[Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: current state of palliation therapy]

Decompression of bile ducts is the priority objective in the non-curative stage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Only this will prevent or slow down infectious complications and secondary biliary cirrhosis thereby sustaining the quality of life. KEY STATEMENTS: At present, photodynamic therapy combined with insertion of an endoprosthesis seems to be best documented and most appropriate therapy.

Data from a selective literature search combined with our clinical experience were evaluated.

Therapeutic measures should match the dissemination and stage of the tumor: in locally advanced or progressing disease (stage III) a local ablating therapy, in systemically progressing disease (stage IV) systemic chemotherapy should be utilised.