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Intraluminal brachytherapy in bile duct carcinomas
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Iridium-192 brachytherapy offers a safe and effective treatment for biliary tract carcinoma, with a median survival of 23 months. Further comparisons with surgery and stenting are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare biliary tract tumor with limited curative options.
- Surgery is the only curative treatment, but many tumors are unresectable.
- Intraluminal brachytherapy shows promise for localized cholangiocarcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the survival outcomes of patients with biliary tract carcinoma treated with iridium-192 brachytherapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 patients treated between 1989-1994.
- Transhepatic iridium-192 brachytherapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
- Analysis of prior treatments including resection, bypass, and stenting.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 23 months, with 61% of patients surviving 1 year.
- Most common acute complication: cholangitis (4 patients).
- Most common late complications: duodenal ulcer and cholangitis (2 patients each).
Conclusions:
- Iridium-192 brachytherapy is a safe and effective treatment for biliary tract carcinoma.
- Comparison with surgery and stenting is warranted.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis of brachytherapy is recommended.