Conversion surgery strategies for biliary tract cancer

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-2015.2025.01.001

Abstract

Abstract:

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is highly malignant, with curative surgical resection being the only potentially definitive treatment. Due to its frequently asymptomatic onset, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, precluding the opportunity for curative surgery. Conversion therapy offers the potential to downstage initially unresectable tumors, thereby making R0 resection possible, providing patients with surgical opportunities, and potentially extending survival. This approach has shown promising results in various advanced cancers. However, the application of conversion therapy in BTC is still in its nascent stages, with unresolved issues related to patient selection, treatment strategies, and the timing of conversion surgery. In this context, this article reviews conversion therapy strategies for advanced BTC,drawing on clinical experience and recent research from our institution and aiming to provide valuable insights and guidance for the field.

Key words: Biliary tract cancer, Advanced, Conversion therapy, Conversion surgery, Immunotherapy

Shanshan Wang, Haitao Zhao. Conversion surgery strategies for biliary tract cancer[J]. Chinese Journal of Digestion and Medical Imageology(Electronic Edition), 2025, 15(01): 1-5.

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