Protocol · Oncology Support
Pancreatic Cancer Supportive Care Protocol
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Pancreatic Cancer Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement | Amount listed: Prescription PERT with meals (40,000–50,000 units lipase per meal) | Essential for digestion; pancreatic insufficiency common; improves nutrient absorption and reduces steatorrhea | Not graded yet | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily (high EPA preferred) | May help preserve muscle mass and reduce cachexia; anti-inflammatory effects | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (may need higher with malabsorption) | Often deficient in pancreatic cancer; fat malabsorption impairs absorption; supports immune function
| Not graded yet | |
| B12 (Vitamin B12) | Amount listed: 1,000 mcg daily or as needed (may need injection) | Malabsorption common after pancreatic surgery; essential for energy and nerve function | Not graded yet | |
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–2,000 mg daily with enhanced absorption | Anti-inflammatory; lab studies suggest anti-pancreatic cancer effects; clinical data limited | Not graded yet | |
| Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K) | Amount listed: Multivitamin with fat-soluble vitamins or individual supplements | Malabsorption causes deficiencies in all fat-soluble vitamins | Not graded yet | |
| L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg daily | May help with cancer-related fatigue and support muscle metabolism | Not graded yet | |
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Often deficient; supports immune function, wound healing, and taste | Not graded yet | |
| Protein Supplements | Amount listed: 1.2–1.5 g protein/kg body weight daily (supplement as needed) | Essential for maintaining muscle mass; supports healing and immune function | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers, with nutrition playing a crucial role in quality of life and treatment tolerance. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin, so pancreatic cancer and its treatment often cause significant digestive and metabolic problems.
NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES:
- Pancreatic insufficiency (can't digest food properly)
- Weight loss and muscle wasting (cachexia)
- Diabetes (new-onset or worsening)
- Fat malabsorption
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially fat-soluble vitamins)
- Poor appetite and early satiety
- Nausea and vomiting
CRITICAL: Pancreatic cancer requires specialized oncological and surgical care. This protocol addresses NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT only.
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
- Surgery (Whipple procedure for resectable tumors)
- Chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel)
- Radiation therapy
- Palliative care for symptom management
- Diabetes management
NUTRITIONAL PRIORITIES:
1. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement: Essential - take with every meal and snack
2. Manage blood sugars: May need insulin
3. High calorie, high protein diet: Prevent weight loss
4. Fat-soluble vitamin supplementation: A, D, E, K
5. Small, frequent meals: Better tolerated
Pancreatic Enzymes* are prescription and essential - they allow you to absorb nutrients.
Omega-3s* (especially EPA) may help reduce muscle wasting.
Vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins* need supplementation due to malabsorption.
High protein intake* helps maintain muscle mass.
Expected timeline: Nutritional support is ongoing throughout treatment. Work closely with an oncology dietitian.