# Successful conversion therapy of advanced gallbladder carcinoma by chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy: two case reports

**Authors:** Long Li, Bing Tong, Wei Gong, Haisheng Xu, Xiaofeng Liao, Huapeng Sun

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1758176 · Frontiers in Oncology · 2026-03-05

## TL;DR

Two patients with advanced gallbladder cancer were successfully treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, allowing for surgery and no recurrence.

## Contribution

Demonstrates successful conversion therapy using chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced gallbladder cancer.

## Key findings

- Combination therapy led to tumor regression and partial remission in two patients.
- Both patients became candidates for radical resection after treatment.
- No tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up through November 2025.

## Abstract

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy of the biliary system and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage upon initial presentation. Nonetheless, the introduction of conversion therapy has allowed certain initially inoperable cases of GBC to become candidates for radical resection after comprehensive modalities, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. In the current retrospective analysis, we present two patients with initially unresectable GBC treated at Xiangyang Central Hospital, affiliated with Hubei University of Arts and Science. After receiving a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, substantial tumor regression was observed at both primary and metastatic sites, achieving partial remission according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Conversion therapy proved effective, enabling both patients to undergo successful radical resections. Following surgery, the original therapeutic regimen was continued until completion of five cycles. Follow-up extended through November 2025, with no evidence of tumor recurrence observed.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** gallbladder cancer (MONDO:0003220)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** GBC (MESH:D005706), Tumors (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13042201/full.md

## Figures

13 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13042201/full.md

## References

31 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13042201/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13042201