A case of recurrent gall bladder cancer responding to chemotherapy with gemcitabine after endoscopic metallic biliary stent implantation

A 71-year-old male complaining of jaundice was referred to our hospital. He had undergone cholecystectomy for gall bladder cancer. Computed tomography showed the biliary duct was obstructed by recurrent gall bladder cancer at the hepatic hilum. After endoscopic metallic biliary stent implantation, gemcitabine(700 mg/m(2) day)was administered once a week for two weeks followed by a week of no treatment. After three courses of the chemotherapy, computed tomography showed that the tumor at the hepatic hilum was no longer visible and that the serum CA19-9 level was reduced to normal. Grade 2 appetite loss and grade 3 neutropenia were observed as adverse reactions to the treatment. Gemcitabine therapy after endoscopic intervention was safe and effective in this case of recurrent gall bladder cancer with obstructive jaundice.