Gallbladder Cancer IIIB (N2, M0)
Reviewed by Oncology Team, HealOnco | Last updated: 2026-04
What IIIB (N2, M0) Means
Regional lymph node metastases beyond cystic/hilar nodes (para-aortic, superior mesenteric, pancreaticoduodenal); T any.
Treatment Approach for IIIB (N2, M0)
Palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin or 5-FU/leucovorin x 6–8 cycles) typically first-line. Debulking surgery not standard. Clinical trial enrolment (TOPAZ-1 follow-ups, neoadjuvant trials) encouraged.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
The 5-year survival rate for gallbladder cancer at IIIB (N2, M0) is approximately 5-year OS: <10%, similar to metastatic disease. Median OS ~12–14 months with chemotherapy.. Survival rates are statistical averages drawn from large patient populations and may not reflect your individual outcome. Factors that influence your specific prognosis include your age, overall health, tumour biology, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Important: These numbers are drawn from historical data. Newer treatments available today may improve outcomes beyond what published statistics show. Discuss your individual prognosis with your oncologist.
How Other Stages Compare
| Stage | 5-Year Survival | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I (T1–2, N0, M0) | 5-year OS: 50–70% with resection; up to 80% if T1a only (mucosa/submucosa). | Extended cholecystectomy (gallbladder, cystic artery, cystic duct lymph nodes,… |
| Stage II (T3 or N1, M0) | 5-year OS: 25–35% with resection + adjuvant chemotherapy; <10% with resection alone. | Extended cholecystectomy ± hepatic resection (if T3 with liver bed invasion)… |
| Stage IIIA (T4, N0–1, M0) | 5-year OS: 10–20% with multimodal therapy (resection + chemotherapy); <5% with chemotherapy alone. | Assess resectability carefully; extended resection (cholecystectomy, hepatic… |
| Stage IV (M1, any T, any N) | Median OS: 8–12 months with gemcitabine/cisplatin; 14 months with durvalumab + gemcitabine/cisplatin (TOPAZ-1). <5% 2-year OS. | Palliative systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine/cisplatin (standard) or… |
Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in Top Cities
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