Episode 101: Difference Between Neuroendocrine and Adenocarcinoma Pancreatic Cancers

THIS VIDEO IS A MUCH WATCH. There are distinct differences between “Neuroendocrine” and “Adenocarcinoma” Pancreatic Cancers. The pancreas provides two crucial roles and functions.

Its “digestive function” produces digestive enzymes to break-down foods into fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. That role is referred to as the “Exocrine Function”. Malignant Tumors in the exocrine function is responsible for causing “Adenocarcinoma Pancreatic Cancer” which accounts for about 90% of Pancreatic Cancers and is more difficult to treat versus Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancers.

The other function of the pancreas is referred to as the “Endocrine Function” which produces hormones which helps maintain proper blood sugar levels. Malignant tumors within the Endocrine Function are generally referred to as “Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer” which only accounts for about 3% of pancreatic cancers.

This podcast episode is part of the Voice of Pancreatic Podcast hosted by Miranda Wainberg of the Seena Magowitz Foundation and Dr. Susan Tsai of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The guest is Alexandria T. Phan, MD, FACP who explains the differences between “Neuroendocrine Tumors” versus “Adenocarcinoma Tumors” of the pancreas. Dr. Phan emphasizes the importance of differentiating between these two types of Pancreatic Cancer. She explains that Neuroendocrine cancerous tumors are slower growing and have a more favorable prognosis versus Adenocarcinoma cancerous tumors.

The discussion further delves into the diagnostic process for a new patient with a neuroendocrine tumor. Dr. Phan emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment, including clinical evaluation, hormonal marker tests, and advanced imaging like CT, MRI, and PET-DOTA scans, to accurately stage the disease and determine the best-personalized treatment plan.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Phan emphasizes the importance of seeking care from specialists with expertise in neuroendocrine tumors, given the increasing incidence and prevalence of this type of cancer, as well as the need for long-term management and consideration of novel treatment options.

ABOUT DR. ALEXANDRIA T. PHAN

Alexandria T. Phan, MD, FACP, Professor. Dr. Phan received her medical doctorate from the University of California at Irvine, trained in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her Hematology-Oncology fellowship training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Clinical practice, clinical research, and education are three pillars important to Dr. Phan’s approach to cancer care. Her areas of focus for clinical research and patient care are neuroendocrine tumors and malignancies of the gastrointestinal system. She has held several leadership positions including cancer center director, founding program director for Hematology-Oncology fellowship, medical director of clinical research, and national director for GI cancer program. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and medical textbooks on the topics relating to her specialization. Dr. Phan has a wealth of experience in healthcare systems, after having worked at various academic institutions and large healthcare systems, including Houston Methodist Hospital System, City of Hope-Cancer Treatment Centers of America, NCI-designated University of New Mexico Center, and NCI-designated University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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