Palliative endoscopic treatment options in malignancies of the biliopancreatic system

Abstract

In most of the cases, pancreatic cancer and malignancies of the bile tract can only be treated palliatively. Endoscopy offers several methods for effective control of the symptoms in those situations. In pancreatic cancer, stenting of bile ducts enables a control of jaundice most of the time. Stenting of an obstructed duodenum can relieve symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction without the need for major surgery. In biliary tract cancer, stenting of the bile ducts can provide effective drainage of the biliary system. Photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation can sometimes be a valuable tool in symptom control. This review tries to provide an overview on endoscopic palliative treatment options in pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer.