Radiofrequency ablation to treat blocked bile ducts from bile cancer
Part of Cancer clinical trials.
This study tests whether radiofrequency ablation can improve treatment for people who have a malignant (cancer-related) blockage of the bile ducts near the liver (perihilar cholangiocarcinoma). It’s for patients who are not good candidates for curative surgery and who need bile-duct drainage using a specific stent (uSEMS).
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are at least 18 years old and able to give consent (in writing and by speaking).
- Your cancer diagnosis is perihilar cholangiocarcinoma confirmed by tissue or cells (biopsy/cytology).
- Your bile duct is blocked near the liver and your care team plans drainage with a uSEMS stent.
- Your cancer is considered advanced—meaning surgery to remove it completely is not an option due to spread or involvement of blood vessels/lymph nodes.
- You cannot be eligible for liver transplant, and your expected life span is at least 3 months.
- Doctors must be able to place drainage safely (ERCP/PTC procedures are possible), and your blood clotting is not dangerously abnormal.
- You do not have an active bile-duct infection (cholangitis) or liver abscess; if you recently had one, antibiotics must be stopped for at least 7 days.
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and you don’t have serious unstable health problems that would prevent safe participation.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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