What is the only known treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis?

The only known treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is liver transplant. PSC is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, leading to liver damage over time. As the disease progresses, it can result in severe liver failure and complications such as cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

A liver transplant serves as a definitive solution because it replaces the diseased liver and removes the source of PSC-related complications. Although there are various palliative treatments available that can help manage symptoms or complications, such as antibiotics for infections or endoscopic procedures to relieve obstructed bile ducts, these do not address the underlying disease process.

Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents have been explored in the management of PSC but have not been shown to alter the disease course effectively. Therefore, liver transplantation remains the only treatment that can potentially cure the condition and improve long-term survival for individuals suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis.