A strategy against pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer kills 99% of those it afflicts. Despite an increasing array of expensive diagnostic tests, the disease manifests itself and is identified too late for the possibility of complete resection in most patients. Palliation and extension of comfortable and useful life, therefore, become prime goals, cure being rare. This essay suggests an efficient, pragmatic program for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer based upon the current experience of the Massachusetts General Hospital.