Update on immunotherapy in the management of gallbladder cancer

Abstract

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a relatively infrequent but highly lethal cancer with a poor prognosis. Management remains challenging and controversial, and most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, with the progressive advances in the use of immunotherapies, new treatment modalities are being implemented. In September 2022, the US FDA approved durvalumab (a PD-L1 inhibitor) in combination with chemotherapy for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic GBC. This groundbreaking news is the first FDA approval for the use of immunotherapy in biliary tract cancers. This article reviews the newest advances and trials regarding immunotherapy for GBC.