Bile duct cancer treatment with chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for bile duct cancer is a complex of therapeutic measures using antitumor agents (cytostatics). The drugs stabilize the growth of the tumor, alleviate symptoms, and cleanse the body of the spreading cancer cells that can cause relapse. Also, chemotherapy may be prescribed before surgery to shrink the tumor or destroy the remaining cancer cells after surgery. The most effective and widely used is chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy. A thorough diagnosis is carried out beforehand, according to the results of which the oncologist identifies clear indications for treatment, determines the mode of administration and dosage of medications, and also explains how the preparation for chemotherapy is going. A strict diet and a restriction on physical activity are prescribed. Medications are administered intravenously so that the active substances reach the tumor faster and act more effectively. The procedures are cyclical. After each course, the patient's body must recover and eliminate toxins and dead cancer cells. In the intervals between chemotherapy courses, diagnostics are carried out to monitor the effectiveness of therapy. It's usually recommended to have 2-3 chemotherpay sessions and has scans to check for initial results. Oncologists can adjust the chemotherpay regimen after making scans. Despite numerous complications, chemotherapy remains a frequently used method for cholangiocarcinoma treatment.