Clinical Endoscopy

The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (대한소화기내시경학회)
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Comparing palliative treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma: photodynamic therapy vs. radiofrequency ablation

  • Tayyaba Mohammad (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School) ;
  • Michel Kahaleh (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School)
  • Received : 2020.11.07
  • Accepted : 2022.01.06
  • Published : 2022.05.30
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Abstract

Referral to an endoscopist is often done once curative resection is no longer an option for cholangiocarcinoma management. In such cases, palliation has become the main objective of the treatment. Photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation can be performed to achieve palliation, with both procedures associated with improved stent patency and survival. Despite the greatly increased cost and association with photosensitivity, photodynamic therapy allows transmission to the entire biliary tree. In contrast, radiofrequency ablation is cheaper and faster to apply, but requires intraductal contact. This paper reviews both modalities and compares their efficacy and safety for bile duct cancer palliation.

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References

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