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Photodynamic therapy of cholangiocarcinoma cancer
1Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Endocrinology, Humboldt University Charite CCN, Berlin, Germany. marianne.ortner@charite.de
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America
|July 19, 2000
Abstract:
Prognosis of nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma is not good, and in Bismuth type III and IV tumors relief of jaundice is seldom achieved, despite successful endoprosthesis insertion. Additional photodynamic therapy seems to be a promising new approach to these tumors. First pilot studies show relief of jaundice, mainly because of opening of the intrahepatic ducts and improvements in quality of life indices. Survival time seems to be long; however, randomized studies are necessary to confirm these results.