Biliary tract cancer

Advances in cellular and molecular biology of extrahepatic cholangiocarcino ma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma are providing innovative means for the di agnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer. Similarly, refinements in no ninvasive studies-including helical computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography-are enabling more accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for these tumors. Comp lete resection remains the only means for cure, and recent reports from maj or hepatobiliary centers support aggressive wide resection for bile duct an d gallbladder cancer. Palliation of malignant strictures has improved with advanced endoscopic techniques, newer polyurethane-covered stents, endoscop ic microwave coagulation therapy, and radiofrequency intraluminal endohyper thermia. The preliminary data on such minimally invasive techniques suggest an improvement in quality of life and survival for selected patients. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2001, 17:450-457 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins , Inc.