Nonsurgical Approaches to Treat Biliary Tract and Liver Tumors

Benjamin L Green; Michael G House

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2019.06.013

Nonsurgical Approaches to Treat Biliary Tract and Liver Tumors

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2019 Oct;28(4):573-586. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2019.06.013.

Authors

Benjamin L Green¹, Michael G House²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine-IU Health University Hospital, 545 Barnhill Drive, Emerson Hall 515, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
² Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine-IU Health University Hospital, 545 Barnhill Drive, Emerson Hall 515, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Electronic address: michouse@iupui.edu.

PMID: 31472906
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2019.06.013

Abstract

Endoscopic and percutaneous therapies have been shown to prolong life and reduce morbidity for patients with unresectable advanced stages of primary hepatobiliary malignancies. This article reviews pertinent studies published within the last 5 years that involve locoregional techniques to manage hepatocellular carcinoma, perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma. A major emphasis is placed on photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation, irreversible electroporation, and microwave ablation. Technical advances, combinational therapies, and postintervention outcomes are discussed. Despite widespread application, high-quality evidence does not show superiority of any particular locoregional technique for treating advanced hepatobiliary cancers.

Keywords: Cholangiocarcinoma; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Microwave ablation; Photodynamic therapy; Radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biliary Tract Neoplasms / pathology
Biliary Tract Neoplasms / therapy*
Combined Modality Therapy
Humans
Liver Neoplasms / pathology
Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
Prognosis