Treatment of Bile Duct Cancer
The treatment of cholangiocarcinoma depends on its location, stage, and whether it can be surgically removed. The main goal is to remove or reduce the tumour, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life. Learn more about the treatment of bile duct cancer below.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery
- The best chance of cure is complete surgical removal of the tumour.
- Depending on tumour location, this may involve:
- Partial liver resection (intrahepatic)
- Removal of bile ducts and part of the liver (perihilar)
- Pancreatic surgery (distal)
- Surgery is only possible in early-stage disease.
- Liver transplant
- For certain hilar cancers that cannot be removed surgically, liver transplantation may be considered in highly selected cases.
- For certain hilar cancers that cannot be removed surgically, liver transplantation may be considered in highly selected cases.
- Radiation therapy
- May be used after surgery or for inoperable cancers to shrink tumours and relieve pain.
- May be used after surgery or for inoperable cancers to shrink tumours and relieve pain.
- Chemotherapy
- Medications such as gemcitabine and cisplatin are standard.
- Used after surgery, or for advanced or metastatic cases to slow disease progression.
- Targeted therapy
- In patients with specific gene mutations (e.g., FGFR2, IDH1), newer drugs may be used.
- Requires advanced testing, which may not be widely available in South Africa’s public sector.
- Palliative care
- For advanced cases, focus shifts to relieving jaundice, pain, and digestive issues.
- Biliary stents inserted during ERCP help unblock the bile ducts.
- Clinical trials
- May offer access to newer treatments, especially in urban or academic hospitals.
Access to care in South Africa varies greatly. While private facilities may offer surgery, chemo, and transplant referral, rural clinics may focus on supportive care. NGOs and support networks play a growing role in linking patients to referral hospitals.
Treatment of Bile Duct Cancer
Early-stage detection improves survival, but even late-stage treatment can relieve symptoms and extend life expectancy.
👉 [Next: Complications and Prognosis]
