Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Hollywood, FL
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Surgery to remove pancreatic cancer is a long and difficult procedure, so it’s good to know that you have an option: the minimally invasive NanoKnife® procedure. Robert Donoway, MD, FACS, at Atlas Oncology is one of only a few experts offering NanoKnife irreversible electroporation (IRE), which safely destroys the cancerous tumor without harming surrounding structures. To learn more about this cutting-edge treatment, call (305) 343 3886 or book an appointment online.
Request an AppointmentWhy Pancreatic Cancer Is Difficult to Treat
The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, surrounded by major blood vessels, including the superior mesenteric artery and vein. This location is exactly why pancreatic cancer is often considered one of the most challenging cancers to treat surgically — if a tumor grows into or wraps around these vessels, traditional resection (the Whipple procedure being the most common) may no longer be safe or possible. Many patients are told their pancreatic cancer is “locally advanced” or “borderline resectable,” meaning surgery carries too much risk without additional treatment first.
Because pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it has grown or spread, it’s frequently diagnosed at a stage where surgery alone isn’t enough.
NanoKnife for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
The NanoKnife procedure has become an important option for patients whose pancreatic tumors have grown around major blood vessels. Instead of using heat, cold, or a scalpel, NanoKnife delivers short electrical pulses through needle electrodes placed around the tumor, destroying cancer cells while preserving the structural integrity of nearby vessels. This makes it possible to treat tumors that would otherwise be considered unresectable, sometimes converting a “no surgery possible” diagnosis into an active treatment plan.
Dr. Donoway frequently combines NanoKnife with other treatments, including chemotherapy, to give patients the most complete approach to their pancreatic cancer. His experience extends to other complex abdominal and hepatobiliary cancers as well, including liver cancer and bile duct cancer. If you’ve been told your pancreatic cancer is inoperable or locally advanced, a consultation can help clarify your options. View our full range of cancer treatment services, or learn what to expect as a new patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is pancreatic cancer so hard to treat surgically?
The pancreas is surrounded by major blood vessels, so tumors that grow into or around these vessels can make traditional surgical removal too risky, leading many patients to be told their cancer is inoperable.
What does “locally advanced” or “borderline resectable” pancreatic cancer mean?
These terms describe tumors that have grown close to or into nearby blood vessels, making standard surgery difficult or impossible without additional treatment to shrink or better define the tumor first.
How does NanoKnife treat pancreatic cancer that surgery can’t reach?
NanoKnife uses targeted electrical pulses rather than heat or cutting to destroy tumor cells, allowing it to treat tumors located near major blood vessels without damaging those vessels the way traditional ablation or surgery might.
Is NanoKnife used instead of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer?
Not necessarily. NanoKnife is often used alongside chemotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than as a replacement for it.
What are the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer?
Early pancreatic cancer often causes few or no symptoms. As it progresses, patients may experience abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or new-onset diabetes.
How long is recovery after NanoKnife treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Because NanoKnife is minimally invasive, recovery is typically shorter than after a traditional Whipple procedure, though your specific timeline depends on your overall health and the extent of your cancer.
How do I schedule a consultation for pancreatic cancer treatment?
Call (305) 343 3886 or book online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donoway at Atlas Oncology in Hollywood, FL
We do Not accept Mail at this address, do not send records until speaking to office and getting correct mailing address..