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Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an abnormal growth of the cells of the pancreatic duct. The American Cancer Society estimates that 37,170 men and women will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2007.

Why Choose the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center for your care?

The Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Clinic provides:

• Diagnostic testing completed quickly, with same day procedures available;
• Expertise in diagnostic procedures (such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography);
• Availability of interventional radiologists for biopsies;
• Specialized CT scan and endoscopic ultrasound procedures for diagnosis and staging;
• Combined treatment approaches for localized pancreatic cancer.
• The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association named the U-M Health System a Center for Complex and Rare Cancers

We are at the forefront of research on pancreatic cancer.
In March, 2009, researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a gene that is overexpressed in 90 percent of pancreatic cancer, the most deadly type of cancer. Previously, in 2007 our researchers discovered the small number of cells in pancreatic cancer capable of fueling the tumor's growth. This finding was the first identification of cancer stem cells in pancreatic tumors. Our research shows that just a few cancer stem cells are responsible for the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer. Unless these stem cells are destroyed, the cancer will return. Our goal is to develop a new therapy targeted directly at cancer stem cells. If we succeed, it will be a major step forward in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We have more information on our Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer web pages.

Make an appointment

Contact our CancerAnswerLine at 800-865-1125 or go to our make an appointment web page.

Additional Resources

Learn about how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed on the Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer web page.

Learn about how pancreatic cancer is treated at the U-M Cancer Center on the Treatment web page.

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