Pancreatic Cancer Signs

Pancreatic Cancer is malignant tumors found on the pancreas. Tarceva is a
drug which is used for treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in advanced Pancreatic Cancer patients in combination with another drug Gemzar (Gemcitabine). Combination therapy was approved by FDA on Nov 2, 2005. The drug is marketed byGenentech in U.S. 

Tarceva and Gemzar combinational therapy is given to advanced Pancreatic Cancer patients whose cancer cannot be removed surgically, or to those patients who have not taken chemotherapy yet. Pancreatic Symptoms varies from individuals. The most common symptoms are Back pain, Constipation, Loss of appetite, which results in weight loss, Jaundice with dark yellow colored urine.  

How does Tarceva work on the patients?

Tarceva, which is the gold Standard treatment for Pancreatic Cancer works
differently from other chemotherapies. Tarceva prevents the growth of tumor cells present on the pancreas. It breaks the cells by blocking the protein present on the cancer cells which is responsible for the growth of the cancer cells. The protein present in human body is called Human Epidermal Growth Receptor (HGR1/EGFR). The tarceva pancreatic caner is used to treat adverse conditions of cancer. Tarceva pills must be taken either an hour before eating or two hours after eating. Gemzar can be given through needle injection.

 Rash is very common side effect of Tarceva. Mild soaps and Mild moisturizers can be used to treat the affected areas. It is a must to avoid drinking grape juices during in take of Tarceva. Some people experience nausea, Vomiting, Cough, Eye irritation and fever too while taking this treatment. It is advised to consult a doctor incase of the above symptoms. For nausea and Vomiting greasy foods can be avoided. Patients also experience heart attack or Stroke during the treatment. Once you consult a doctor, he/she might reduce the dose of Tarceva taken everyday. Pregnant women taking Tarceva must avoid breastfeeding or else it may  affect the new born.

To increase appetite, patients can take a short walk. To increase or maximize the effect of the treatment, patients who are likely to be benefited can be selected. Another way is to increase the dose of the drugs depending on the stage of the cancer. Combinational therapy works out well and Tarceva helps to increase the life span of human. Thus tarceva pancreatic cancer plays an important rule in the treatment of the disease.