Interventional procedure overview of endoscopic bipolar radiofrequency ablation for malignant biliary obstruction

Unmet need

Biliary obstruction caused by unresectable CCA or pancreatic cancer can be managed with biliary stenting during ERCP. Stent replacement is often needed because of obstruction caused by tumour ingrowth. But repeated intervention exposes people to further procedure-related risks. There is a need for active control of tumour growth to prolong survival and stent patency. Some interventions that have been used include photodynamic therapy and intraductal radiotherapy. But there are drawbacks to these treatments. Also, they are usually delivered in multiple sessions. RFA is an effective local ablative therapy that has been used extensively in many cancers, such as CCA or pancreatic cancer. So, endoscopic bipolar RFA might provide an option for treating a stricture caused by cancer.