Bergthor Bärnsson, Maria Albertsson, Per Sandsträm
Background Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with a dismal prognosis. Treatment options are few, survival short and the side effects of treatments are burdensome. Metronomic chemotherapy can offer tumour regression and palliation. In this study we explore the responses of three patients to this treatment method in cases where conventional chemotherapy treatment has failed. Methods Three patients diagnosed with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma are described. All patients have been treated with metronomic Xeloda (500 mg x 2). The available literature for metronomic treatment is reviewed. Results Tumour regression or stable diseases for long periods were seen in all three cases. Toxicity noticed was Grade I or II. Conclusions Metronomic chemotherapy can be a therapeutic alternative in selected cases of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, especially where toxicity limits treatment alternatives for highly motivated patients.
