As pancreatic cancer progresses, the priority of treatment will shift from extending life to alleviating symptoms, especially pain. Numerous treatments can help protect against the discomfort from advanced pancreatic cancer:
- Procedures like bile duct stents can relieve jaundice, thus reducing itching and loss of appetite associated with bile obstruction.
- Opioid analgesics can help relieve pain.
- Antidepressants and counseling can help treat depression common in advanced pancreatic cancer.