heighten the importance of administering effective therapies as early in the treatment process as possible. “We have a very active group that is looking for novel, high-risk features to identify patients before they ever know that they have cancer, and to try to screen and intervene early,” Pitter says. Click to learn about gastrointestinal cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The James.