[Expats & Ailments] Clinic Brings New Hope to Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases

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Shanghai's Zhongshan Hospital has launched the first clinic in the country for pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis, providing comprehensive treatment plans for both domestic and international patients.

Patients with this type of "silent cancer," which took the life of Steve Jobs, typically require surgery or medication for long-term survival and quality of life.

Patients with liver metastasis cancer affecting more than half of the organ were previously deemed unsuitable for effective surgical treatment. However, Zhongshan Hospital's new clinic now offers surgery targeting both the liver and pancreas, or liver transplants, providing patients with a chance for long-term survival.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) can occur throughout the body, primarily in the digestive system. In China, the pancreas is the most common site, making non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) a significant concern. These tumors are usually asymptomatic in early stages, earning the label "silent cancer," and are often diagnosed only after metastases, especially to the liver, have occurred.

NF-PanNETs rank as the second most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer. Its 5-year survival exceeds 50 percent.

"This tumor is unique and can occur in various body parts. More than 33.5 percent of patients have tumors in the pancreas. Incidence has risen 5 to 6 times over the last 30 years, with an inheritance rate of 17 percent," according to Dr Liu Liang, director of Zhongshan Hospital's pancreatic surgery department.

Dr Liu said that individuals with a family history should prioritize genetic screening, regular check-ups, and early diagnosis.

Early detection and accurate diagnosis pose significant challenges, as patients may exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, skin rash, diarrhea, dizziness, weight loss, and digestive bleeding. Liu stated that these symptoms are not significant enough to link to neuroendocrine neoplasms.

"Many patients miss timely diagnosis and optimal treatment due to inadequate understanding of the disease and insufficient testing methods.

"If you cannot identify the cause of your discomfort, I recommend undergoing a CT, MRI, or PET-CT to determine if it is neuroendocrine neoplasms," Dr Liu said.

Surgery is the primary treatment for neuroendocrine neoplasms, regardless of the stage. Non-surgical treatments such as medication and radionuclide therapy can aid cancer patients in survival. Patients have access to more options for effective, safe, and comfortable treatment.

Zhongshan offers hope

Liver metastasis is the primary cause of death in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm and represents a significant challenge in treatment.

More than 80 percent of cancer metastasis from neuroendocrine neoplasms occurs in the liver. Zhongshan Hospital challenges the conventional view that surgery is meaningless for patients with 50 percent liver cancer involvement, offering treatment options instead.

"We use combined therapy to enhance patients' longevity and quality of life," Dr Liu said. "Patients nationwide and internationally can receive personalized therapy at our clinic."

If you want to consult about the clinic

Service time: Tuesday morning (Zhongshan's western part on No. 111 Yixueyuan Rd)

中山医院西院区20号楼9楼2诊室:专家门诊(胰腺外科);医学院路111号)

Thursday morning (Zhongshan's eastern part on No. 260 Xiaomuqiao Rd)

中山医院东院区15号楼2楼22诊室: 高级专家门诊(胰腺外科);小木桥路260号

E-mail: liu.liang@zs-hospital.sh.cn

The hospital is covered by commercial insurance.