Z Gastroenterol 2009; 47 - A22
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224001

Effect of a novel nutritional therapy in a case of Klatskin tumor

M Figler 1, Ö Horváth 2, C Weninger 3, I Battyányi 3, P Grandics 4
  • 11st 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
  • 22nd Department of Surgery, University of Pécs
  • 33rd Institute of Radiology, University of Pécs
  • 44rd A-D Research Foundation, Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA

Cholangiocarcinoma is a relatively rare but rapidly lethal tumor of the bile ducts. The patients may present with jaundice, weight loss, pruritus, abdominal pain, abnormal level of liver enzymes, and fever. Patients are frequently diagnosed at Stage III-IV, which is too late for tumor resection. Total resection of the tumor is the only potential chance for the cure; however, this option is available only in cases of early-stage disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy and combined radio-chemotherapy appear to be ineffective. Disease progression is rapid; the mortality rate is very high. The overall median duration of survival is less than 6 months.

Case report: In January 2007 an 80 years-old female presented with fever and pruritus. Multiple drug allergies were diagnosed. In March 2007, elevated liver enzymes were detected, ERCP exam showed a constriction at the confluence of the left and right hepatic bile ducts and the CT scan detected an ovoid 1,5×2,5cm tumor in the plane of the porta hepatis.

Surgical exploration discovered a walnut-size tumor (Klatskin tumor). The tumor was deemed non-resectable. A stent was inserted into the constricted hepatic ducts.

In the beginning of April 2007, the patient began the oral administration of the MSQ15D dietary supplement, 2 tablespoon TID. In June 2007, the liver function examinations demonstrated reduced levels of enzymes. In July 2007, an abdominal CT was performed that found no tumor. In December 2008, liver function test demonstrated stabilized levels of liver enzymes, the bilirubin level was high. In March 2009, the patient is alive with elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin level, but she feels well and continues the administration of novel nutritional supplement MSQ15D.

Conclusion: The results of the nutritional therapy with MSQ15D in a case of a rapidly lethal cancer, biliar cholangiocarcinoma in an elderly patient led to regression of the tumor as demonstrated by computer tomography scans. Further studies are warranted to investigate the utility of this therapy in a larger population of patients.