Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ that plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. This disease is often difficult to detect early because its symptoms tend to be non-specific, so many cases are only diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, advancements in medical technology now offer various treatment options to help manage pancreatic cancer.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, a range of pancreatic cancer treatment methods is available, from surgery for cases that are still operable, to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and modern technologies such as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), which uses sound waves to precisely target cancer cells without surgery.
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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The following are several treatment options that can be tailored to the patient’s condition:
1. Surgery
Pancreatic surgery is the only treatment with curative potential. However, it is usually recommended only if doctors are confident that all cancerous tissue can be removed. Otherwise, the benefit tends to be very limited. For surgery to be successful, the cancer must still be confined to the pancreas and not have spread to other parts of the body.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. These medications can be administered orally or through intravenous infusion. Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapies for pancreatic cancer patients.
Doctors may use chemotherapy as the primary treatment, especially in advanced-stage cancer. It can also be given before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (such as X-rays) to destroy cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be given before surgery, after surgery, or as part of the main cancer treatment.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This therapy can be an option if the cancer cells have specific genetic mutations that match the drug’s target.
Doctors may also combine this therapy with other treatment methods. Currently, many new forms of targeted therapy are still being researched and developed through clinical trials.
HIFU for Pancreatic Cancer: How It Works and Its Benefits
HIFU is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy tumor tissue in a focused manner without the need for surgery. The ultrasound energy is directed very precisely to a specific area, generating heat that damages and kills cancer cells.
HIFU works based on the principle of thermal ablation without open surgery. Here’s a simple explanation:
1. Precise Tumor Targeting
Ultrasound waves are focused directly on the tumor in the pancreas using ultrasound (USG) guidance, allowing accurate and targeted treatment.
2. Temperature Increase at a Specific Point
The concentrated ultrasound energy can raise the temperature in the targeted area to over 80°C.
3. Thermal Ablation Process
This high temperature damages and destroys cancer cells (necrosis). Over weeks to months, the damaged tumor tissue gradually shrinks, reducing tumor size.
Benefits of HIFU therapy include:
- No surgery or incisions required (non-invasive)
- Lower risk and generally well tolerated by patients
- Can significantly help relieve pain, including in advanced cancer cases
- Potential to shrink tumors, supporting other therapies if needed
- Helps improve quality of life as pain becomes more controlled
- Potential to extend life expectancy, especially in patients with limited treatment options
HIFU Specialist for Pancreatic Cancer
HIFU procedures at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri are performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad, (K)RI, a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology and extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures.
In practice, he utilizes imaging technologies such as ultrasound (USG), CT scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure the procedure is performed accurately and safely. In addition to HIFU, dr. Sugianto is also skilled in other procedures such as TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and Microwave Ablation to destroy tumor tissue without major surgery.
He completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University in Bandung and pursued his radiology specialization at the University of Indonesia. With a strong combination of education and clinical experience, dr. Sugianto contributes to the application of modern minimally invasive technologies for more precise pancreatic cancer treatment with lower risk.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Thursday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application (available on Google Play and App Store) to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access other information.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and general overview only, and does not represent all medical services that may be provided by each doctor. To ensure appropriate treatment based on your condition, it is recommended to consult directly with the relevant doctor.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
