Manejo paliativo del cáncer de vesícula biliar irresecable o metastásico: Conclusiones del Consenso Latinoamericano de Manejo del Cáncer de Vesícula Biliar

Resumen

Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in the western developped world, but represents a highly prevelant and lethal disease in latin america. No randomized controlled trials have been performed in gallbladder cancer to establish standard treatments.  We therefore performed the first latinamerican consensus meeting for the management of gallbladder cancer. In this article we present the conclusions of the panel of experts for the palliative treatment of unresectable or metastatic gallbladder cancer based on the review of the literature, the discussion of the participating experts and the votation of the assistants. The topics reviewed include: 1.- Gallbladder Cancer and Colangiocarcinoma – are they the same disease? 2.- Palliative Chemotherapy: Indications, Drugs and Schedules 3.- Palliative Radiotherapy 4.- Palliative Surgery 5.- Management of Malignant Biliary Obstruction.