Chemotherapy
Unfortunately, gallbladder tumors are often not very sensitive to cytostatic drugs. However, some ongoing clinical studies are investigating which cytostatic drug combinations achieve the best results. Before an operation, chemotherapy, which is usually carried out in combination with radiotherapy (radiochemotherapy), can be used to try to induce a tumor reduction (neoadjuvant) so that the cancer can be better removed.
Radiotherapy (radiotherapy)
Radiotherapy is generally effective for this form of carcinoma. However, due to the sensitivity of the neighbouring organs (such as the small intestine, liver and kidney), the radiation dose cannot be selected high enough to induce the tumour to complete remission. However, it is possible to stop the growth of the tumor or to reduce its size partially. This is particularly advantageous for inoperable patients who are receiving a therapy that is no longer aimed at healing but rather at alleviating the symptoms of the tumor, such as tumor pain (palliative therapy). Radiotherapy can also be used preoperatively to reduce the size of the tumor (neoadjuvant therapy) in order to improve the surgical results.
Prognosis
Overall, the patients’ chances of recovery are rather unfavorable. Only the tumors discovered during cholecystectomy, which is performed for other reasons, have a slightly better prognosis, because they are operated on at an early stage without causing any symptoms. The five-year survival rate for this form of cancer is only 5%, which means that 5% of those affected are still alive after 5 years after diagnosis.
