Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is difficult and at times may feel overwhelming. You might have several appointments to juggle with different doctors and care teams, plan treatment and make other life arrangements to accommodate everything. Among other things, it can be time-consuming — but the pancreatic cancer team at the OSUCCC – James believes it can be done differently.
The Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at the OSUCCC – James offers a comprehensive, multi-provider assessment of your cancer. In a single-day visit, you’ll meet with all the members of your treatment team to get diagnostic testing, education and resources to start your highly targeted treatment plan.
Pancreatic cancer is a common but aggressive form of cancer. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are critical to ensuring the best possible outcome, which is one major advantage of the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at the OSUCCC – James.
What will my visit to the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic include?
From screening to treatment, every step of your pancreatic cancer journey is handled with personalized care and attention to detail.
While visiting our Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, you’ll meet with various members of your cancer care team. Your single-day visit will include:
- Diagnostic testing (CT scan): A CT scan will create a clear image of the pancreas and the size and location of the tumor.
- Laboratory blood tests: Testing the blood for pancreatic cancer typically involves tumor markers such as CA 19-9, which is a substance that your body creates in response to cancer; if there’s an elevated level of CA 19-9, you may have developed pancreatic cancer.
- Multidisciplinary tumor board: Tumor boards are a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts who work together to make decisions based on diagnosis, treatment and care.
- Multidisciplinary individual assessment: Your individual pancreatic cancer assessment is based on a variety of factors that help the OSUCCC – James team create a targeted plan for treatment. You’ll meet with doctors from different areas including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, social work and supportive care.
- Personalized plan for treatment: Your treatment plan is based on the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic’s comprehensive approach and analysis. You will be screened for eligible clinical trials available at the OSUCCC for your disease.
Your day at the Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Clinic
You should plan to spend a full day at the clinic, with a 90-minute lunch break included starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. You’ll meet with providers beginning at 1 p.m. and those meetings may last several hours.
While at the Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Clinic, your day may consist of:
- Registration: Including receiving your full schedule for the day.
- Labs and imaging: Preliminary screenings and imaging (such as a CT scan) that will be provided to your cancer care team.
- Assessment with our pancreatic cancer Advanced Practice Provider (APP).
- Lunch break: During your 90-minute lunch break, clinical providers will review your lab and testing results to determine a personalized care plan.
- Appointments with your team: Including a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, genetic counselor and social worker (as needed) to discuss treatment options and plan of care.
- Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments as needed or recommended by your care team.
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to expedite the check-in and registration process. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please contact the OSUCCC – James scheduling team at 614-293-7171 (24 hours’ notice is preferred).
Your pancreatic cancer care team
Based on your diagnosis and individual needs, your care team at the OSUCCC – James Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Clinic may consist of the following:
- Surgical oncologist
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Dietitian
- Genetic counselor
- Social worker
This specialized team works across disciplines to create highly targeted treatment plans. At the OSUCCC – James, we’re committed to better outcomes, faster response times and better quality of life for people with pancreatic cancer.
Related Resources
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Team
Pancreatic Cancer Screening and Diagnosis