One third of patients with [pancreatic cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/pancreatic-cancer) are over 70 years of age, and cancer of the pancreas is a debilitating and often lethal disease that can afflict any age group.
Signs of pancreatic cancer can include weight loss, an abrupt decrease in blood sugar or a decrease in the white blood cell count. Pain in the upper part of the abdomen may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Pain in the back and stomach may be a sign of pancreatitis.
Cancer of pancreatic is one of the 10 most common cancer of Western countries and can develop in all demographics. Pancreas is one of the five most common sites of gastrointestinal cancer, with pancreatic cancer accounting for less than 5% of the total number of gastrointestinal cancer cases. It is the 9th most common cause of cancer related death in United Kingdom.
If the body produces harmful chemicals or if it doesn't get enough nutrients, then it may eventually develop cancer of pancreas. \n\nThe most common cause of pancreatic cancer is chronic smoking of cigarettes. Other common cancer causing factors are stomach pain due to gallstones, alcohol consumption, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, family history of pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis due to chronic pancreatitis of unknown cause, gallstones due to chronic pancreatitis and excess alcohol intake. It is thought that this cancer is caused by the overproduction of enzymes that damage the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer is commonly treated with either chemotherapy or surgery. Chemotherapy combines the benefits of surgery with the adverse effects of chemotherapy, often producing long-lasting remission before the development of disease progression or metastasis.
When cancer of pancreas is localized and the tumour has a low mitotic rate, surgery is the treatment of choice. However, it is possible for cancer cells from pancreatic cancer to travel outside the pancreas and form a metastatic lesion. The use of targeted therapy is the key for a cure.
At this point of time, we have little information to support our current treatment protocols for [pancreas cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/pancreas-cancer). We have more opportunities for prevention of this devastating cancer.
L-glutamine is safe and effective in reducing grade 2-3 chronic diarrhea and grade 1-2 oral ulcers. The GI side effects can be controlled at least in part by appropriate prescription.
Compared with a placebo, oral l-glutamine has a significant and more rapid effect in patients with advanced inoperable gastric cancer who have already been administered an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen.
Results from a recent clinical trial of study suggests that patients with family history of [pancreatic cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/pancreatic-cancer) have significant risk of developing pancreatic cancer and also pancreatic divisiveness, especially in those with a history of a family member with the early age. Further, patients with cancer of pancreas usually present with some digestive disorders. Therefore, it is advised to perform early diagnosis for patients with a family history of pancreas cancer, and initiate the appropriate treatments at the time when the patient is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.