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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 28, 2013; 19(48): 9209-9215
Published online Dec 28, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i48.9209
Published online Dec 28, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i48.9209
Liver transplantation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Ricardo Robles, Francisco Sánchez-Bueno, Pablo Ramírez, Roberto Brusadin, Pascual Parrilla, Department of Surgery and Liver and Pancreas transplantation, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, E-30120 Murcia, Spain
Author contributions: Robles R and Parrilla P designed research; Sánchez-Bueno F, Ramírez P and Brusadin R performed research; Sánchez-Bueno F, Ramírez P and Brusadin R analyzed data; Robles R and Parrilla P wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Ricardo Robles, Professor of Surgery and Head of Unit, Department of Surgery and Liver and Pancreas transplantation, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, Ctra del Palmar, E-30120 Murcia, Spain. rirocam@um.es
Telephone: +34-96-8369677 Fax: +34-96-8395537
Received: August 8, 2013
Revised: September 17, 2013
Accepted: November 18, 2013
Published online: December 28, 2013
Revised: September 17, 2013
Accepted: November 18, 2013
Published online: December 28, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: The most appropriate treatment for Klatskin tumor (KT) with a curative intention is multimodal therapy based on achieving R0 resection combined with other types of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. In irresectable non-disseminated KT patients, using liver transplantation without neoadjuvant treatment, the 5-year survival rate increase to 38%, reaching 50% survival in early stage. In selected cases, with liver transplantation and neoadjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), the actuarial survival rate is 65% at 5 years and 59% at 10 years. In conclusion, correct staging, neoadjuvant treatment, living donor and priority on the LT waiting list may lead to improved results.