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Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the bile ducts, commonly occurring in various locations including intrahepatic bile ducts, hilar region, and distal bile ducts. It predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly populations. The disease progresses insidiously, with no obvious symptoms in its early stages, and is often diagnosed when surgical resection is no longer feasible, resulting in a high mortality rate. Due to its rapid progression and poor prognosis, it has become one of the most challenging cancers in the digestive system.
Cholangiocarcinoma is more common in Asia, especially in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, where it is associated with liver fluke infection and chronic biliary inflammation. Although incidence is lower in Europe and the United States, it is rising and gradually becoming a global health problem.
The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma varies greatly across regions. In high-income countries, the annual incidence ranges from 0.35 to 2 cases per 100,000 population, whereas in endemic areas such as Thailand and China, it can be up to 40 times higher. Data from the U.S. SEER database (2001–2015) show that the annual incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is 1.26 per 100,000, with two-thirds being intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
1. Insidious onset leading to delayed treatment
Early symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma are mild and easily overlooked. By the time significant signs such as jaundice and weight loss appear, the disease is often already in the middle or late stages, missing the optimal surgical window.
2. Severe liver function impairment
Due to tumor-induced obstruction of the biliary system, bile excretion is restricted, leading to hepatocellular damage and elevated bilirubin. In severe cases, this may progress to liver failure, posing a life-threatening risk.
3. Complex and variable complications
Patients with cholangiocarcinoma often suffer from biliary infections, bleeding, and ascites, which aggravate the disease, increase treatment difficulty, and raise mortality risk.
4. High risk of recurrence and metastasis
Even after surgical resection, cholangiocarcinoma has a high recurrence rate and the potential for distant metastasis, requiring long-term follow-up and comprehensive treatment.
Immune reconstruction cell therapy reshapes the patient’s immune function, enabling T cells, NK cells, and other immune cells to more effectively recognize and kill cholangiocarcinoma cells. It avoids the toxic side effects of traditional chemotherapy and is suitable for patients at various stages, especially those with postoperative recurrence or inoperable cases, making it a promising new direction in clinical practice.
In clinical treatment, cancer patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy often face impaired immune function, increased infection risks, and slow recovery. To better support patients during treatment, enhance tolerance, and improve survival quality, phased immune reconstruction plans should be scientifically designed for different treatment cycles.
● Short-term Plan: Rapidly enhance immunity through immune cell reinfusion to boost the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatment.
● Mid-term Plan: Reduce side effects of traditional treatments, promote physical recovery, and complete standardized treatment courses.
● Long-term Plan: Improve overall immunity through immune cell reconstruction, gut immune reconstruction, elemental immune reconstruction, and immune nutrition reconstruction, thereby enhancing quality of life and prolonging survival.
1. Surgical resection remains the first choice
For localized cholangiocarcinoma, surgical resection is still the most effective approach. This includes hepatectomy, bile duct resection, and lymph node dissection. However, the proportion of patients eligible for surgery is relatively low.
2. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy can delay disease progression. For advanced patients who cannot undergo surgery, chemotherapy alone or combined with targeted drugs can provide some relief.
3. Endoscopic and interventional therapies
Procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) can temporarily relieve jaundice symptoms, improve quality of life, and be combined with local treatments.
4. Minimally invasive ablation techniques
Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and photodynamic therapy are being gradually applied in cholangiocarcinoma treatment. These methods are minimally invasive, promote rapid recovery, and require individualized evaluation, still in the stage of gradual promotion.
5. Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation
Under ERCP or PTCD guidance, a radiofrequency electrode probe is delivered to the tumor site in the bile duct. The high-frequency current generates local high temperatures, directly burning and destroying tumor tissue. This method effectively reopens obstructed bile ducts and is often combined with stent placement to delay stent blockage caused by tumor regrowth.
Cholangiocarcinoma is highly insidious and malignant, easily overlooked, and often diagnosed at advanced stages with severe consequences. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that scientific comprehensive treatment and early intervention, particularly the introduction of immune reconstruction cell therapy, can help improve survival outcomes.
