Presentations from the Virtual National Study Sessions 2020

Dr Ganesh Radhakrishna, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Christie Hospital explored how Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) can be used for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. He looked at the principles and practice of SABR, evidence base for SABR in pancreatic cancer and future developments on the horizon.

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View Ganesh Radhakrishna’s presentation slides

Paula Ghaneh, Professor of Surgery at the University of Liverpool shared the findings from the ESPAC-5F trial and the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery compared to immediate surgery. Nigel Jamieson, Pancreatic Surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary then shared his experience of how neoadjuvant chemotherapy works in practice. We then heard from Elizabeth Connell who kindly shared her personal experience of neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

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ESPAC-5F Trial Findings – Paula Ghaneh, Professor of Surgery, University of Liverpool

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: The Glasgow Experience – Nigel Jamieson, Pancreatic Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary

This introduction to dietetic management in pancreatic cancer gave attendees a grounding knowledge and understanding of pancreatic cancer, malnutrition, symptoms of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) and the treatment of PEI.

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Introduction to pancreatic cancer – Rachel Richardson, Specialist Pancreatic Cancer Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK

Malnutrition and pancreatic cancer – Sophie Peirson, HPB Specialist Dietitian, Manchester Royal Infirmary

Symptoms of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) – Mary Mahon, Surgical Dietitian, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle

Treatment of PEI including Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT), managing diabetes and enteral feeding – Marie Labaquere, Senior Specialist HPB Dietitian, Manchester Royal Infirmary

This dietetic management in pancreatic cancer session provided attendees with a greater knowledge and understanding of: nutritional assessment in pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) and Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT); nutritional management; and type 3c diabetes.

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Introduction to pancreatic cancer – Rachel Richardson, Specialist Pancreatic Cancer Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK

Nutritional assessment in pancreatic cancer – Rebekah Lord, HPB Specialist Dietitian, Manchester Royal Infirmary

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) and Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) – Neil Bibby, Macmillan Senior Specialist HPB Dietitian, Manchester Royal Infirmary

Nutritional Management in pancreatic cancer including pre- and post-surgery, enteral feeding and stents – David Bourne, Surgical Dietitian, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle

Diabetes and pancreatic cancer with a focus on Type 3c diabetes – Margaret Palmer, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

In this panel session we heard from a range of nurses sharing their experience of providing emotional support to their patients and their families under COVID-19 restrictions such as telephone clinics, breaking bad news and wearing PPE. We then split into smaller groups to share and discuss our own experiences, challenges and approaches.