Treatment Plan
Updated: May 20
Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the bile ducts. My form decided to settle into the heart of my liver (intrahepatic). As I navigate this challenging journey, I want to share insights, and the latest updates in the field of cholangiocarcinoma research and treatment.
My treatment schedule is summarized here, and the start calendar is to be established very soon.
My First Line Standard Care of Treatment
First Line of Treatment starting soon- 2 Chemo, 1 Immunotherapy
Durvalumab (dur-VAL-yoo-mab): Imfinzi®
Gemcitabine (jem-SY-tuh-been): Gemzar®
Cisplatin (sis-PLA-tin): Platinol®
Infusion Treatment Cycle, 8 cycles, or 16 individual infusions, approximately over 6 mos
Day 1
Day 8
Return Day 21 (which is also Day 1)
(Said in another way, two weeks in a row, a week off and return for two weeks in a row, originally I thought two weeks on, 2 off, and 2 on again. Dang it!)
Once this is complete, Durvalumab will then continue every 28 days.
What About Surgery?
I still have a lot to learn about this form of cancer, and what stage this cancer is in. I am actively praying it hasn't spread; this can change my course significantly.
The first round of chemo and immune therapy is the standard care of treatment to start. Surgery is not always an option based on spread, and surgery is very serious. If this is identified as an option for me, it will either be a liver resection or transplant. As much as the liver can regenerate, the surgery is very serious.
What's the Technical Summary
Dx: iCCA, Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Tracking it's molecular signature in pursuit of best treatment options
Initial Find by Grail Gallery: Liver, Bile Duct: Intrahepatic
MRI Identified Mass: 10x9x7 cm
Blood Tests: All normal blood tests, immune, liver, kidney, pancreas etc
Protein Biomarkers are Normal: CA19-9, CEA, AFP
Biopsy: CK7 and CK19 positive
Up Next: Caris Genomics Test and PET Scan Results
Some Scientific & Technical Publications
Tread carefully on the publications, deciphering terminology, treatment options and outcomes is more complex and like many good scientists, less sensitive with the blunt details of potential outcomes.
___________________________________________________
Cholangiocarcinoma 2026: status quo, unmet needs and priorities https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-025-01153-w#Tab1
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 23, pages 65–96 (2026)
__________________________________________________
Biliary tract cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
Annals of Oncology, 2022; 34, 127-140
Comments