AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Conventional radiotherapy in inoperable cholangiocarcinoma is limited by radiotolerance of the surrounding tissues. The aim of our dosimetric study was an evaluation of intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of inoperable bile duct carcinoma. METHODS: Four patients with inoperable cholangiocarcinoma treated by self-expandable stent placed to the biliary tree and radiotherapy were studied. The rotational technique, conformal 3D BOX technique and intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan were compared. Dose volume histograms and the normal tissue complication probability concept were used for comparison. The stent was used for target motion verification. RESULTS: The intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans showed favorable dose distribution in planning target volume and remarkable sparing of organs at risk. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique in bile duct carcinomas deserves further research and clinical evaluation.

Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital Hradec Králové Czech Republic