Ablation of Non-malignant Pancreatic Cyst

Hi. I’m 74 with a main duct IPMN dispersed throughout and 15 mm dilation of pancreas The only treatment I was offered was a Total Pancreatectomy. In my research I found that while not eligible for radio ablation there was a treatment for non alcohol based chemablation. You can research the CHARM clinical trial. I will be having the procedure next week. While it is not a cure I hope it will provide more years of quality life. Feel free to private message me.

@ltg7622 Please let us know how that goes for you? By sharing on the forum, your messages benefit many and we can all learn from each other.

@ltg7622
Thanks for the reply! I will definitely check out CHARM. I've read about the use of ethanol, but nothing about a non-alcohol ablation. I did note that Ohio State University is running a trial on the redio therapy ablation, but I'm no where near Ohio.

Thanks!

@tomrennie
Will do. Right now I'm in the evaluation stage. My case is being reviewed by Duke Advance Endoscopy in Durham, NC. I will keep the status updated.

I also have been looking into ablation. I am 81 and have multiple cysts in the pancreas - 2 of which are suspicious for malignancy with thickened walls. And, high CA 19-9 and CEA. However, three biopsies have failed to show more than high dysplasia. Ibam not a candidate for complete pancreatectony. Ablation seems the only proactive option out there. RFA is what is likely. The CHARM trials exclude anyone with suspious neoplasms/characteristics. The procedure doesn't address anything except the cyst fluids according to the doctors I've talked to. I am working with the Hoag Clinic, Dr. Kenneth Chang for a second opinion. They are reviewing my tests to see if anyone partially removal of the suspect cysts is an option and RFA ablation as a secondary procedure. The doctor at the Mayo Clinic in AZ where I am staying is currently on indeterminate leave, so CA is the closest facility who does ablation. Good luck.

I also have been looking into ablation. I am 81 and have multiple cysts in the pancreas - 2 of which are suspicious for malignancy with thickened walls. And, high CA 19-9 and CEA. However, three biopsies have failed to show more than high dysplasia. I am not a candidate for complete pancreatectony. Ablation seems the only proactive option out there. RFA is what is likely. The CHARM trials exclude anyone with suspious neoplasms/characteristics. The procedure doesn't address anything except the cyst fluids according to the doctors I've talked to. I am working with the Hoag Clinic, Dr. Kenneth Chang for a second opinion. They are reviewing my tests to see if partially removal of the suspect cysts is an option and RFA ablation as a secondary procedure if surgery is out. The doctor who was involved with ablations at the Mayo Clinic in AZ where I am staying is currently on indeterminate leave, so CA is the closest recognized facility who is involved with ablation. Good luck.

@tikchik1
Thank you for your reply! One thing I do not understand'is why this procedure is not being done routinely as a preventative measure for serious pancreatic cysts. In your research did you come across anything that addressed this question?

Thanks, and good luck to you, as well!

All I've been told when asking Docs about the procedure is that it experimental and unproven. The old guard seems reluctant to get involved until the trials show more positive results. However, from my prospective, it is the only proactive possibility for those of us who aren't surgical candidates. Otherwise, it's just wait until a malignancy develops then they will treat with Chemo - not a great option.