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Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (2316)Comment receiving replies
@joealp1
I just read that histotripsy for the pancreas is not available outside clinical trials. Is that true? Did you have it as part of a clinical trial? Do you mind saying where you had it?
Can you give details on “significant impact on the tumor” such as percentage reduction or went from x cm to y cm? Also, how long was the actual procedure (anesthesia time)? Thank you for any additional info.
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@californiazebra
My procedure was done "off label", in other words, not covered by insurance. Histotripsy for the pancreas is in a clinical trial in Barcelona, but it's a procedure that can be performed, just needs a surgeon trained in the procedure and with access to the equipment. My surgical oncologist is Dr. Mark Bloomston, with Lee Health, 239-343-7400. He's in Ft. Myers, FL. By his estimate, the tumor was shrunk by about 50%, and it's possible that what's left is dead.
The procedure took a little over an hour in the operating room. My tumor was large, 6.9 x 4.8 x 4.2 cm. Doc had to reposition the device for three separate applications; normally, it's only a single set up and the time in the operating room is closer to 45 minutes. Hardest part was the prep, much like prepping for a colonoscopy.
Hope this answers your questions.