Episode # 68 • 23 Jun 2026
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options & Trials
Can the latest therapies, lessons from clinical trials, and a focus on emotional support improve outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer? In this BackTable Tumor Board episode, GI medical oncologist Dr. Greg Botta and medical oncologist Dr. Dawood Findakly discuss current treatment options, the importance of emotional support, and strategies for overcoming barriers such as insurance delays. They highlight the value of personalized care, from diagnosis and staging scans to tumor markers, tissue biopsy, and genomic profiling, as well as the expanding role of clinical trials and targeted therapies.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:57 - Workup and Biopsy in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
07:33 - Approach to Care for Metastatic Patients
10:39 - Managing Symptoms Early and Personalizing Therapy
16:52 - Assessing Combination Chemo and Clinical Trials
22:30 - Discussing Alternatives with Patients
28:19 - Measuring Treatment Response
32:51 - Emerging Role of Liquid Biopsy
35:34 - RAS Revolution: Oral Pill vs. Chemotherapy
40:49 - Wrap Up
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More about this episode
The doctors cover common patient presentations, early management of complications, and the rationale behind systemic chemotherapy choices and regimen selection. They discuss practical methods for monitoring response to treatment, the growing access to clinical trials, including the promise of KRAS/RAS-targeted oral therapies, and the critical role of ongoing communication, psychological support, and individualized care planning. The episode offers insights on integrating palliative care, supporting patients through side effects, and tailoring conversations around prognosis and quality of life.
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