Randomized Prospective Multicentric Study: Radio-chemotherapy and Liver Transplantation Versus Liver Resection to Treat Respectable Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

The protocol will comprise a phase 1 during which the potential eligibility of patients (presenting with a resectable Klatskin - Excepted Type 1of Bismuth) will be assessed, based on clinical, biological and morphological data. After phases 1, the eligibility of the patient will be confirmed or not. In the context of the study, phase 2 will include the collection of blood samples as well as positon emission tomography (PET)-scan and upper endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in order to rule out any obvious lymph node metastases. A short exploratory laparoscopy will also be performed in phase 2 to eliminate infra-clinic subcapsular liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The randomization process will take place at the end of the phase 2, patients will be assigned into the transplantation arm (OLT) or the resection arm (RSX). During phase 3, patient will receive nutritional support and, if not done previously, a biliary drainage will be placed endoscopically. In the RSX arm (phase 3A), patients will undergo radical resection of the tumor (refer below technical details). Preoperative portal vein embolization may be necessary at this stage depending on the expected remnant liver volume, assessed by CT-scan volumetry. In the OLT arm (phase 3A), patients will receive neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (External - 50 grays) following by liver transplantation (phase 4B). Before the fifth week after completion of radiochemotherapy, a staging laparotomy with local lymphadenectomy will be performed and patients will be put on the national waiting list in the absence of extra-hepatic disease, especially peritoneal seeding and lymph nodes involvement. A score exception will allowed a liver transplantation in the 3 months after staging laparotomy. During phase 5 the patient will be monitored postoperatively at the clinical, biological and morphological levels for 3 months. During phase 6, the patient will be followed clinically, biologically and morphologically for 5 years in order to detect any recurrence and in the context of standard clinical care.