A Myriad of Symptoms: New Approaches to Optimizing Palliative Care of Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) require early and frequent palliative interventions to achieve optimal quality of life for the duration of illness. Evidence-based supportive treatments exist to maximize quality of life for any patient, whether receiving chemotherapy or not. This article provides a comprehensive review of symptoms with current treatment recommendations and directions for future development. Celiac plexus neurolysis improves pain in the majority of patients with APC and should be moved earlier in the analgesic paradigm. Malignant bowel obstruction can be palliated quickly with optimal management via gastric decompression, octreotide, parenteral opioids, and standing antiemetics. Recommendations are provided for best treatment of malignant gastroparesis, gastric outlet obstruction, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in this population. Malignant ascites can be treated initially with diuretics and sodium-restriction in patients with an exudative process; however, an indwelling catheter is recommended for patients with recurrent ascites, particularly because of carcinomatosis or a refractory process. With exocrine insufficiency contributing to weight loss, pancreatic enzyme replacement is essential to improve nourishment in the majority of patients. Presently, megestrol acetate is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for the anorexia-cachexia syndrome, although future developments are promising. Finally, patients with advanced pancreatic cancer should be screened and treated early for depression as a common comorbid diagnosis. Early palliative care consultation also helps address the existential and psychosocial concerns of patients facing death from pancreatic cancer in a holistic manner.