How do i know if i should participate in a clinical trial if i have pancreatic cancer?

Almost always: Clinical trials is almost always a good idea. Pancreatic cancer unfortunately is usually diagnosed in late stages when patients are not operable. Recent clinical trials has shown some promise with combination of chemo radiation and some with unresectable disease may become respectable after a course of treatment.

No other option: Lots to consider...If my patient's general condition is good and no conventional treatment is appropriate, i may suggest a visit with a tertiary center oncology service for clinical trial. Do not buy into false promises and make sure the trial is properly designed and monitored. Please beware when something sounds too good to be true in medicine ... Physicians are not magicians.

You should if can: Since pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer, clinical trials are especially critical to making progress. Every patient with this relatively rare cancer should be in a clinical trial if at all possible.