New concepts of photodynamic therapy in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: 200 cases for 10 years, single center experiences

Including hilar cholangiocarcinoma (C.C.), extrahepatic C.C. is a relatively common cancer in Far East Asia and its overall incidence is on the increase. The majority of patients are found to have an unresectable tumor on presentation and their survival is approximately 3 months without intervention and 4–6 months with biliary Intervention. In patients with unresectable C.C., photodynamic therapy (PDT) with biliary stents and adjuvant chemotherapy is used for palliation of jaundice and improving survival. Most therapeutic effects are aimed at delaying bile duct obstruction rather than decreasing the tumor burden. On the based experiences of 200 cases for 10 years in single center, introducing new concepts of PDT compare to previous reports regarding to techniques for improving benefits according to each essential stages of PDT procedure such as pre-PDT, during PDT, and post PDT stage.