Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes for 65 patients with advanced BTC treated by TACE with gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2). Follow-up laboratory tests and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were performed routinely to evaluate the response of the tumor to treatment. All patients were assessed for adverse effects. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients, 19 (29.2%) achieved a partial response, 36 (55.4%) showed stable disease, and ten (15.4%) showed progressive disease. The overall response rate was 29.2%. At the end of this study, five patients were still alive. The median overall survival was 12.0 months (95% confidence interval 8.5–15.5). There were no serious complications after TACE. CONCLUSION: The disease control rate and overall survival in this retrospective study were consistent with those in previous reports. TACE with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin was well tolerated and highly effective in patients with advanced BTC.