The experience of taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PC) has a dismal prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 5% and a median survival of months. In addition to poor survival, a hallmark feature affecting PC patients is pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). PEI is defined as the condition in which the amount of secreted pancreatic enzymes is insufficient for normal digestion. This results in malabsorption and subsequent symptoms of poor digestion, such as diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, cramping, steatorrhoea, abdominal bloating and weight loss. PEI can be treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which improves fat digestion and symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of PERT in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in a survey format to explore current use and compliance. The results of this study will help inform a randomised control trial using a complex intervention design.