Efficacy and safety of biliary stenting combined with 125I seed implantation for the treatment of advanced extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background The implantation of 125 I seed is expected to improve the prognosis of patients undergoing stent placement for advanced extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), but its efficacy and safety remain unclear. Methods Forty advanced eCCA patients who received percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) (control group) and 40 PTBS combined with 125 I seed implantation ( 125 I group) were retrospectively analyzed. Changes in serum biochemical indicators and tumor markers as well as the occurrence of complications were observed in the two groups, and the durations of stent patency and survival were compared. Results The general information and preoperative baseline data did not significantly differ between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Regardless of whether PTBS was combined with 125 I seed implantation, the ALT/AST levels of patients after operation were significantly lower, jaundice was relieved. And the improvements in postoperative liver function and jaundice in patients in 125 I group were better than those in control group. In addition, tumor markers in the two groups decreased significantly, and the decrease was more significant in patients in 125 I group. There was no significant difference in the total complication rate between the two groups. The stent patency time and overall survival of the patients in the 125 I group were longer than those in control group. Conclusion Biliary stenting combined with 125 I seed implantation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with advanced eCCA, and it is superior to biliary stenting alone in improving liver function and prolonging the duration of stent patency and survival time.