Background/aims: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has a promising effect on non-resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival of PDT plus biliary drainage versus biliary stent alone in advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Methods: Twenty patients who were treated with endoscopic biliary drainage alone (Group A) and 27 patients treated with PDT under percutaneous cholangioscopy and additional percutaneous biliary drainage (Group B) were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: The mean bilirubin level declined effectively in both group after treatment. One-year survival was 28% in group A, 52% in group B (p<0.05). Median survival time was 288 days in group A, 558 days in group B (p=0.0143).
Conclusions: PDT under percutaneous cholangioscopy seems to be more effective in extending survival than biliary drainage alone in advanced hilar tumor. To investigate whether PDT can increase survival rates, further prospective, randomized study is needed.