Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging and least survivable cancers. Despite advancements in medicine, it remains difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. The new National Pancreatic Cancer Audit (NPaCA) has just released its first quarterly update, covering the period between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023. This report provides a much-needed glimpse into the real-world performance of treatments, diagnoses, and survival rates for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer across NHS Trusts in England.
What is the National Pancreatic Cancer Audit (NPaCA)?
The National Pancreatic Cancer Audit (NPaCA) is a critical initiative that evaluates the performance of NHS Trusts and Cancer Alliances across England in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. The audit collects real-world data from hospitals, providing insights into every stage of care – from the moment of diagnosis through to treatment outcomes and survival rates. The goal is to offer an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of pancreatic cancer care. Unlike the annual “State of the Nation” report, the NPaCA is updated quarterly.
Why Is This Audit Important?
Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved over the last 40 years. Currently, only 30% of patients receive any kind of treatment after being diagnosed, whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
But the data that tells us that is ten years old, and things have changed. So, are new treatments, approaches and technology having a positive impact?
Key Findings of the Audit
The audit revealed several important findings:
- A significant variation in survival rates across different NHS Trusts.
- Improved access to chemotherapy and surgery for eligible patients.
- New data highlighting the stages at which patients receive their diagnosis.
- Clear indications of where the greatest challenges remain, particularly in diagnosing the disease early enough for curative treatments.
Why is pancreatic cancer so hard to diagnose?
Imagine trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the needle keeps moving. That’s what doctors face when diagnosing pancreatic cancer. It’s often called a “silent killer” because the symptoms are vague and easy to miss, often resembling common gastrointestinal issues.
The audit shows that too many patients are still being diagnosed at late stages, making treatment options more limited. Early detection remains a critical challenge that needs addressing to improve survival rates.
New Treatments and Their Impact
The past decade has seen some promising advances in pancreatic cancer treatments. While surgery is the only potential cure, not all patients are eligible. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and new approaches like immunotherapy have shown some success in controlling the disease.
However, one of the most exciting developments is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which combines surgery and heated chemotherapy to target cancer cells more effectively.
Combat Medical’s HIPEC System – A New Approach
Our HIPEC system offers a cutting-edge approach in treating pancreatic cancer. Their PRS+Agitation System, used in a pilot study, incorporates gemcitabine (a chemotherapy drug) into the treatment process. The system delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen after cytoreductive surgery, aiming to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
This system is now being tested in a phase II-III clinical trial, specifically for treating ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which accounts for more than 95% of pancreatic cancer cases. The hope is that this method will reduce recurrence and extend survival for patients.
Are Survival Rates Improving?
Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have long been bleak. However, there is cautious optimism. With newer treatments like HIPEC and more patients being treated with chemotherapy, there’s hope that the trend will begin to shift in the coming years.
According to the audit, regional differences in treatment access and timing still play a role in survival outcomes. By understanding these variations, healthcare providers can make changes that might improve survival chances for patients nationwide.
Regional Differences in Standards of Care
The NPaCA report also revealed the stark differences in pancreatic cancer care between regions of the UK. Some NHS Trusts have more advanced equipment, better access to specialists, or simply more resources. These regional disparities can significantly impact patient outcomes. By addressing these differences, the NHS can aim for more equal access to care, ensuring that all patients, regardless of where they live, have the best chance of survival.
What’s Next for Pancreatic Cancer Care?
Looking ahead, the data from the NPaCA could be instrumental in shaping the future of pancreatic cancer care. With continued advancements in treatment, like the HIPEC system, and a deeper understanding of where the healthcare system needs improvement, there is hope for better outcomes.
But there’s still a long road ahead. The findings from the audit will guide healthcare providers and policymakers in making the necessary changes to improve diagnosis rates, treatment access, and ultimately, survival rates for this devastating disease.
