Cholangiocarcinoma, Gallbladder Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial
Malignant obstructive jaundice is a common complication of advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma,
gallbladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer. In biliary stricture by malignancy, biliary
drainage with placement of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) for palliation is the therapy of
choice in these patients. When compared to plastic stents, SEMS present a significantly
decreased risk of recurrent biliary obstruction. SEMS are also more cost-effective than
plastic stents in patients with a life expectancy of longer than 4 months. However, despite
their numerous benefits, SEMS become occluded in up to 50 % of patients in the first 6-8
months.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used to treat malignancies of the liver since the
early 1990s. Other studies have investigated its role in diseases of the colon and esophagus.
More recently, this technique has been recognized for its potential in palliative treatment
of malignant biliary strictures. RFA uses a high-frequency alternating current to generate
heat and achieve coagulative necrosis when in contact with tissue. Within the bile duct, RFA
appears to be safe and may result in decreased benign epithelial hyperplasia and tumor
ingrowth. However, RFA along with placement of SEMS has not been well studied. On the other
hand, newly developed RFA catheter (ELRA®) showed the feasibility and safety in south korea,
recently.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the Efficacy and safety of endobiliary RFA by
using a novel RF catheter (ELRA®) on maintaining the patency of endobiliary metal drainage in
patients with malignant biliary strictures.
n/a