TANE-P Project: Early Detection and Improved Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer

TANE-P Project: Early Detection and Improved Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer

PBEST (Pancreatobiliary Endoscopist and Surgeon Team)

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis, with a relative 5-year survival rate of 9.8% in the latest statistics from 2021. On the other hand, a high-risk group for pancreatic cancer has recently been identified, and it is believed that a thorough examination at a specialized hospital using CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), ERCP, etc., for these patients can detect pancreatic cancer at a stage when it can be operated and improve prognosis. In recent years, this has been the case in the field of gastrointestinal cancer.

In recent years, in the field of gastroenterology, the “Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Project” has been implemented in many regions to detect and treat pancreatic cancer at an early stage and improve the prognosis by proactively conducting a thorough examination and follow-up for such high-risk groups of pancreatic cancer patients.

In addition to family history, new onset of diabetes, pancreatic cysts and ductal dilatation, “localized pancreatic atrophy” has recently attracted attention as a high-risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

The project starts with a pancreatic cancer screening by a gastroenterologist, other physicians, general practitioners, and health care professionals involved in medical examinations, as well as abdominal echo and CT.

In fact, we have experienced a number of cases in which pancreatic cancer was detected early and operated on through close examination and follow-up of the high-risk group. In addition, the area where the project was first proposed reported an increase in the detection rate of stage 0 and I pancreatic cancer, an increase in the surgery rate, and an improvement in the 5-year survival rate to 15-20%.
In the western Osaka area, no such project has yet been launched. We call it “TANE-P Project” (= Treat operAble NEoplasm of Pancreas) and are promoting efforts for early detection of pancreatic cancer and improvement of prognosis (education of residents and medical institutions, introduction of pancreatic cancer screening, and strengthening of regional cooperation regarding pancreatic cancer).

Our hospital is well-equipped to treat pancreatic cancer, including the Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Palliative Medicine. We will provide medical care with responsibility and sincerity. We hope that patients who are suspected of having pancreatic cancer, as well as those who are at high risk for pancreatic cancer, will utilize the “High-Risk Checklist for Pancreatic Cancer” and refer them to our hospital.