The cancer that develops silently: The test that can change the course of treatment

Bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) can develop without clear signs. Dr. Ofer Purim, director of the Gastrointestinal Tumor Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, explains the warning signs, the NGS test for molecular diagnosis, and the targeted treatments available in Israel. The article is sponsored by Madison.

Bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) can develop without clear signs, so many are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Dr. Ofer Purim, director of the Gastrointestinal Tumor Unit at the Helmsley Cancer Center at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, explains the warning signs: persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and jaundice. In Israel, about 400 cases are diagnosed annually, mainly in people aged 60-70. In recent years, molecular diagnosis using the NGS test, which was included in the health basket in 2024, allows identifying genetic changes in the tumor and tailoring targeted therapies, such as those targeting IDH-1, FGFR2, BRAF V600E, and MSI-H. The article emphasizes the importance of questions to ask the medical team, particularly regarding the possibility of surgery and molecular testing. The article is sponsored by Madison Pharma.