Current perspectives in gallbladder carcinoma

Carcinoma gallbladder (CaGB) is not a common malignancy in a large number of countries in the world, except Chile, Japan, some parts of India, and a few other regions. Lacunae exist even today in terms of understanding of its epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, and in the early pick up of malignanacy, as well as in choosing the most appropriate treatment option for a given case. While Japanese surgeons have advocated radical resections for CaGB and have shown good outcome resulting in long-term survival, others have not felt convinced about the desirability of undertaking such morbid surgical procedures in all patients. Also, radical resections have not always resulted in a tumor-free state and a cure in a large percentage of cases. Under the circumstances, the clinician's mind is often confused as to the most beneficial option for that patient once curative resection is not possible. Palliation of the jaundice and/or gastric outlet obstruction relieves the symptoms but does not prolong survival. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy with or without cytoreductive surgery has not been fully explored in CaGB. The present review quotes experience that seems to support the above contention. However, a number of well-designed multicentric trials are required to confirm the above philosophy of treatment for the benefit of patients suffering from CaGB. (C) 2001 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.