Bile Duct Cancer: Radiation

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer that uses rays of energy. Radiation can be delivered from a machine (X-ray machine, called a linear accelerator). Or it may be given in the form of radioactive seeds or pellets that are put into the cancer. Radiation therapy is also called radiotherapy. Its goal is to kill or shrink cancer cells. For bile duct cancer, radiation is often done along with chemotherapy.

When radiation therapy may be used

Radiation can be used before surgery to try to shrink the size of a tumor. This may make it possible t take out all of the cancer. It may also be used after surgery to try to kill any cancer cells that were missed or could not be removed during surgery. If surgery is not possible, you may have radiation to help ease symptoms.

How radiation therapy is done

There are two main types of radiation therapy:

  • External radiation. The radiation comes from a large X-ray machine and is pointed at the skin over the tumor.


External beam radiation treatment (EBRT)






Internal radiation treatment (brachytherapy)

Brachytherapy is not used as often as EBRT. It may be done by a surgeon or an interventional radiologist with a radiation oncologist guiding the treatment. The oncologist inserts radiation seeds attached to a wire into the bile duct. The seeds are placed as close as possible to the tumor or into the tumor itself. This is so that fewer normal cells are exposed to radiation. Sometimes a device inserts the seeds.

A small tube called a percutaneous transhepatic bile duct stent is put in the bile duct through your skin. It’s guided to the area where the cancer is located. The doctor uses X-rays to guide the placement. The part of the tube that extends outside your body is secured to your skin. The radioactive material is put into the tumor through the tube. You will need to stay in the hospital while the radioactive seeds and tube are in place. After a period of time, the doctor carefully removes it using X-rays again as a guide.

Questions to ask your doctor about radiation therapy


  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • What will happen if I don't have radiation therapy? 

  • Are there other treatment options? 

  • Do I need a second opinion?

  • How will I get radiation?

  • How many treatments will I get?

  • Over what period of time will the treatment be?

  • When will the treatment begin?

  • When will it end?

  • How will I feel during radiation therapy?


  • What kind of side effects should I tell you about?

  • Where can I get more information?

What to expect after radiation therapy


  • Skin irritation in the areas getting radiation

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea 

These often go away over time when your treatment ends. Always tell your doctor or nurse about side effects you have. They may be able to help ease them.

Related Doctors

View All Doctors
Current Location: {{address.formattedAddress}}

Sign up for our e-newsletter!
