Bon Secours offers new treatment option for pancreatic cancer

Health System becomes first in Carolinas to offer unique technology

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System has performed its first endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), a new minimally invasive procedure aimed at helping patients suffering with pancreatic cancer.

“I’m immensely proud to be part of the team that is introducing this unique technology to the Carolinas,” said Dr. Veeral Oza, Medical Director of Bon Secours Gastroenterology. “Hope is everything and this procedure provides a new option as well as new hope to patients who are suffering from this deadly disease.”

Compared to other cancers, pancreatic cancer is relatively rare with an incidence rate of just 3%. However, it’s currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death and is projected to soon become the second most common cause of cancer death. For now, routine screenings are not recommended in everyone for pancreatic cancer, meaning the diagnosis often comes in the cancer’s later stages. Additionally, the pancreas is located in an important part of the body, surrounded by several blood vessels, which can make surgery tricky.

“A majority of pancreatic cancers are unfortunately not removable at the time of diagnosis. In addition, surgery of pancreatic lesions can be associated with high morbidity and mortality,” explained Dr. Oza. “Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive option that is safe and may help some patients. It’s our hope that it will lead to better overall outcomes for our patients.”

During an EUS-RFA procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and ultrasound probe is inserted into the digestive tract. A generator is then used to deliver heating energy to the tumor directly through the probe. This is used to erode the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.

Bon Secours is the first health system in the tri-state area (which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) to provide ablation treatment for pancreatic cancer and small, neuroendocrine tumors. To learn more, call Bon Secours Gastroenterology at 864-335-7555 or visit bonsecours.com.

About Bon Secours St. Francis Health System

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours Mercy Health provides care for patients more than 11 million times annually through its network of more than 1,200 care sites, which includes 49 hospitals. In 2023, BSMH provided more than $600 million dollars in community investments across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. Locally, Bon Secours St. Francis provides compassionate medical care to thousands of area residents through Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown and Bon Secours St. Francis Eastside, as well as a network of primary and specialty care practices, and ambulatory care sites across the Greenville region. The mission of Bon Secours St. Francis is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit BonSecours.com.