Phase II study of photodynamic therapy and metal stent as palliative treatment for nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: The combination of photodynamic therapy and biliary drainage by plastic endoprosthesis insertion has produced promising results in the treatment of nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The feasibility and efficacy of intraductal photodynamic therapy with subsequent biliary drainage by self-expandable metal stent insertion were evaluated in a prospective phase II study.

Methods: Twenty-four patients were treated with photodynamic therapy after sensitization with porfimer sodium.