Experience of Palliative Radiotherapy for Tumor-Associated Bleeding From Biliary Tract Cancer

Abstract

We experienced two cases of palliative radiotherapy (RT) for tumor-associated bleeding from biliary tract cancer (BTC). Bleeding due to tumor invasion to the duodenum wall caused severe anemia that required a blood transfusion. Hemostatic RT with 30 Gy in 10 - 12 fractions was attempted. Hemostasis was achieved in both patients, and they were able to spend their remaining life at home with no restrictions of their oral intake. In addition, no adverse events were seen in any of the two patients after undergoing palliative RT. Palliative RT for tumor-associated bleeding from BTC is suggested not only to be an effective and safe treatment option, but to improve the patient’s quality of life. The further accumulation of cases will be required in order to confirm the usefulness of hemostatic RT for BTC.




J Med Cases. 2018;9(10):328-331
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3064e