Few data are available on patient management in jaundice caused by liver metastases of solid tumors (nonbreast and noncolon origin). We report the first patient series consecutively treated with cisplatin weekly in patients with severe jaundice and liver failure due to underlying metastatic neoplasms. In 4 out of 8 cases, liver function tests were reversed and jaundice disappeared, permitting subsequent standard chemotherapy. The other 4 patients died 3 to 5 weeks after admission, illustrating the extent and severity of the underlying neoplasm.
Two patients are presented with severe jaundice, due to inoperable cholangiocarcinoma. The chemotherapeutic approach in patients with severe jaundice is discussed. Many schedules of chemotherapy were developed in this tumor type with normal serum bilirubin. We report here the first successful use of cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy in these patients. Tolerability was good and liver function tests gradually improved.
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