The Role of Photodynamic Therapy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.
10.3904/kjim.2010.25.4.345
- Author:
Young Koog CHEON
1
Author Information
1. Institute for Digestive Research and Digestive Disease Center, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yksky001@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Cholangiocarcinoma;
Bile duct neoplasms;
Photodynamic therapy;
Photosensitizing agents
- MeSH:
Bile Duct Neoplasms/*drug therapy;
*Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic;
Cholangiocarcinoma/*drug therapy;
Humans;
*Photochemotherapy;
Treatment Outcome
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
2010;25(4):345-352
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The prognosis for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is limited by tumor spread along the biliary tree leading to refractory obstructive cholestasis, cholangitis, and liver failure. Palliation with biliary endoprostheses results in median survival times of 4-6 months for advanced bile duct cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a local photochemical tumor treatment consisting of a photosensitizing agent combined with laser irradiation of a distinct wavelength. Tumor ablation with PDT combined with biliary stenting reduces cholestasis and significantly improves median survival time. However, the treatment is not widely available, and the photosensitizers used for PDT cause prolonged photosensitivity. Optimum control of tumor spread along the bile ducts and control of cholestasis and cholangitis will prolong survival in one to two thirds of patients, and renders them suitable for other antitumor therapies.
