Review
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Comparing palliative treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma: photodynamic therapy vs. radiofrequency ablation
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Tayyaba Mohammad, Michel Kahaleh
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Clin Endosc 2022;55(3):347-354. Published online May 17, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2021.274
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Abstract
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- 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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Focused Review Series: Photodynamic Therapy
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Current Status of Photodynamic Therapy for Bile Duct Cancer
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Tae Yoon Lee, Young Koog Cheon, Chan Sup Shim
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Clin Endosc 2013;46(1):38-44. Published online January 31, 2013
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2013.46.1.38
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Abstract
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The most common form in bile duct cancers is a highly desmoplastic cancer with a growth pattern characterized by periductal extension and infiltration. The prognosis of bile duct cancers, especially hilar cholangiocarcinoma, is limited by tumor spread along the biliary tree leading to refractory obstructive cholestasis, cholangitis, and liver failure. Although biliary endoprosthesis improves occlusion rates and reduces the number of therapeutic interventions, median survival time is not ameliorated. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a local photochemical tumor treatment that consists of a photosensitizing agent in combination with laser irradiation of a distinct wavelength. Tumor ablation with PDT combined with biliary stenting reduces cholestasis and significantly improves median survival time in selected patients with bile duct cancers.
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