2023 Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 63-72
Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising novel adjunctive therapeutic option for malignant biliary obstruction. RFA can achieve local tumor control, which provides improved biliary stent patency and potential survival benefit in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Owing to the accumulation of evidence on RFA for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, researchers have been striving to reach consensus regarding its therapeutic effect on extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma without distant metastasis. However, it is difficult to aver that endobiliary RFA is a well-established treatment technique, and several unresolved issues persist. It is necessary to understand the current evidence while implementing endobiliary RFA in clinical practice and perform it appropriately to ensure that it benefits patients.
In this review, we have summarized the updated evidence on endobiliary RFA for malignant biliary obstruction, especially extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and discussed issues that should be addressed in future studies.
