Gallbladder Cancer Treatment

What treatment is available for gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is highly treatable if it’s diagnosed early. Gallbladder cancer treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer. The main treatment options include:

• Surgery: If gallbladder cancer is detected early, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be the only treatment needed. Even though your gallbladder helps with digestion, you can live a normal life without it. In more advanced cases, the cancer may be cured by removing nearby tissues or organs (such as part of the liver and bile ducts). This surgery is frequently performed through minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic and robotic surgery).
• Radiation therapy: These high-energy rays can kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is often used along with other treatments, like surgery or chemotherapy. It may be an option to help control pain and jaundice when surgery isn’t an option.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs can kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Your provider may recommend chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to destroy any remaining cancer cells. You may also have chemotherapy if you’re not able to have surgery.
• Targeted therapy: Your health care provider will check the mutations in your tumor.  Based on that testing, specialized drugs that target those mutations can be used for more effective treatment. 
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts your immune system so it can better fight cancer. It’s sometimes used for large tumors or gallbladder cancer that’s advanced. 
• Radiation sensitizers: Treatments with heat or certain medications may make cancer cells respond better to radiation therapy.
• Clinical trials: Some treatments for gallbladder cancer are available through clinical trials. Your health care team can help you find out which trials you may qualify for and evaluate whether they are right for you.

Treatment may lead to side effects. With any type of surgery, including gallbladder surgery, there’s a risk of infection, blood clots and complications from anesthesia. 

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other treatments also cause side effects. Your health care provider can explain what to expect and how you can manage any side effects.

As you go through treatment for gallbladder cancer, you will need to follow up with your health care team to see how your treatment plan is working, make any changes and decide whether to continue treatment.

Personalized treatment plans

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center our team of specialists work together to develop a treatment strategy tailored to you. Your personalized cancer treatment plan is based on your cancer stage, type of cancer, overall health and preferences. 

Talk to your health care team about your treatment options and be sure to ask questions or share any concerns with them. When you understand the pros and cons of different treatment options, you’re empowered to make the best decisions about your health.

Cancer patient support

Along with medical treatments, people with gallbladder cancer and their families often need emotional and practical support. Banner MD Anderson offers a wide range of services to help manage the challenges of cancer care. Our gallbladder cancer support includes:

• Counseling services: Individual or family counseling can provide emotional support and help you cope with stress and anxiety.
• Nutritional support: Dietitians can help with meal planning and nutritional advice to build your strength and help you recover. 
• Pain management: Specialists can help you manage cancer-related pain and discomfort, so you have better quality of life during treatment.
• Survivorship programs: Support after treatment focuses on long-term wellness and managing any side effects.

It may also help to stay connected with your friends and family or to join an in-person or online support group so you can talk to people facing the same challenges. 

Why choose Banner MD Anderson for gallbladder cancer care?

Our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists have years of experience treating gallbladder cancer with the most up-to-date, research-backed treatments. We use many of the most advanced therapies, including minimally invasive surgery and state-of-the-art radiation techniques.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, getting care right away is important. Contact us to schedule an appointment or ask for a second opinion. We're here to help you understand your options and choose the treatment that’s best for you. 

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