Role of intraluminal brachytherapy as a palliative treatment modality in unresectable cholangiocarcinomas

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma, a primary malignant tumor of the bile ducts mainly originates from cholangiocytes. The incidence of biliary tract tumours is high in Asian countries, mainly in Thailand, India, Japan and Korea. These tumor relapse frequently and can metastsize to distant organs. Biliary stenting either by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is widely used procedure used to attain symptomatic relief. Radiation therapy can be used to prevent the tumor growth in or surrounding the stent, maintaining its patency. External beam radiation therapy and intraluminal brachytherapy are the two methods by which tumoricidal doses could be delivered. Intraluminal brachytherapy can help in delivering high to the tumor while not exceeding the normal tissue tolerance of surrounding organs. In the present article we try to emphasize on the role of intra luminal brachytheraphy for palliation in advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinomas.