What Are the Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most complex and aggressive cancers to treat. However, advances in surgical techniques and medical therapies offer renewed hope for patients—even those diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. At the practice of Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, in New York City, patients receive access to some of the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatments available anywhere in the world.

A Global Leader in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Dr. Dmitri Alden is renowned internationally for his expertise in treating pancreatic cancer that other surgeons may consider inoperable. With decades of experience and a commitment to surgical innovation, Dr. Alden offers patients treatment strategies that combine cutting-edge surgical techniques, precision oncology, and multidisciplinary care—all based in the heart of Manhattan.

Advanced Surgical Options for Pancreatic Cancer

Surgery remains the only potential cure for pancreatic cancer, but for many patients with advanced disease, the challenge lies in the tumor’s proximity to critical blood vessels. Dr. Alden specializes in complex surgical techniques that make surgery possible in cases once deemed untreatable.

Fully Robotic Whipple Procedure

Dr. Alden is one of the few surgeons globally performing the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) using robotic-assisted technology. This minimally invasive approach offers:

• Smaller incisions
• Reduced recovery times
• Greater precision in tumor removal
• Less blood loss and shorter hospital stays

Porto-Mesenteric Vein Stenting

When tumors obstruct or invade key abdominal blood vessels such as the portal or superior mesenteric vein, Dr. Alden may perform vein stenting or reconstruction to restore blood flow and allow for safe surgical resection.

Ex Vivo Pancreatic Surgery

For tumors extensively involving surrounding vessels, ex vivo resection may be used. This innovative technique temporarily removes the pancreas and nearby organs to excise the tumor, followed by reconstruction and reimplantation—a rare, highly specialized option available at only a few centers globally.

Non-Surgical and Integrated Treatment Strategies

Not all pancreatic cancer cases are eligible for immediate surgery. In these situations, Dr. Alden and his team develop personalized treatment plans that may include:

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

This treatment is given before surgery to shrink the tumor, increase the chances of a successful resection, and improve long-term outcomes. Patients may also receive radiation as part of this phase.

Postoperative and Direct Chemotherapy Infusion

After surgery, some patients receive targeted chemotherapy infusions to destroy any remaining cancer cells. For patients with non-resectable pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy may be administered directly into the blood supply of the tumor for increased efficacy.

Radiation Therapy

When used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, radiation therapy helps control tumor growth and alleviate symptoms such as pain or digestive blockage.

Personalized Care in New York City

Every case of pancreatic cancer is different. At Dr. Dmitri Alden’s NYC practice, patients benefit from:

• Comprehensive imaging and diagnostics
• Genetic and molecular tumor profiling
• A highly coordinated team of oncologists, radiologists, and surgical specialists
• Access to clinical trials and emerging therapies

Patients from across the United States and around the world travel to New York City to consult with Dr. Alden about their advanced pancreatic cancer options.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Alden

If you or a loved one is facing a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, know that innovative options are available. Dr. Dmitri Alden and his team in NYC will assess your case and determine the best path forward—whether that involves advanced robotic surgery, targeted chemotherapy, or integrated care.

Contact our Manhattan office today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment possibilities.