Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: The role of radio(chemo) therapy for non-metastatic bile duct cancer is not well defined. This study provides additional data for this rare situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of eight patients receiving radio(chemo)therapy for non-metastatic bile duct cancer were retrospectively analyzed regarding local control, metastases-free survival and overall survival. In addition to the entire cohort, five tumor- or treatment-related factors were investigated: tumor stage, histologic grading, point in time of radio(chemo)therapy, upfront surgery and concurrent chemotherapy. RESULTS: Median overall survival was 37 months. Overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 56% and 38%, respectively. Lower histologic grading was significantly associated with better overall survival (p=0.042). Metastases-free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 38% and 19%, while local control rates were 43% and 21%, respectively. Concurrent radiochemotherapy (vs. radiotherapy alone) resulted in significantly improved local control (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Radiochemotherapy can achieve promising results in selected patients with non-metastatic bile duct cancer.