Work

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Malignant Biliary Obstruction in a Patient With Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Malignant obstructive jaundice is a challenging complication of advanced hepatobiliary malignancies and is associated with significant morbidity.Endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage remains the standard palliative intervention; however, some patients are unsuitable for or fail these procedures.Radiotherapy, particularly stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), may offer a noninvasive alternative for symptom relief and local tumor control in selected cases.Case Report: A 45-year-old female with inoperable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma presented with malignant biliary obstruction.She was not a candidate for surgical resection or invasive biliary drainage.The patient underwent SBRT directed at the primary hepatic lesion.Following treatment, the patient demonstrated meaningful biochemical improvement, including reduction in serum bilirubin levels, along with symptomatic relief.Her clinical response facilitated the initiation of systemic therapy.The patient tolerated treatment well, experiencing only grade 1 fatigue and nausea.Conclusion: This case illustrates the potential role of SBRT as a noninvasive palliative modality in selected patients with malignant biliary obstruction who are unsuitable for standard biliary drainage procedures.Radiotherapy may contribute to symptom relief and enable further oncologic management within a multidisciplinary care framework.

Source: Ochsner Journal

DOI: 10.31486/toj.26.0023

Authors: Kannan Periasamy, Ananth Raghuraman, Thamizharasi Selvakumaran, Raja Kalayarasan

Institution: Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer Studies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7172257109