Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas hides behind other organs in your abdomen. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer don’t appear right away, which makes the condition difficult to catch early. That’s why you want to talk with the pancreatic cancer specialists at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City.

Comprehensive Care for Pancreatic Cancer

Whether you’re newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, facing a recurrence or seeking a second opinion, when you get your cancer care at Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, you’ll collaborate with a nationally renowned, multidisciplinary team of pancreatic cancer experts. These highly trained specialists treat more people with gastrointestinal cancers than any other medical center in Oklahoma, which means you benefit from their extensive experience.

Individualized Treatment Plan & Team-Based Care

With the help of your expert Stephenson Cancer Center team, you and your doctors will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Your plan may take advantage of advanced imaging technology for accurate diagnosis, as well as innovative treatment options and effective management for all stages of pancreatic cancer. As your treatment progresses, your team of specialists meets weekly to review your status and recommend adjustments to ensure you receive the best possible care that fits your needs.

Throughout your journey with Stephenson Cancer Center, you benefit from important systems in place to support your safety, as well as diligent coordination of care and communication with all physicians and specialists involved with your health, no matter where you receive additional treatment.

Pancreatic Cancer Services & Treatments

With evidence-based treatments and innovative symptom management procedures available to address your particular condition, you and your Stephenson Cancer Center care team can choose from a variety of pancreatic cancer services and treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy – Medical therapies to inhibit cell growth
• Immunotherapy and other novel approaches resulting from clinical trials
• Radiation/proton therapy – Targeted treatment aimed at shrinking the tumor
• Specialized surgery – Includes robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures, such as the innovative Whipple procedure that removes connected tissues and tumor from the head of the pancreas

Pioneering Innovative Laparoscopic Whipple Procedure

Your Stephenson Cancer Center expert pancreatic cancer surgeons performed Oklahoma’s first minimally invasive laparoscopic Whipple procedure and currently offer the only laparoscopic Whipple procedure program in the state. Ask your care team if you may qualify for this life-changing surgery.

Cancer Navigation Services

Throughout your journey at Stephenson Cancer Center, your care team includes a nurse navigator, a specially trained registered nurse (RN) who acts as your personal advocate and adds an extra layer of support. Learn more about cancer navigation services.

Supportive Care Services

You also gain access to extensive supportive care services, such as genetic counseling, nutritional therapy, support groups, palliative care, cancer education workshops, and symptom and pain management. And you’ll find all your cancer-related services in a bright, welcoming, up-to-date facility close to home and designed for your comfort and convenience.

Clinical Trials for Advanced Treatment

In Stephenson Cancer Center’s comprehensive program, you also may qualify to participate in cancer clinical trials as part of the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), giving you early access to today’s newest drugs and potential breakthrough treatments before they become widely available.

The high number of people enrolled in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer at Stephenson Cancer Center shows the determination of dedicated scientists and researchers at OU Health to rapidly develop better treatments and methods of prevention.

Your Pancreatic Cancer Care Team

At Stephenson Cancer Center, you join a team of highly experienced pancreatic cancer experts who collaborate with a variety of medical specialists, including medical oncologists, cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists and gastroenterologists. Even before your first appointment, your team of more than 30 physicians conducts a thorough review and evaluation of your medical history and current health concerns as they work together to develop an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan for your particular condition.