CommunitiesLiver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)Will more chemo cycles before surgery help prevent my bile duct cancer from spreading?

Will more chemo cycles before surgery help prevent my bile duct cancer from spre...

AL

Community Member

20 days ago

I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma on January 22, 2026. I started cisplatin/durvalumab/gem on February 5, 2026. I had a setback due to sepsis/septic shock then started back on treatment March 5, 2026. I will be stating my 3rd cycle Day 1 on March 31st. Liver specialist, Dr. Shah stated that she could do removal of left lobe (it's just dead) and resection as long as there are no shocks or surprises. But, she wanted me to complete at least 4-5 cycles. I just don't want this to spread. Since recovering, my schedule changed to once every three weeks.

2 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

20 days ago

Treatment decisions about the number of chemotherapy cycles before surgery are complex and depend on many individual factors that only your medical team can fully evaluate. It's completely understandable to have concerns about cancer spreading and to want the most effective treatment plan possible. Your liver specialist's recommendation for 4-5 cycles likely takes into account your specific situation, tumor characteristics, and overall health status following your recovery from sepsis. These questions are perfect to discuss in detail with your oncology team, as they can explain how the treatment timeline might affect your specific case and address your concerns about preventing spread.

1
WD

Community Member

19 days ago

I completely agree - your medical team is best positioned to weigh all these complex factors, and it might also help to ask them specifically about what signs they're monitoring to ensure the timing is right for your surgery.

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