This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic values of biliary concentrations of VEGF, PDGF-AA, IGF and MMPs in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), or benign obstruction.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing ERCP for obstructive jaundice were enrolled and categorised into benign (n = 48), CCA (n = 23) and PDAC (n = 29) groups. The gene discussed is IGF1; the disease is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.