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Review
. 2010;15(2):168-81.
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0302. Epub 2010 Feb 10.

Current management of gallbladder carcinoma

Andrew X Zhu  1 , Theodore S Hong, Aram F Hezel, David A Kooby
Affiliations
Review

Current management of gallbladder carcinoma

Andrew X Zhu et al. Oncologist. 2010.

Abstract

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) represents the most common and aggressive type among the biliary tree cancers (BTCs). Complete surgical resection offers the only chance for cure; however, only 10% of patients with GBC present with early-stage disease and are considered surgical candidates. Among those patients who do undergo "curative" resection, recurrence rates are high. There are no established adjuvant treatments in this setting. Patients with unresectable or metastatic GBC have a poor prognosis. There has been a paucity of randomized phase III data in this field. A recent report demonstrated longer overall survival with gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin than with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced or metastatic BTCs. Molecularly targeted agents are under development. In this review, we attempt to discuss the current status and key issues involved in the management of GBC.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: Andrew X. Zhu: Consultant/advisory role: Bayer, Genentech, Sanofi-Aventis; Theodore S. Hong: Consultant/advisory role: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Aram F. Hezel: None; David A. Kooby: None.

The content of this article has been reviewed by independent peer reviewers to ensure that it is balanced, objective, and free from commercial bias. No financial relationships relevant to the content of this article have been disclosed by the independent peer reviewers.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
One patient with T3 gallbladder cancer after simple cholecystectomy followed by radical reresection who was treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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