Current evidence on the safety of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for unresectable primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma shows that there are well-recognised, serious but rare safety concerns. Evidence on its efficacy is inadequate in quantity and quality. Therefore, this procedure should only be used in the context of research. Find out what only in research means on the NICE interventional procedures guidance page.
Further research in the form of prospective studies, including randomised controlled trials, should address patient selection, quality-of-life outcomes and overall survival. Patient selection for the research studies should be done by a multidisciplinary team. The procedure should only be done in specialist centres by clinicians trained and experienced in managing cholangiocarcinoma.
Clinicians should enter details about all patients having SIRT for unresectable primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma onto a suitable registry.