Pancreatic Cancer Care

We understand that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. 

At UCI Health, we offer advanced treatment tailored to your specific needs. As Orange County's only academic medical center and part of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, we deliver leading-edge care, innovative therapies and groundbreaking clinical trials — all close to home. 

Why choose UCI Health for pancreatic cancer care?

Higher volume, better outcomes

Our high-volume pancreatic cancer program treats common, more complex and rare pancreatic tumors with highly specialized expertise. Studies show that experienced, high-volume programs achieve better outcomes and lower complication rates for pancreatic cancer care.

A specialized team

You benefit from a coordinated team approach that includes:

• Surgical oncology
• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Interventional radiology
• Genetics and preventative screening
• Nutrition support
• Psycho-oncology services
• Palliative care

Our specialists collaborate weekly in a multidisciplinary tumor board to personalize each patient’s treatment plan.

Advanced diagnosis and early detection

Pancreatic cancer often presents with vague gastrointestinal symptoms that can be difficult to detect early. Our program uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies to identify cancer as early and accurately as possible, including:

• Advanced imaging technology
• Interventional endoscopy
• Personalized blood-based testing
• Genetic screening and preventative programs

Innovation and advanced therapies

We continually pursue innovative approaches to improve outcomes and quality of life. Our multimodal treatment approach may include:

• Medical oncology options, including precision medicine and targeted therapies
• Advanced surgical techniques, including Whipple surgery
• Clinical trials
• Precise radiation therapy
• Histotripsy and localized treatments
• Personalized blood-based biomarkers
• Advanced imaging and interventional endoscopy

Clinical trials and research

As an academic health system and NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center offers access to innovative clinical trials and emerging therapies not widely available elsewhere. We use advanced molecular and blood-based testing to help match you with therapies and clinical trials that may be most effective for the cancer you have.

Our approach to pancreatic cancer care

We take a unified, collaborative approach to your treatment. 

Your care team may include surgeons, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists and radiation oncologists. 

If you're at high risk for pancreatic cancer, our gastrointestinal surgeons, oncologists and genetic specialists work together to screen, survey and treat you. 

Our multidisciplinary tumor board meets weekly to review your imaging scans and discuss your case and treatment options. Then, they will make a referral, allowing you to see multiple specialists with one referral.