For years now, desperately ill women have sought out this therapy -- which involves removing some of the marrow, hitting the patient with high doses of toxic drugs and then replacing the marrow -- even though there has been no scientific evidence that it is effective.
That surgery typically involves removing part of a patient's pancreas, the gallbladder and parts of the digestive tract.
Neutering or spaying, which involves removing some of the reproductive organs, is often carried out as a method of birth control in household pets.
"Installing it involves removing portions of the floor and ceilings," said Lisa Phillips, the New Museum's director.
Because one treatment for the condition involves removing part of the brain, the implant will be tested by attaching it to tissue that will be removed an hour or so later, rendering any damage from the device inconsequential.
The most common operation is called the Whipple procedure, and it is a long, difficult operation that usually involves removing parts of the pancreas, stomach, small intestine and other organs.
This involves removing all of the external factors that could influence their rhythms, so volunteers are kept in a constant, semi-recumbent posture for 40 hours in dim light and at a constant temperature.
If the cancer is in the head of the pancreas, the surgeon may perform the Whipple procedure, a major operation that involves removing parts of the small intestine, bile duct, and stomach, in addition to the head of the pancreas.
This involves removing all of the external factors that could influence their rhythms, so volunteers are kept in a constant, semi-recumbent posture for 40 hours in dim light and at a constant temperature.
But Akerfelds is hopeful that he will be among the 15 to 20 percent of pancreatic cancer victims who are candidates for a Whipple procedure, an operation that often involves removing parts of the pancreas, stomach and other organs.
