Karnofsky performance score is predictive of survival after palliative irradiation of metastatic bile duct cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: Palliative irradiation is effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer in general. However, little data exist regarding irradiation of metastatic bile duct cancer. Selection of the best regimen for such a patient should be based on their survival prognosis. Patients and Methods: This study included five patients irradiated for metastatic bile duct cancer and aimed to identify predictors of survival by analyzing six factors: age, gender, general condition (Karnofsky performance score), metastatic site receiving palliative irradiation, metastases outside irradiated sites and time between diagnosis of bile duct cancer and palliative irradiation. Results: In the whole series, median survival was 3 months. Survival rates at 3 and 6 months were 40% and 40%, respectively. A Karnofsky performance score >70% had a borderline significant association with better survival (p=0.05). Conclusion: Karnofsky performance score was identified as predictor of survival and should be considered when assigning the radiation regimen to patients with metastatic bile duct cancer.