Skip to main content

Treatment Options

Treatment options are based on current evidence. 

Localized and potentially resectable disease

  • Primary surgery as described above
  • There is no  proven role for adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy for completely resected early-stage gallbladder cancer

Unresectable or metastatic disease

  • Patients should be referred for consideration of palliative chemotherapy, clinical trials, and/or supportive care
  • Palliative radiotherapy may be a consideration for local symptoms (e.g. alleviation of pain bleeding or jaundice) 
  • Palliative chemotherapy can extend survival in appropriately selected patients and may help improve symptoms and quality of life 
  • Currently approved chemotherapeutic agents for unresectable biliary and gall bladder cancer include: gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
    • The most commonly used regimens are:
      • gemcitabine and cisplatin (GIAVPG) 
      • gemcitabine (GIPGEM)
      • 5-FU and cisplatin (GIFUC)
      • single-agent 5-FU (GIAVFL)
    • The choice and sequence of chemotherapy is determined by disease-related factors, patient factors and patient preferences as assessed by the medical oncologist
  • Consider treatment on a clinical trial, if available
  • Symptom management, best supportive care, and involvement of palliative care services as indicated by patient’s clinical status

SOURCE: Treatment Options ( )
Page printed: . Unofficial document if printed. Please refer to SOURCE for latest information.

Copyright © BC Cancer. All Rights Reserved.

    Copyright © 2024 Provincial Health Services Authority