Photodynamic Therapy in Treating Patients With Cancer of the Bile Duct, Gallbladder, or Pancreas (NCT00003923) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
Photodynamic Therapy in Treating Patients With Cancer of the Bile Duct, Gallbladder, or Pancreas
United States4 participantsStarted 1999-03
Plain-language summary
RATIONALE: Photodynamic therapy uses light and drugs that make cancer cells more sensitive to light to kill tumor cells. This may be effective treatment for cancer of the bile duct, gallbladder, or pancreas.
PURPOSE: Phase II trial to determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in treating patients who have cancer of the bile duct, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven malignant bile duct obstruction with obstructive jaundice Primary carcinoma of bile duct, gallbladder, or pancreas OR Metastatic bile duct disease Successful insertion of a percutaneous drain or endoscopic stent Unresectable disease OR Resectable disease but refusal of surgery Prior biliary plastic or metallic stent allowed, if requiring stent replacement due to recurrent jaundice or routine plastic stent change No erosion of biliary tumors into major blood vessels No evidence of bile duct perforation
PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 50-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin at least 2 mg/dL Renal: Not specified Other: No history of allergies or hypersensitivity to porphyrins No porphyria No cholangitis or pancreatitis
PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy or brachytherapy to the abdomen Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No other prior or concurrent experimental or investigational drugs
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.