Expert consensus on technical specifications for the clinical application of photodynamic therapy for cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy(PDT) is an effective,minimally invasive method for tumor treatment. It can be applied for treating cholangiocarcinoma in combination with the implementation of biliary stent/external biliary drainage,or with systemic treatments including chemotherapy. Moreover,it is a primary application in the treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma as well as an adjuvant treatment of residual postoperatively or locally recurrent tumors. It can control local tumor progression effectively,relieve biliary obstruction,improve life quality,and prolong survival,with the advantages of minimally invasive,precise and repeatable. To date,clinical evidence-based medicine for applying PDT to treat cholangiocarcinoma was limited,and there has been a lack of clinical specifications and consensus regarding the technique. Based on this,Group of Operative Surgery,Branch of Surgery,Chinese Medical Association,Group of Biliary Surgery,Branch of Surgery,Chinese Medical Association and Chinese Committee of Biliary Surgeons organized experts to discuss the indications,contraindications,technical protocol,efficacy evaluation,and management of complications when using PDT to treat cholangiocarcinoma. The consensus aims to provide a reference for promoting the clinical application of PDT in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.