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Pancreas Center

The UCSF Pancreas Center diagnoses, evaluates and treats patients with a wide range of pancreatic disorders, from noncancerous tumors to pancreatitis and cancer. Our team includes specialists in gastroenterology, anesthesia, neurology, radiation oncology, nursing, psychology and surgery. The center was founded in 2012 by Dr. Margaret Tempero, an innovator in cancer therapy. Our mission is to advance the care of patients with pancreatic diseases through prevention, early detection, individualized treatment and research.

Patients may have opportunities to participate in clinical trials, studies to evaluate the latest experimental therapies. At UCSF, clinical trials are a crucial part of our commitment to research. These studies may be testing a new treatment or procedure, or they may be seeking to identify the underlying causes of pancreatic conditions, so that doctors can recognize and treat them as early as possible.

As a leading research institution, we are involved in both types of clinical trials. The PRECEDE study, for instance, follows patients at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer due to family history or certain predisposing hereditary genetic mutations. For more information on this study, please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about clinical trials and how they work.

Our patient care practice is located in the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Clinic on our Mission Bay campus. Our specialists also treat patients in the Gastrointestinal Surgery Clinic at Parnassus.

For an appointment with the specialists of the UCSF Pancreas Center, a doctor's referral is required.

Doctor referral required

Our locations

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    Awards & recognition

    • U S  News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • One of the nation's best for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    • Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care

    Accreditations & memberships

    • National Cancer Institute

      The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.

    • Commission on Cancer

      UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.

    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

      UCSF is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.

    Doctor stories

    Q&A: How Dr. Tempero champions patients with pancreatic cancer

    Dr. Margaret Tempero, founder of the Pancreas Center, discusses UCSF's focus on patient care, and how patients become active members of their care team.

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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    Related clinics

    Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Clinic

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fourth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Gastrointestinal Surgery at Parnassus

    400 Parnassus Ave., Second Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Pancreas Transplant Services

    400 Parnassus Ave., Seventh Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Total Pancreatectomy - Islet Auto-Transplant (TP-IAT) Clinic

    400 Parnassus Ave., 7th Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143-0780

    Cancer Center Redwood City

    2900 Whipple Ave., Suite 130
    Redwood City, CA 94062

    Cancer Center San Mateo

    218 DeAnza Blvd.
    San Mateo, CA 94402

    Cancer Clinical Trials & Investigational Treatments Center

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

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    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273

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