Radiotherapy of Carcinomas of the Extrahepatic Biliary System

Authors:
  • MPMiljenko V. Pilepich
    Miljenko V. Pilepich
  • PLPeter M. Lambert
    Peter M. Lambert
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Abstract
Carcinomas of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts carry a dismal prognosis. Due to the proximity of a number of vital structures and their early invasion, these tumors are rarely resectable. Long-term survival or cure is an exception. Results of treatment in 11 patients are reported. In 4 patients, radiotherapy was given as an adjuvant to surgery; in 5 patients the aim was palliation, while 2 patients received potentially curative doses of radiation. Good palliation has been achieved. Long-term, disease-free survival has been observed in some radically treated patients. The results suggest that radiotherapy may contribute to cure not only when used as a surgical adjuvant but also as the sole treatment modality in unresectable but still localized carcinomas of the bile ducts.