Treatment of stage 4 pancreatic cancer in Germany
Don't know where to start? Leave us a request, and the Booking Health team will arrange your trip for treatment in Germany, where you will improve the quality of life and health.
- Standard treatment and its risks
- Innovative Treatment Methods for Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in Germany
- Why Germany is a Leader in Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
- Top Clinics for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Germany
- Cost of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Germany
- Success Stories of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
- How to undergo treatment in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions of our patients
Pancreatic cancer (ICD C25) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. More than 300,000 new cases are diagnosed in the world every year. This tumor accounts for 3% of all cancers, which is a fairly high figure. The treatment methods offered in Germany allow for achieving excellent results, even at stage 4 of the pathology.
Standard treatment and its risks
Stage four pancreatic cancer (sometimes incorrectly referred to as grade 4 pancreatic cancer) is diagnosed when a tumor is no longer localized: it invades into the surrounding organs and spreads distant metastases.
The main treatment methods are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This type of pathology can not be treated with surgery, and therefore, doctors use various procedures to alleviate the patient's condition and eliminate complications. Unfortunately, even with standard treatments, the five-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer remains very low, at approximately 1-3%. The median survival time typically ranges from 3 to 6 months without treatment and 6 to 11 months with standard chemotherapy protocols.
The use of classical treatment algorithms entails certain risks, such as:
- When carrying out radiation therapy, good results can be achieved only with the use of high doses of radiation, but this is quite difficult since standard methods of radiation therapy have severe side effects. There are many other organs near the pancreas, which can be damaged by the radiation.
- Classical chemotherapy for IV stage pancreatic cancer has a toxic effect on the healthy tissue and causes severe side effects.
- All standard protocols require a long treatment course and are very expensive.
- Almost all standard procedures have an unstable effect.
Germany uses improved standard treatment methods and advanced medical protocols, which are more effective and demonstrate high survival rates in patients.
Innovative Treatment Methods for Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in Germany
New treatments for pancreatic cancer stage 4 help patients to improve the quality of their life and condition, and prevents the development of complications or gets rid of them. Embolization and chemoembolization of metastases are used for local control of a tumor and an increase in life expectancy. Drug therapy involves not only chemotherapy but also targeted therapy and immunotherapy. German doctors also pay due attention to the treatment of symptoms.
Embolization of metastases in Germany
The embolization technique aims to block the blood vessels supplying the pancreatic tumor and its metastases. For this purpose, doctors use emboli – special materials such as microspheres or spirals that are selected individually based on the vessel diameter.
Recently, German doctors have increasingly used one specific variation of the procedure – selective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). This method involves the introduction of microspheres imbued with chemotherapy drugs as emboli.
The procedure combines two therapeutic effects: physical blockage of blood vessels, leading to oxygen starvation of cancer cells, and sustained release of high-concentration chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor. This dual approach provides several significant advantages:
- Significant tumor size reduction, potentially enabling surgical options in previously inoperable cases
- Improved survival rates for stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients through targeted treatment
- Exceptional safety profile with only 2-5% risk of manageable side effects
- Ability to deliver higher chemotherapy concentrations than possible with systemic treatment
- Precise targeting of the tumor while protecting healthy tissue from damage
- Minimal recovery time due to outpatient treatment approach
- Option for repeated procedures to consolidate and enhance therapeutic effect
The complete treatment program typically spans up to 7 days and includes two TACE sessions performed 3-5 days apart. Throughout the program, patients receive comprehensive care including symptomatic treatment, nursing support, and detailed recommendations for further follow-up.
To provide more insight into this advanced treatment method, we interviewed Professor Thomas Vogl, Head of the Department of Radiology at the University Hospital Frankfurt. With over 23 years of experience and having performed thousands of chemoembolization procedures, Prof. Vogl is one of Germany's leading experts in interventional oncology. In this interview, he shares detailed information about the procedure's mechanisms, effectiveness, and patient selection criteria.
Prof. Thomas Vogl: "Why Chemoembolization is Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
Targeted therapy for the treatment of stage 4 pancreatic cancer in Germany
In modern medicine, targeted therapy is becoming more and more popular. This is drug therapy that affects the cellular mechanisms of tumors. The fact is, cancer cells can contain many protein molecules, which support their growth and multiplication. They appear due to specific mutations in genes. Medicines can block the activity of such molecules and therefore, reduce the tumor size. Targeted therapy works especially well when it is combined with chemotherapy.
To treat stage 4 pancreatic cancer, doctors in Germany use EGFR inhibitors, drugs which block the activity of the EGFR protein. This protein is responsible for the rapid growth of the cancer cells. Therefore, as a result, the tumor grows slowly and stabilizes in size. This drug is taken in the form of tablets, once a day.
If the NTRK gene has mutations, the treatment may involve the use of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The drugs in this group block the activity of growth factors, which are required for cellular activity. They started to be used fairly recently: since 2018 in the United States, and since 2019 in Europe.
Immunotherapy for the treatment of stage 4 pancreatic cancer in Germany
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is rarely characterized by MMR gene mutations and unusual types of molecular pathogenesis of the tumor – microsatellite instability (MSI-H). However, in such cases, it is possible to use immunotherapy, a treatment with drugs from the group of checkpoint inhibitors. The active substances of these drugs are able to block certain molecules on the surface of the cancer cells, allowing the tumor to avoid an immune attack.
Checkpoint inhibitors (blockers) do not damage cancer cells. They only reduce the ability of the tumor to conceal itself from the immune system. Therefore, this therapy does not cause any complications and is well tolerated. When combined with chemotherapy, this treatment demonstrates excellent results – the tumor is reduced in size and well controlled.
Dendritic Cell Therapy
Dendritic cell therapy is an innovative immunotherapy approach that harnesses the patient's immune system to fight cancer by creating a personalized vaccine from the patient's blood cells. The treatment program includes:
- Initial visit with comprehensive examination, blood tests, and collection of blood sample for manufacturing the individual LANEX-DC® vaccine
- Manufacturing of the personalized vaccine in the laboratory over approximately one week
- Second visit for vaccine administration, including supportive therapy and medical monitoring
- Outpatient treatment format with minimal side effects and good tolerability
- Specialized follow-up care and monitoring as needed
To provide more detailed insights about this innovative treatment approach, we interviewed Professor Frank Gansauge, a renowned expert in immunotherapy with over 22 years of experience in dendritic cell therapy. As the head of LDG Laboratories, Prof. Gansauge has been at the forefront of developing and implementing this treatment method. In this interview, he shares valuable information about the therapy's mechanisms, effectiveness, and patient selection criteria.
"Every Patient Deserves Individual Approach": Interview with Renowned German Immunologist Prof. Gansauge
Alternative infusion immunotherapy
Alternative infusion immunotherapy is an innovative treatment approach that combines various biological substances and natural compounds to strengthen the immune system and fight cancer cells. A comprehensive 14-day program includes:
- Initial evaluation with detailed medical history review, comprehensive laboratory tests including complete blood count, biochemical analysis, inflammation markers, coagulation tests, and specialized diagnostics like liquid biopsy and RGCC test
- 20 sessions of targeted infusion therapy utilizing a combination of natural compounds including Artesunate, Chlorin E6, Curcumin, DCA, DMSO, GcMAF, Hypericin, and high-dose vitamin therapy
- Complementary treatments including 4 sessions of regional hyperthermia, 10 sessions of ozone therapy, and 10 sessions of ion therapy
- Regular monitoring and nursing care throughout the treatment period
- Final examination with detailed recommendations for further care
This integrative approach combines biological therapies with conventional treatments to enhance effectiveness while minimizing side effects. The method has demonstrated success in supporting cancer patients' recovery by strengthening their immune system and improving their body's natural healing processes.
Symptomatic treatment
At the advanced stage of pancreatic cancer, patients often have jaundice, pain, and bowel obstruction in the duodenum. In such cases, it is advisable to carry out symptomatic treatments of complications.
Narcotic analgesics are usually used to relieve pain, but since such drugs give a clinical effect only in 30% of cases, most patients also undergo various procedures and surgical interventions.
The following methods allow the doctors to achieve a stable analgesic effect:
- Chemical neurolysis is the destruction of the celiac plexus by special substances. The procedure can be used independently or during surgery to eliminate jaundice. The effectiveness of the procedure is more than 80%. The pain does not return for 4-5 weeks;
- Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove both large and small celiac nerves. It is performed through small incisions in the thorax. The intervention is an option to choose if chemical neurolysis is ineffective. The method always gives positive results, and the effect lasts for more than 3 months in 70% of patients.
The tumor at stage 4 compresses the bile ducts, so pancreatic head cancer always causes jaundice. There is a large number of operations and minimally invasive procedures for its treatment:
- Surgery involves the formation of biliodigestive anastomosis – an additional bypass for the outflow of bile into the intestine;
- Percutaneous puncture and endoscopic procedures are used to allow bile to drain out into the intestine or to dilate the bile ducts with a stent (a metal hollow tube, which is inserted into the affected duct).
In some patients, the malignant tumor compresses the duodenum. In this case, to restore its patency, doctors perform stent implantation or form a bypass (anastomosis) to provide the free movement of food masses into the lower intestines.
Why Germany is a Leader in Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Patients from all over the world can undergo high-quality cancer treatment in German hospitals. In most cases, therapy at the advanced stages of pancreatic cancer is successful – doctors prolong the life of patients, improve its quality and pancreatic cancer prognosis. This is possible due to the following conditions:
- Modern diagnostics – molecular genetic tests of cancer cells, which allow doctors to individually select an effective treatment method;
- The best equipment and advanced cancer therapy options – German hospitals have modern equipment and the very latest drugs;
- Innovative methods – German hospitals constantly develop and implement new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment;
- Leading specialists – prior to obtaining a license, German oncologists undergo long training and internships in the best medical facilities in the world.
Every year, Germany’s government allocates huge funds to the development of the medical sector, which enables the high level of medicine in Germany.
Top Clinics for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Germany
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is treated by a tumor board, which includes gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons. As a rule, such tumor boards are only available in large university hospitals:
- LDG Laboratories Dr. Gansauge Berg
- University Hospital Frankfurt am Main
- Asklepios Hospital Barmbek Hamburg
- Clinic of Advanced Biological Medicine Frankfurt am Main
- Hyperthermia Center Hannover
Cost of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Germany
Germany offers high-quality medical care for stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients while maintaining reasonable treatment costs. Unlike many other countries, German hospitals provide transparent pricing without hidden fees. Through cooperation with Booking Health, international patients can receive significant cost reductions due to direct contracts with hospitals and the elimination of additional charges for foreign patients.
Here is a comparison of pancreatic cancer treatment costs in Germany versus other countries:
| Treatment program | Cost in Germany (EUR) | USA (EUR) | UK (EUR) |
| Chemotherapy | 7,300 - 12,100 | 15,000 - 25,000 | 12,000 - 20,000 |
| Chemoembolization | 24,400 - 41,100 | 50,000 - 80,000 | 40,000 - 65,000 |
| Dendritic cell therapy LANEX-DC | Individual pricing | Not widely available | Not widely available |
| Complex treatment (chemoembolization + dendritic cell therapy) | Individual pricing | Not widely available | Not widely available |
The final cost of treatment depends on several factors:
- Stage of the disease
- Selected treatment methods and their combination
- Number of required procedures
- Length of hospital stay
- Need for additional medications or supportive therapy
For precise cost calculations and the development of an individual treatment plan, please contact Booking Health.
Success Stories of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Treatment success stories provide hope and valuable insights for patients considering cancer treatment in Germany. One such inspiring example comes from the family of Robert Franklin Smith, who traveled from the United States to Germany in 2024 seeking treatment for pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis.
After undergoing liver metastasis resection surgery, Mr. Smith was continuing his chemotherapy treatment when his family learned about additional therapeutic options available in Germany. Together with his wife, they made the decision to visit Dr. Gansauge at LDG Laboratories in Berg, Germany, to explore dendritic cell therapy as a complementary treatment approach.
Mrs. Smith shares their experience: "My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Dr. Gansauge in Berg, Germany, for dendritic cell therapy. Booking Health managed every aspect of our experience, from detailed communications to accommodations, translators, and transfers. The entire team was exceptionally professional and friendly, and Dr. Gansauge – both a doctor and a professor – impressed us with his expertise and delightful sense of humor. This treatment has offered us hope and represents an option that we were not presented with in the United States."
The Smiths' experience demonstrates how German medical facilities combine innovative therapies with traditional treatment methods to provide comprehensive care for stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients. Their story also highlights the importance of professional support in organizing medical tourism, ensuring that patients and their families can focus entirely on treatment and recovery.
How to undergo treatment in Germany?
To undergo high-quality treatment for stage 4 cancer in leading European hospitals, you can rely on Booking Health, an international medical tourism organizer. The company stands out for its professional medical consultation and clinic selection, priority access to leading German oncologists, and exclusive direct contracts with hospitals that guarantee the most favorable prices.
Booking Health provides comprehensive support throughout your medical journey, offering the following services:
- Professional selection of the most suitable German cancer center and development of a personalized treatment program based on your medical history
- Priority scheduling of consultations and treatment appointments with leading oncologists, ensuring urgent access when time is critical
- Significant cost reduction through direct hospital contracts, elimination of additional foreign patient fees, and strict financial control including the return of unspent funds
- Complete preparation of medical documentation and arrangement of insurance coverage against treatment complications
- Comprehensive travel support including flight booking, accommodation arrangements, airport pickup, and medical transfers
- Personal medical coordinator available 24/7 to assist with all aspects of your treatment journey
- Organization of medication purchases and delivery to ensure continuous treatment
- Post-treatment support including direct communication with German doctors after returning home and arrangement of follow-up care
- Interpreter services and assistance with all communication between you and medical staff
- Monitoring of your medical program at all stages to ensure the highest quality of care
You can learn more about specific treatment programs and their costs by submitting your request on the official bookinghealth.com website. The Booking Health team will promptly provide detailed information about treatment options in Germany tailored to your case.
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care. Advanced treatments like Nano-Knife and participation in clinical trials may also be available, offering hope for improved outcomes.
Benefits include access to cutting-edge treatments, experienced specialists, and comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs. German clinics often offer innovative therapies and clinical trials not widely available elsewhere.
Effectiveness is monitored through regular imaging tests, blood tests, and clinical evaluations. These assessments help doctors determine the impact of the therapy and make necessary adjustments.
Risks depend on the specific treatment but can include side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. Close monitoring and supportive care help manage these risks.
While a cure for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is rare, advanced treatments in Germany can help manage the disease, prolong life, and improve quality of life. Treatment aims to control the cancer and alleviate symptoms.
If you need detailed information on methods and costs of treating earlier-stages pancreatic cancer, you'll find it here.
Choose treatment abroad and you will be sure to get the best results!
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Alexandra Solovey. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Source:
Read:
New Effective Treatments for Stage 4 Cancer (oncology)
Germany offers dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Modern treatments for pancreatic cancer
