Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. It is a deadly disease with a low survival rate, and treatment options can be expensive.

However, there are budget-friendly drugs that may help enhance survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.

1. Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine, also known as Gemzar, is a chemotherapy drug that has been used to treat pancreatic cancer since the early 1990s. It is usually administered through injection into a vein.

Gemcitabine attacks cancer cells by damaging their DNA, which can slow or stop their growth. Gemcitabine is often combined with other chemotherapy drugs such as nab-paclitaxel to improve its effectiveness.

2. FOLFIRINOX

FOLFIRINOX is a combination of chemotherapy drugs, including leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin.

The drug combination has shown promising results in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer and can help to reduce tumor size both locally and systemically. FOLFIRINOX has demonstrated a significant increase in progression-free survival and overall survival rates for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

It is administered through an infusion and can be quite expensive, but some hospitals may offer financial aid or assistance programs.

3. Capecitabine

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug that has been shown to be effective in treating pancreatic cancer. It is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, meaning that when it is metabolized in the body, it is transformed into the active drug.

Capecitabine is typically used in combination with gemcitabine to enhance its effectiveness. This combination of drugs has shown success in increasing overall survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.

4. Everolimus

Everolimus is an oral drug that is classified as an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor. It has been approved for use in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and has shown promising results in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer.

mTOR is a protein that regulates cell growth and division, which is frequently overactivated in pancreatic cancer. Everolimus works by blocking this protein, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

5. Steroids

Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone are often used to manage symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. In some cases, they may also help to reduce inflammation and swelling around the tumor.

However, they do not directly target the cancer cells, and they can cause side effects such as increased appetite and weight gain.

6. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement

Patients with pancreatic cancer may have difficulty digesting food due to the tumor or the surgical removal of the pancreas. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can help these patients to break down and absorb their food properly.

This treatment involves the use of pancreatic enzymes taken in tablet or capsule form before meals and snacks. PERT can help to alleviate symptoms such as weight loss, malnutrition, and diarrhea.

7. Aspirin

Aspirin is a commonly used pain reliever that has also been shown to have potential benefits for pancreatic cancer patients.

Some studies have suggested that aspirin may help to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer and improve survival rates for those who have already been diagnosed.

8. Metformin

Metformin is an oral medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some studies have shown that metformin may have anticancer properties and may be effective in treating pancreatic cancer.

Metformin works by reducing insulin resistance, which can help to slow cancer cell growth.

9. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for bone health, but recent studies have suggested that it may also have anticancer properties.

Some research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, some studies have indicated that vitamin D supplements may help to improve survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.

10. Lifestyle changes

While drugs are an important part of treating pancreatic cancer, lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on patient outcomes.

Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress can all help to improve overall health and wellbeing. Quitting smoking is also crucial, as smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer.