Spiral seed strands outperform straight ones in bile duct cancer treatment

This study tested two methods of placing radioactive iodine seeds alongside metal stents to treat jaundice from bile duct cancer. 105 patients received either a straight seed strand (standard) or a new spiral-shaped strand. The spiral method caused fewer complications like bile leaks and kept the stent open longer (305 vs 277 days), and patients lived longer (345 vs 300 days). Both methods improved liver function, but the spiral technique was safer and more effective.