As pancreatic cancer progresses, the main 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. For example:
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 patients.