Dr. Hidalgo Medina on Treatment Considerations in Pancreatic Cancer

Manuel Hidalgo Medina, MD, PhD, chief, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, discusses treatment considerations in pancreatic cancer.

It is important to consider sequencing strategies when devising a treatment plan for patients with pancreatic cancer, says Hidalgo Medina. By sequencing systemic chemotherapy, patients will have the opportunity to derive the maximum benefit from treatment. In addition to sequencing strategies, it is also critical to evaluate BRCA1/2 status, as the presence of the mutation could indicate that the patient is eligible to receive a PARP inhibitor, he adds.

Finally, it is important to remember that patients with reduced performance status can still derive benefit from systemic chemotherapy, says Hidalgo Medina. These patients should not be deemed ineligible for intensive therapy; rather, providers should aim to reduce their symptoms, which would potentially make them eligible for systemic therapy, concludes Hidalgo Medina.