©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Oncol. Jul 15, 2013; 5(7): 171-176
Published online Jul 15, 2013. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v5.i7.171
Published online Jul 15, 2013. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v5.i7.171
Chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma: An update
Natalia Ramírez-Merino, Santiago Ponce Aix, Hernán Cortés-Funes, Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica La Luz, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Author contributions: All the authors contributed equally to this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Natalia Ramírez-Merino, Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica La Luz, C/ General Rodrigo 8, 28003 Madrid, Spain. narame2@gmail.com
Telephone: +34-91-620728724 Fax: +34-91-620728724
Received: December 13, 2012
Revised: March 28, 2013
Accepted: April 13, 2013
Published online: July 15, 2013
Processing time: 229 Days and 23.9 Hours
Revised: March 28, 2013
Accepted: April 13, 2013
Published online: July 15, 2013
Processing time: 229 Days and 23.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Cholangiocarcinomas (bile duct cancers) are an heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic, perihilar and extrahepatic bile ducts. Leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine monotherapy or single agent gemcitabine are reasonable options for patients with a borderline performance status. After progression in patients with an adequate performance status, active regimens that could be considered for second line treatment include gemcitabine plus capecitabine or erlotinib plus bevacizumab.