Bile Duct Cancer Outcomes

First, bile duct cancer outcomes, including survival rates, are improving every day thanks to new treatment options being developed at top research centers like Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Second, bile duct cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading.

Because every patient’s bile duct cancer is different, their outcomes will be too. At Winship, we are a leader in hepatobiliary cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective cancer treatments with the fewest possible side effects. As a result, our bile duct cancer outcomes — our survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term symptoms — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia. The designation ensures that we meet the most rigorous standards, including the use of state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge treatments, undertaking breakthrough research and conducting lifesaving clinical trials.

Because Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

While some bile duct cancer patients will go into remission and never have a recurrence, that’s not true for everyone. Some patients will have bile duct cancer for the rest of their lives, and others will face recurrence. At Winship, we’re proud to offer some of the most long-lasting treatments and post-treatment follow-up care in the country. We’ll design your treatment plan in a way that not only provides you the best bile duct cancer prognosis but also helps keep your cancer from returning.

For patients whose bile duct cancer is treated with surgery, we have quality measures that include testing the surrounding tissue to confirm there’s no remaining cancer. Once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to closely monitor your condition and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of treatment.

When it comes to bile duct cancer outcomes, it’s important to consider quality of life and the side effects associated with cancer treatment. At Winship, we’ll provide you with the most powerful and precise treatments available to treat your disease with the least adverse side effects. We’ll closely monitor your overall health throughout your experience and address your symptoms every step of the way — it’s a part of your treatment plan we take very seriously. And we’ll work with you on coping with the psychological and emotional aspects of bile duct cancer and cancer treatment for as long as you need us.