Pancreas cancer is a complex disease requiring the integration and expertise of specialists from many medical and surgical disciplines. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins offers a Pancreatic Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic every Tuesday. The clinic offers patients a complete, comprehensive examination, including imaging tests such as CT scans, by some of the top cancer experts in the country. The service brings together medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists and others to diagnose patients, educate patients about their options and create personalized treatment plans. Summaries can be provided to patients’ primary care or referring physicians.

The clinic is best suited to the following types of patients:

• Those with newly diagnosed or suspected pancreatic cancer who have had no treatment so far
• Those who have been informed they have locally advanced - not resectable (not removable and non-metastatic cancer) or borderline resectable (may be resected/removed but could result in an incomplete resection) pancreatic cancer
• Patients who had surgery for pancreatic cancer and have not started any chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy

Make an Appointment

Patients should call 410-933-PANC (7262) to make an appointment.

What to Expect

Each clinic day is centered around the unique needs of each patient. We ask that patients gather medical records---anything pertinent to their current condition---to send to our clinic coordinator at least three to four days in advance of their appointment.

Your day begins with a history and physical examination as well as a review of all relevant records and scans. Your appointment may also include additional tests and scans, such as a CT scan.

While you are meeting with a specialist specifically chosen to suit your needs, our expert panel conducts an extensive review of your case. All of our experts are available for you to see; you may request to see any of them during your evaluation. 

In the afternoon, following your physician consult, your case is once again reviewed by an expanded group of pancreas cancer experts. Because we incorporate multiple reviews of your case, it is possible for your initial treatment plan to change. If that occurs, don’t worry. We will change your plan only after considering all the options. And, if it does change, you will be notified immediately.

How long a day will you have?

Arrival:

Plan to arrive at the Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center in the morning. If you are having a CT scan, you may be required to arrive earlier. For patients traveling from out of town, our staff can help guide you to local accommodations.

Departure:

We ask that patients plan their travels after 5 p.m. on the day of their visit.