Guide To Treating Bile Duct Cancer

Targeted Therapy Medications

Targeted therapy medications can often help patients who are at an advanced stage of bile duct cancer prolong their lives. These medications work differently than chemotherapy, and they can sometimes work even if the chemo has been unsuccessful. Doctors may also recommend that these medications are used in addition to chemo. Targeted medications are designed to specifically attack the proteins and gene changes that cause cancer. The side effects of these medicines are often less severe than with standard treatments such as chemotherapy. In the United States, targeted therapy is only available through clinical trials. A medication called ramucirumab has shown particular promise in the treatment of bile duct cancer. Patients should ask their doctors about clinical trials that may be available to them. Online research can be done to find clinical trials in other states that may be beneficial, too.