What are the supportive therapies for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. In recent years, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has become increasingly younger, and the treatment methods for pancreatic cancer have progressed slowly. Patients can also alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life through supportive therapy.

1. Control pain

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Before taking treatment measures, the cause of pain must be identified. For emergencies such as gastrointestinal obstruction, surgical assistance is often required. Secondly, the degree of pain must be identified. According to the patient's pain level, oral analgesics should be taken on time and in sufficient amounts under the guidance of a doctor. Mild pain can be treated with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin, paracetamol, and aspirin. Moderate pain can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with weak morphine such as codeine, commonly used amfencodeine and rofencodeine. Severe pain should be treated with oral morphine in a timely manner. If necessary, ask the radiotherapy department to assist in pain relief, and avoid intramuscular injection of pethidine alone.

2. Improve cachexia

As pancreatic cancer worsens, especially in the late stages, cachexia may occur. Medroxyprogesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate is often used to improve appetite, pay attention to nutritional support, and promptly detect and correct liver and kidney dysfunction and water and electrolyte disorders to avoid endangering the patient's life.

3. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment

For patients with more serious conditions or extremely weak bodies, more conservative traditional Chinese medicine treatment can be adopted, which can play an anti-cancer and body-strengthening role, and play a role in increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Medication can be used rationally under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Prescription: appropriate amounts of Adenophora Root, Ophiopogon japonicus, Rehmannia glutinosa, pollen, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Licorice, Cortex Lycii, Hedyotis diffusa, Smilax glabra, Poria cocos, Scorched Hawthorn Fruit, and Rhubarb.

Dosage: Decoction in water, 1 dose per day.

Efficacy: Suitable for patients with mid-to-late stage pancreatic cancer who have persistent low fever, upper abdominal distension, hard stools and yellow urine, poor appetite, and a bitter taste in the mouth and little saliva.