Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has United States Federal Drug Adminsitration (FDA) approval for use in patients with Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. There is increasing evidence for the use of PDT in cholangiocarcinoma. An initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure must be done. It allows definition of the extension of the malignant stricture and involvement of the intrahepatic biliary tree and tumor. PDT is a relatively new local, minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat cholangiocarcinoma. PDT uses the physical properties of light absorbing molecules, so-called photo sensitizers, which collect within proliferating cells. As most patients present with non resectable disease at the time of diagnosis, palliative modalities have a crucial role in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Photodynamic therapy is performed by treating the strictures induced by the cancerous lesion and the intrahepatic tree proximal to the treated stricture. A thorough knowledge of biliary anatomy is required to effectively treat such patients. PDT as a treatment for cholangiocarcinoma has been shown to increase survival. It has been proven that patients' quality of life has also been improved with PDT.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from sgna's 36th annual course, SGNA: your gateway to opportunity. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. in keeping with the tradition of the annual course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.