Abstract
Background/Aims: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has a promising effect on nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma (CC) but its long term data are not available. This study examined the long term outcome and factors associated with increased survival after PDT for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: A list of 393 patients with a diagnosis of hilar CC was retrieved from the data base of Soonchunhyang University Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from January 1, 2001, to April 1, 2010. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 74 patients who underwent PDT in addition to biliary stenting with/without chemoradiation. Results: The median overall survival from the date of diagnosis to death or the last follow-up was 11.7months (range, 2.2-78.4) respectively. After PDT on negative bile duct biopsy specimens, a complete remission was observed in 1.3% (1/74) of the patients who had superficial tumor depth without lymph node involvement. In multivariate analysis with Cox regression model, increasing the time to treatment after diagnosis was statistically significant predictors of shorter survival after PDT. [Odds ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90-4.71, p= 0.034] Conclusion: The early treatment of PDT after diagnosis showed the survival benefit in advanced hilar CC.
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