SABR for PANCREATIC cancer in the UK

stereotactic radiotherapy For Selected Pancreatic Cancer Cases

Pancreatic cancer treatment can feel difficult to navigate, especially if surgery is not possible or chemotherapy has been the main option offered. In some cases, treating the pancreatic tumour directly can still be part of the plan.

SABR is a focused radiotherapy treatment used for selected patients with pancreatic cancer. It can be used after chemotherapy for locally advanced disease, where surgery is not suitable, for isolated local recurrence, or to help manage symptoms such as pain, bleeding or obstruction.

Primary and secondary cancer

Assessment for pancreatic tumours that are localised, locally advanced, recurrent, or limited in spread.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Radiotherapy is delivered externally, without an operation, general anaesthetic or surgical recovery period.

Outpatient Treatment

You attend for treatment and usually go home the same day, with no overnight hospital stay required.

WHAT IS PANCREATIC CANCER?

What You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cancer Before Treatment

Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, an organ that lies deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. Because of its position, pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early and may not cause clear symptoms at first.

Some pancreatic cancers are found while still suitable for surgery. Others are described as borderline resectable, locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic, depending on how far the tumour has grown or spread. These details matter because they guide whether treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, supportive care or a combination.

Common Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer

Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Dark urine or pale, greasy stools
Upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
Nausea or vomiting
New or worsening indigestion
New-onset diabetes or worsening blood sugar control
Diarrhoea, constipation or other stool changes

Symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be checked, particularly if they are new, persistent or getting worse.

The main types of Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The most common type, starting in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

Less common tumours that begin in hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. They can behave very differently from adenocarcinoma.

Acinar cell carcinoma

A rare type that starts in the enzyme-producing cells of the pancreas and needs specialist assessment.

Adenosquamous carcinoma

A rare and usually more aggressive form of pancreatic cancer with features of both glandular and squamous cells.

Types Of Secondary Pancreatic Cancer

A secondary pancreatic tumour occurs when cancer that began elsewhere in the body spreads to the pancreas. Pancreatic metastases are uncommon and need careful assessment alongside the original cancer, scan results and any other areas of disease.

PANCREATIC cancer TREATMENT OPTIONS

treatment options for primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

There is no single treatment route for pancreatic cancer. Decisions depend on whether the tumour can be removed with surgery, whether it has grown around nearby blood vessels, whether it has spread, your general health and how well you are able to tolerate treatment.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SABR)

SABR is a focused radiotherapy treatment used in selected pancreatic cancer cases. It can help target the primary tumour when surgery is not suitable, or support local control after chemotherapy in locally advanced disease.

Surgery

Surgery is used when pancreatic cancer can be removed safely. The operation depends on where the tumour is in the pancreas and is usually followed by chemotherapy once you have recovered.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, and as a main treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Treatment choice depends on fitness, performance status and previous treatment.

Chemoradiotherapy

Chemoradiotherapy combines radiotherapy with chemotherapy, often capecitabine, to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. It can be used for selected locally advanced pancreatic cancers.

Targeted Treatment

Targeted treatment is only suitable for a small number of patients whose cancer has specific molecular changes, such as an NTRK gene fusion. Testing helps identify whether this applies.

WHAT IS SABR TREATMENT FOR PANCREATIC CANCER

A Targeted Way To Treat The Pancreatic Tumour Directly

SABR, also known as stereotactic body radiotherapy, uses precise radiation planning to treat a defined pancreatic tumour while limiting dose to surrounding healthy tissue. It is usually delivered in fewer sessions than conventional radiotherapy.

In pancreatic cancer, accuracy is essential. The treatment plan must account for the tumour’s position, breathing movement and nearby organs such as the duodenum, stomach and small bowel. SABR is used in carefully selected cases, including locally advanced disease after chemotherapy, inoperable tumours, isolated recurrence and symptom control.

THE BENEFITS OF SABR FOR PANCREATIC CANCER

Why Patients Consider SABR Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often sits close to the stomach, small bowel, liver, bile duct and major blood vessels, which makes treatment planning particularly important. SABR can offer a focused radiotherapy option for selected patients where local tumour control is part of the treatment aim.

It is used in specific pancreatic cancer situations, including locally advanced disease after chemotherapy, medically inoperable tumours, isolated local recurrence, oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease, and symptom control. Suitability depends on the tumour’s position, previous treatment and whether nearby organs can be protected safely.

Pancreatic SABR is commonly delivered over fewer sessions than conventional radiotherapy.

Treatment is delivered externally, with no incision, general anaesthetic or surgical recovery period.

Treatment is usually delivered as an outpatient appointment, without overnight admission.

For locally advanced pancreatic cancer, radiotherapy is often reviewed after systemic treatment.

Dose limits are planned around the bowel, stomach and other nearby structures.

Radiotherapy can be used to help relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding or obstruction.

Is SABR Right for You

When Pancreatic SABR Can Become Part Of The Plan

SABR is not suitable for every person with pancreatic cancer. It depends on the tumour’s size, position, movement with breathing, previous treatment and whether sensitive nearby structures can be protected.

SABR may be reviewed when pancreatic cancer has grown locally and cannot be removed safely with surgery.

For some patients, SABR is considered after chemotherapy if the cancer remains suitable for focused local treatment.

If surgery is not suitable because of tumour position, blood vessel involvement or your general health, SABR may be discussed.

Radiotherapy may be considered for an isolated local recurrence, depending on previous treatment and scan findings.

In selected oligoprogressive pancreatic cancer, SABR may be reviewed when limited areas are growing while other disease remains controlled.

Radiotherapy can help manage symptoms caused by pancreatic cancer, including pain, bleeding or obstruction, where local treatment is appropriate.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PANCREATIC SABR

What You May Notice During And After SABR Treatment

Side effects from pancreatic SABR depend on the tumour’s position, the dose delivered and how close the treatment area is to the stomach, duodenum, small bowel and other nearby organs. Because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, treatment is planned carefully to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

Your specialist team will explain which side effects are most relevant to your treatment plan, how they can be managed, and which symptoms should be reported after treatment.

Short-Term Effects

Longer-Term Effects

Fatigue lasting several weeks
Ongoing digestive symptoms
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Skin darkening or sensitivity
Rare bowel irritation or injury
Rare bleeding or ulceration near the stomach or bowel

Most side effects are temporary, but risks vary from person to person. Your own risk depends on your scans, previous treatment and the final radiotherapy plan.

Private Health Insurance

Check Your Cover Before Treatment Starts

Your insurer may cover radiotherapy if it is clinically recommended. Check approval before treatment starts.

Self-Funding Patients

A Clear Quote Before Treatment

Self-funding patients receive clear costs upfront, once the treatment recommendation is confirmed.

International Patients

Support With Planning Your Visit

Patients travelling for SABR can often have scans reviewed and a consultation arranged in advance.

Payment And Insurance Options For SABR

Accessible Treatment Options For Pancreatic Cancer SABR

When treatment decisions feel urgent, costs should still be explained calmly and clearly. After your consultation, you will be told what has been recommended, what is included and what needs insurer approval if you are using private medical cover.

This helps you make an informed decision before any SABR treatment is scheduled.

Getting started

Your Journey To SABR Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

SABR treatment is not planned from a diagnosis alone. Your team needs to understand where the tumour is, what treatment you have already had, and whether targeted radiotherapy can be delivered safely.

Get In Touch

Send an enquiry with any details you already have, including scan reports, clinic letters or treatment summaries.

Clinical Review

A specialist assesses your diagnosis, general health, previous treatment and the reason SABR is being considered.

Imaging Assessment

Your scans are reviewed to define the tumour and its relationship to the bowel, bladder and nearby organs.

Personalised Planning

A treatment plan is created around your anatomy, tumour position and the dose limits of surrounding tissue.

Treatment Sessions

SABR is delivered from outside the body in a small number of carefully planned radiotherapy sessions.

Response Checks

Your progress is monitored with follow-up appointments and imaging, since radiotherapy effects develop over time.

Will I need a new planning scan before SABR?

Yes. A dedicated planning CT scan is usually needed before treatment. This helps map the tumour, nearby organs and any movement caused by breathing or digestion. MRI or PET-CT may also be used where they add useful detail.

Can pancreatic SABR be given at the same time as chemotherapy?

SABR is usually timed carefully around chemotherapy. Concurrent chemotherapy is not typically used with pancreatic SBRT, but chemotherapy may be given before or after radiotherapy as part of the wider treatment plan.

Can pancreatic SABR be repeated?

Repeat SABR may be possible in selected cases, but it needs careful review. The decision depends on the previous radiation dose, the area treated, time since treatment and how close the tumour is to the bowel, stomach or other sensitive organs.

What happens if the tumour is too close to the stomach or bowel?

If the tumour is very close to the stomach, duodenum or small bowel, SABR may need to be adjusted, delayed or avoided. The priority is to treat the tumour without exceeding safe dose limits for nearby organs.

What information is needed before pancreatic SABR can be reviewed?

The team will usually need recent scan images, scan reports, clinic letters, biopsy results if available, details of chemotherapy, previous surgery or radiotherapy, and current symptoms. Blood results may also be relevant, including liver function and tumour markers if already being monitored.

Frequently Asked Questions

We Know You Have Questions. Here Are The Honest Answers.

When you are facing cancer treatment, every question matters. The answers below cover what patients most often ask us, but they are only a starting point.

If you are unsure about anything, our team will take the time to understand your situation, explain things clearly and help you feel more informed about your options.

Speak to the Team

Connect With Our Clinical Team

Whether you have a specific question or simply want to understand your options, our team will provide clear guidance and an honest assessment of what treatment could look like for you.

You can reach us by filling in the contact form or calling us directly.