Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven malignant bile duct obstruction with
obstructive jaundice Primary carcinoma of bile duct, gallbladder, or pancreas OR
Metastatic bile duct disease Successful insertion of a percutaneous drain or endoscopic
stent Unresectable disease OR Resectable disease but refusal of surgery Prior biliary
plastic or metallic stent allowed, if requiring stent replacement due to recurrent
jaundice or routine plastic stent change No erosion of biliary tumors into major blood
vessels No evidence of bile duct perforation

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 50-100% Life
expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin at least 2 mg/dL
Renal: Not specified Other: No history of allergies or hypersensitivity to porphyrins No
porphyria No cholangitis or pancreatitis

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks
since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No concurrent
radiotherapy or brachytherapy to the abdomen Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other:
No other prior or concurrent experimental or investigational drugs