[Which way ahead? Carcinoma of the exocrine pancreas, the gallbladder and the bile ducts--nonsurgical therapy in the locally advanced and in the metastasized stage].

Carcinomas of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts in inoperable stages can be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a combination of both modalities. Therapy is always palliative. In the past 20 years treatment results have not improved. Patients treated should be entered in controlled clinical studies with new substances randomized versus less toxic 5-FU or optimum supportive care. Pain and jaundice can be relieved by radiotherapy, bypass surgery and stent insertion. The choice of an option should be made according to patient characteristics and risk factors, as well as the possibilities and experience of the treating center.