Episode 85. Pancreatic Cancer with Dr Michael Lee

Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common cancer reported in Australia. In 2021, it is estimated that there will be 4261 new cases and 3391 deaths. The incidence has increased from 10 per 100,000 in 1982 -to 12 per 100,000 today with the average age of onset between 60 and 65 years. At the time of diagnosis, approximately one-third of patients already have advanced disease with a limited 3 to 4-month survival prognosis, overall, 1-year survival for pancreatic cancer is only 16% and 5-year survival of 3% despite new approaches to management.

Risk factors include obesity, smoking (fivefold increase risk) and type 2 diabetes mellitus which after cigarette smoking and obesity is likely the third most modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Other risks include family history (7%) and autosomal dominant syndromes such as Hereditary pancreatitis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA 2 and 1 genes), and Lynch syndrome and the Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndromes.

Additionally, there is probably a risk associated with ongoing heavy alcohol consumption and subsequent chronic pancreatic inflammation.

After imaging and subsequent diagnosis, staging determines locally respectable, borderline respectable, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic disease, and guides the choice of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and or palliation.

It was a privilege to be joined in this conversation by Dr Michael Lee from the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, an oncologist specialising in clinical translational genomic research and advanced cancers with a special focus on metastatic pancreatic cancer. Michael trained in Australia and subsequently worked in Vancouver at the BC Cancer and Michael Smith's Science Centre before returning to Melbourne where he is undertaking a PhD with the aim of developing a new novel therapy for pancreatic cancer. Michael’s motto is to provide holistic oncology care with an honest conversation, supported by the latest research from the bench side to the bedside and tailoring it to his patient’s goals and wishes.

References:

www.petermac.org

canceraustralia.gov.au

www.cancer.org.au

www1.racgp.org.au

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.