Inclusion Criteria:

- histologically or cytologically proven locally advanced or metastatic unresectable
adenocarcinoma of the biliary tract

- signed written informed consent

- age > 18

- WHO PS 0 or 1 at study entry

- measurable (diameter ³ 1 cm) / evaluable disease, according to RECIST criteria

- adequate renal (serum creatinin<1.5x upper reference range), liver (total
bilirubin<2x upper reference range) and hematopoietic functions (PMN>1,5x109/L,
platelets>100x109/L)

- life expectancy of at least 12 weeks

- effective contraception throughout the study for both male and female patients if the
risk of conception exists

Exclusion Criteria:

- uncontrolled concurrent CNS, cardiac, infectious diseases

- previous exposure to epidermal growth factor targeting therapy

- known hypersensitivity to any components of study treatments

- previous chemotherapy for this cancer

- previous malignancy in the last past 5 years except basal cell cancer of the skin or
preinvasive cancer of the cervix

- pregnancy or breast feeding

- medical or psychological conditions that would not permit the patient to complete the
study or sign informed consent