Let’s not forget that there is a pancreas in the abdomen – a literature review on pancreatic cancer

K.  Angelov; N.  Nachev; E.  Yordanov; A. Rangelov; E.  Hristov; N. Khayat; A. Sharkov; A. Zlatarov; T. Dyulgerov

doi:10.2478/AMB-2026-0034

Authors

K. Angelov Department of Surgery, Medical University – Sofia, “Aleksandrovska” University Hospital – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4802-8024
N. Nachev Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2764-2976
E. Yordanov Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0771-9178
A. Rangelov Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0163-6479
E. Hristov Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4339-8202
N. Khayat Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7108-2225
A. Sharkov Communication and Audiovisual Production Department, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2986-1006
A. Zlatarov Department of General and Operative Surgery, Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” – Varna, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0928-7955
T. Dyulgerov Department of Psychiatry, “Aleksandrovska” University Hospital, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8523-1456

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/AMB-2026-0034

Keywords:

pancreatic cancer, types of pancreatic cancer, staging, surgical treatment, targeted therapies

Abstract

Abstract. Globally, pancreatic cancer continues to be a significant health problem. The number of new cases has been increasing by an average of 0.8% per year over the last decade. The prognosis remains extremely poor, with a five-year survival rate of 7.2%, confirming its reputation as one of the deadliest malignant diseases. Objective: to analyze recent developments in the management of the diagnostic and treatment process for pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods: systematic review of scientific publications through documentary analysis and analysis of the content of scientific publications selected by predefined key words. Results and Discussion: pancreatic cancer is one of the greatest clinical challenges in modern oncology, characterized by an extremely high mortality rate. Due to the lack of specific early manifestations and the biological aggressiveness of the disease, diagnosis is delayed in more than 80% of cases. Pancreatic disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of any acute or chronic pain. Successful management of these complex tumors requires a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach that integrates precise diagnosis, staging, and individualized therapeutic strategies.

References

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Let’s not forget that there is a pancreas in the abdomen – a literature review on pancreatic cancer

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