Cholangiocarcinoma and the role of radiation and chemotherapy

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare tumor. Many cases are localized while metastat ic disease within the liver and abdomen do occur. There is as yet no standa rd therapy for advanced bile duct tumors. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not curative modalities in this condition but are being assessed adjuvantl y following surgery, and as palliative treatment in an attempt to either ex tend progression-free and overall survival or to palliate symptoms. Advance s may be made by: (i) The combined use of radiation and chemotherapy, (ii) High dose conformal radiotherapy, (iii) Novel chemotherapeutic agents. Pati ents should be given the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.