| Summary: | The prognosis of bile duct cancer (BDC) is limited due to tumor spread along the biliary tree leading to refractory obstructive cholestasis, cholangitis, and liver failure. Palliation with biliary endoprostheses yields median survival times between 4 and 6 months for advanced BDC. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a local photochemical tumor treatment that consists of a photosensitizing agent combined with laser irradiation of a distinct wavelength. Tumor ablation with PDT combined with biliary stenting reduces cholestasis and significantly improves the median survival time. However, the treatment is not widely available, and the photosensitizer used for PDT causes prolonged photosensitivity. Optimal control of tumor spread along the bile ducts and control of cholestasis and cholangitis will prolong survival in 33% to 66% of patients and render them suitable for other antitumor therapies.
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