[Therapeutic effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy on hilar cholangiocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma were treated with 3D-CRT and the acute effects and survival rates were observed.

RESULTS

Eleven (52.38%) of the 21 patients achieved a complete or partial remission. One, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were 42.85% (9/21), 28.57% (6/21), and 14.29% (3/21), respectively, with a median overall survival rate of 16.5 months. Eight patients developed duodenal ulcer as a late complication of radiotherapy, and 4 patients died of gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-CRT can be considered as a valuable palliative approach for unresectabe hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and effective management of the late complications of radiotherapy play a key role in increasing survival rates of the patients.