Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on photodynamic therapy for bile duct cancer.

Authors' recommendations: 1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for bile duct cancer does not appear adequate for this procedure to be used without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research. 1.2 Clinicians wishing to undertake PDT for bile duct cancer should take the following actions. - Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts. - Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's safety and efficacy and provide them with clear written information. Use of the Institute's Information for the public is recommended. - Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having PDT for bile duct cancer. 1.3 Publication of safety and efficacy outcomes will be useful. A randomised trial (PHOTOSTENT 2) is in progress and clinicians are encouraged to enter patients in this trial (http://www.ncrn.org.uk/portfolio/data.asp?ID=1461). The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/ipcat.aspx?c=212231

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)