Photodynamic therapy for bile duct cancer

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.

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 NICE's information for the public is recommended.

• Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having PDT for bile duct cancer.

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. The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.