Episode # 66 • 16 Jun 2026
Managing Complications in Pancreatic Cancer
How do seasoned clinicians navigate the complex web of complications that accompany pancreatic cancer? In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, Drs. Greg Botta, Rebekah White, and Zachary Berman discuss real-world strategies for managing pain, digestive complications, and the many challenges patients face. They explore multidisciplinary approaches, emphasizing the importance of tailored pain management, careful use of enzyme supplementation, and anticipating both surgical and medical risks, especially after procedures like the Whipple.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:36 - Interventional Radiology Approach to Pain Relief
05:37 - Nerve Blocks and Neurolysis for Treatment
09:05 - Expectations for Post-operative Recovery
10:46 - Whipple Anatomy and Side Effects
13:49 - Clot Prevention After Surgery
19:11 - Managing Nutritional Challenges and Gastric Outlet Obstruction
24:37 - Treating Malignant Ascites
29:54 - Mental Health Support for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
31:16 - Setting Expectations When Communicating with Patients
39:41 - Stent Choices and Sequencing
Resources
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More about this episode
The conversation covers classifying and treating pain (visceral, neuropathic, somatic, and existential), multimodal and non-opiate therapies, and targeted nerve blocks for symptom relief. The doctors address nutrition and cachexia, strategies for managing post-surgical clotting risk, and the use of stents and interventional radiology to restore digestive flow. They also highlight the need for psychosocial support, exercise to combat fatigue, and streamlined team communication for standardized, patient-centered care. The episode wraps up with practical advice on setting patient expectations, troubleshooting persistent symptoms, and leveraging clinical trials and multidisciplinary expertise.
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