Abstract
Backgrounds The placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is widely used in patients
with unresectable malignant biliary obstructions, but SEMSs are susceptible to occlusion
by tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. The efficacy and safety of a novel paclitaxel-eluting
biliary metal stent incorporating sodium caprate (MSCPM-III) were compared prospectively
with those of a covered metal stent (CMS) in patients with malignant biliary obstructions.
Methods Patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstructions (n = 106) were prospectively
enrolled in this study at multiple treatment centers. Stents were placed endoscopically:
MSCPM-III in 54 patients and CMS in 51 patients. The patients received systemic chemotherapy
regimens according to their disease characteristics.
Results The two groups did not differ significantly in basic characteristics or mean follow-up
period. Stent occlusion occurred in 14 patients who received MSCPM-III and in 11 patients
who received CMS. Time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) and survival time did
not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.84 and P = 0.29, respectively). However, tumor size at 2 months after stent insertion was
significantly decreased in patients in the MSCPM-III group with bile duct cancers
or those who experienced stent migration compared with the CMS group. Complications,
including cholangitis and pancreatitis, were found to be acceptable in both groups.
Conclusions Although compared with a CMS the MSCPM-III did not significantly influence time to
RBO or survival duration in patients with malignant biliary obstructions, MSCPM-III
reduced tumor volume and was used safely in humans.