Increased incidence but improved median overall survival for biliary tract cancers diagnosed in Ontario from 1994 through 2012: A population-based study

Real-life data on biliary tract cancers in France: The nested Amber study from the French ACABi GERCOR PRONOBIL retro-prospective, observational cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To gather real-life data on biliary tract cancer (BTC) in France, an ambispective ACABi GERCOR Pronobil cohort was initiated. This nested study, Amber, utilized data from this cohort to document clinical practices in this setting.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria encompassed patients with locally advanced/metastatic BTC managed between 2019 and 2021 in nine French referral hospitals. Objectives included describing demographic and clinical data, treatments outcomes (safety and efficacy), and overall survival.

RESULTS

Of the 138 patients (median age 65 years, a balanced sex ratio) included, most displayed ECOG 0-1 (83 %), at least one comorbidity (79 %), and had intrahepatic (56 %) and metastatic (82 %) BTC. Among surgically-resected patients, 60 % received adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly capecitabine (67 %). CisGem, the primary first-line palliative chemotherapy (69 %), showed a 23 % objective response rate, a median progression-free survival of 5.3 months, and a median overall survival of 13.4 months. Second-, third-, and fourth-line were given to 75 % (FOLFOX: 35 %, targeted therapy: 14 %), 32 %, and 13 % of patients. In total, 67 % of patients had a molecular profile (IDH1 mutations and FGFR2 fusions: accounting for 21 % each in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma).

CONCLUSION

BTC patients were predominantly treated according to international recommendations. The obtained demographic, tumor, and molecular data were consistent with existing literature.

Metformin dampens the progression of cholangiofibrosis induced by thioacetamide using deep learning

Purpose

The consistent use of metformin has been linked to a reduced incidence of neoplastic diseases among diabetic populations. As a preventive intervention, metformin may offer a more favorable risk-benefit profile. Here, we explored the efficacy of metformin in the primary prevention of cholangiofibrosis, which can precede the carcinogen-induced development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our objective was to assess the potential of metformin to act as an intervention prior to the onset of these conditions.

Methods

A rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced cholangiofibrosis was utilized to assess the impact of metformin on the induction process of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Liver tissues were harvested and analyzed histologically using light microscopy, complemented by a deep-learning convolutional neural network for enhanced evaluation. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate the genetic alterations associated with metformin treatment in this TAA-induced cholangiofibrosis model.

Results

In the rat model, the TAA control group exhibited an increased incidence and average count of cholangiofibrosis cases in the liver, with rates of 100 % and an average of 12.0, compared to the metformin-treated group, which showed an incidence of 70 % and an average of 3.3. Notably, the progression from normal cholangioles to cholangiofibrosis was associated with the upregulation of several proteins critical for metabolic processes and the tumor microenvironment. These alterations were significantly mitigated by metformin treatment.

Conclusions

Long-term metformin use may offer protective benefits against cholangiofibrosis, partially by regulating metabolic processes and improving the tumor microenvironment.

A Novel Approach to Quantify Heterogeneity of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: The Hidden-Genome Classifier

PURPOSE

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) is a heterogeneous tumor. The hidden-genome classifier, a supervised machine learning-based algorithm, was used to quantify tumor heterogeneity and improve classification.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A retrospective review of 1,370 patients with IHC, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or biphenotypic tumors was conducted. A hidden-genome model classified 527 IHC based on genetic similarity to EHC/GBC or HCC. Genetic, histologic, and clinical data were correlated.

RESULTS

In this study, 410 IHC (78%) had >50% genetic homology with EHC/GBC; 122 (23%) had >90% homology ("biliary class"), characterized by alterations of KRAS, SMAD4, and CDKN2A loss; 117 IHC (22%) had >50% genetic homology with HCC; and 30 (5.7%) had >90% homology ("HCC class"), characterized by TERT alterations. Patients with biliary- versus non-biliary-class IHC had median overall survival (OS) of 1 year (95% CI, 0.77, 1.5) versus 1.8 years (95% CI, 1.6, 2.0) for unresectable disease and 2.4 years (95% CI, 2.1, NR) versus 5.1 years (95% CI, 4.8, 6.9) for resectable disease. Large-duct IHC (n = 28) was more common in the biliary class (n = 27); the HCC class was composed mostly of small-duct IHC (64%, P = 0.02). The hidden genomic classifier predicted OS independent of FGFR2 and IDH1 alterations. By contrast, the histology subtype did not predict OS.

CONCLUSIONS

IHC genetics form a spectrum with worse OS for tumors genetically aligned with EHC/GBC. The classifier proved superior to histologic subtypes for predicting OS independent of FGFR2 and IDH1 alterations. These results may explain the differential treatment responses seen in IHC and may direct therapy by helping stratify patients in future clinical trials.

Characterizing the burden of biliary tract cancers across 28 hospitals in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The incidence of biliary tract cancers (BTC) appears to be increasing worldwide. We analyzed the characteristics of BTC-related hospitalizations under medical services across 28 hospitals in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

This study uses data collected by GEMINI, a hospital research data network. BTC-related hospitalizations from 2015 to 2021 under the Department of Medicine or intensive care unit were captured using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancers.

RESULTS

A total of 4596 BTC-related hospitalizations (2720 iCCA, 1269 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 607 gallbladder cancers) were analyzed. The number of unique patients with BTC-related hospitalizations increased over time. For iCCA-related hospitalizations, the total number of hospitalizations increased (from 385 in 2016 to 420 in 2021, p = .005), the hospital length of stay decreased over the study period (mean 10 days [SD, 12] in 2016 to 9 days [SD, 8] in 2021, p = .04), and the number of in-hospital deaths was stable (from 68 [18%] in 2016 to 55 [13%] in 2021, p = .62). Other outcomes such as 30-day readmissions, medical imaging tests, intensive care unit-specific hospitalizations, and length of stay were stable over time for all cohorts. The cost of hospitalization for the BTC cohort increased from median $8203 CAD (interquartile range, 5063-15,543) in 2017 to $8507 CAD (interquartile range, 5345-14,755) in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world data analysis showed a rising number of patients with BTC-related hospitalizations and rising number of iCCA-related hospitalizations across 28 hospitals in Ontario between 2015 and 2021.

Biliary tract cancers: French national clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (TNCD, SNFGE, FFCD, UNICANCER, GERCOR, SFCD, SFED, AFEF, SFRO, SFP, SFR, ACABi, ACHBPT)

INTRODUCTION

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines of the management of biliary tract cancers (BTC) (intrahepatic, perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinomas, and gallbladder carcinomas) published in September 2023, available on the website of the French Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE) (www.tncd.org).

METHODS

This collaborative work was conducted under the auspices of French medical and surgical societies involved in the management of BTC. Recommendations were graded in three categories (A, B and C) according to the level of scientific evidence until August 2023.

RESULTS

BTC diagnosis and staging is mainly based on enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and (endoscopic) ultrasound-guided biopsy. Treatment strategy depends on BTC subtype and disease stage. Surgery followed by adjuvant capecitabine is recommended for localised disease. No neoadjuvant treatment is validated to date. Cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy combined to the anti-PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab is the first-line standard of care for advanced disease. Early systematic tumour molecular profiling is recommended to screen for actionable alterations (IDH1 mutations, FGFR2 rearrangements, HER2 amplification, BRAFV600E mutation, MSI/dMMR status, etc.) and guide subsequent lines of treatment. In the absence of actionable alterations, FOLFOX chemotherapy is the only second-line standard-of-care. No third-line chemotherapy standard is validated to date.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines are intended to provide a personalised therapeutic strategy for daily clinical practice. Each individual BTC case should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team.

Development of a nomogram to predict survival in advanced biliary tract cancer

The prognosis of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients remains poor due to limited efficacy of chemotherapy and difficulties in management. Thus, prediction of survival is crucial for the clinical management of advanced BTC. The aim was to develop and validate a nomogram to predict 6-month and 12-month survival in advanced BTC patients treated with chemotherapy. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to construct a nomogram in a training set (JCOG1113, a phase III trial comparing gemcitabine plus S-1 [GS] and gemcitabine plus cisplatin, n = 351). External validity of the nomogram was assessed using a test set (JCOG0805, a randomized, phase II trial comparing GS and S-1 alone, n = 100). Predictive performance was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. The constructed nomogram included lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, albumin, and C-reactive protein. Uno's concordance index was 0.661 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.629-0.696) in the training set and 0.640 (95% CI 0.566-0.715) in the test set. The calibration plots for 6-month and 12-month survival showed good agreement in the two analysis sets. The present nomogram can facilitate prediction of the prognosis of advanced BTC patients treated with chemotherapy and help clinicians' prognosis-based decision-making.

Treatment patterns and survival in older adults with unresected nonmetastatic biliary tract cancers

INTRODUCTION

The optimal treatment for unresected nonmetastatic biliary tract cancer (uBTC) is not well-established. The objective of this study was to analyze the treatment patterns and compare the differences in overall survival (OS) between different treatment strategies amongst older adults with uBTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified patients aged ≥65 years with uBTC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database (2004-2015). Treatments were classified into chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and radiotherapy. The primary outcome was OS. The differences in OS were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

A total of 4352 patients with uBTC were included. The median age was 80 years and median OS was 4.1 months. Most patients (67.3%, n = 2931) received no treatment, 19.1% chemotherapy (n = 833), 8.1% chemoradiotherapy (n = 354), and 5.4% radiotherapy alone (n = 234). Patients receiving no treatment were older and had more comorbidities. Chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer OS than no treatment in uBTC (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.95), but no difference was found in the subgroups of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.00) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC; HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.86-1.39). In the sensitivity analyses, capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy showed significantly longer OS in uBTC compared to chemotherapy (adjusted HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.95).

DISCUSSION

A minority of older patients with uBTC receive systemic treatments. Chemotherapy was associated with longer OS compared to no treatment in uBTC, but not in the subgroups of iCCA and GBC. The efficacy of chemoradiotherapy, especially in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma using capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy, may be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials.

Levels of pretreatment serum lipids predict responses to PD-1 inhibitor treatment in advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

It has been identified that serum lipids can be used as prognostic biomarkers in several types of cancer and are associated with patient survival. We aimed to clarify the prognostic value of the serum lipids and to establish a novel effective nomogram for overall survival (OS) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) patients receiving anti-PD1 therapy.

METHODS

Pretreatment serum lipids were retrospectively analyzed for prognostic value, including apolipoprotein B (APOB), apolipoproteinA-1 (APOA1), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), which were assessed for prediction accuracy using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Cox regression analysis with univariate and multivariate factors was used to identify prognostic factors predictive of OS, and prognostic nomograms were constructed.

RESULTS

All the serum lipids showed good discriminatory ability in terms of OS (all P < 0.05), the higher the lipid levels, the better the prognosis, while APOA1 and TG were remarkable independent predictors for OS in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 2.177,2.035; confidence interval, 1.393-3.402, 1.184-3.498; P = 0.001, P = 0.01). Four (CA19-9, APOA1, tumor number and TG) independent prognostic factors were chosen to generate the nomogram for OS. The area under the ROC curve at 1-year and 2-year consistently demonstrated that the predictive value of the nomogram was superior to serum lipids.

CONCLUSION

In our study, serum lipid levels were used as a prognostic nomogram in the prediction of anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy in patients with iCCA.

Community Awareness and Education: In the West and Southeast Asia

Although cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or bile duct cancer is considered rare, worldwide it is the second most common primary liver cancer. The incidence is increasing globally, and mortality is high owing to its aggressiveness, late diagnosis, and refractory nature. In this chapter, the awareness of cholangiocarcinoma in the West and in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, is explored. The background to this cancer in each region is described, and the challenges faced by both by healthcare professionals and patients are uncovered. Although there is a growing number of organisations working at every level in each region to improve the situation for those with cholangiocarcinoma, there remains little awareness of the public health importance of this cancer. However, it is with health agencies and those at government level that hopes for an improved future for all those with cholangiocarcinoma must lie.

Development and validation of circulating protein signatures as diagnostic biomarkers for biliary tract cancer

Background & Aims

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is associated with a dismal prognosis, partly because it is typically diagnosed late, highlighting the need for diagnostic biomarkers. The purpose of this project was to identify and validate multiprotein signatures that could differentiate patients with BTC from non-cancer controls.

Methods

In this study, we included treatment-naïve patients with BTC, healthy controls, and patients with benign conditions including benign biliary tract disease. Participants were divided into three non-overlapping cohorts: a case-control-based discovery cohort (BTC = 186, controls = 249); a case-control-based validation cohort (validation cohort 1: BTC = 113, controls = 241); and a cohort study-based validation cohort including participants (BTC = 8, controls = 132) referred for diagnostic work-up for suspected cancer (validation cohort 2). Immuno-Oncology (I-O)-related proteins were measured in serum and plasma using a proximity extension assay (Olink Proteomics). Lasso and Ridge regressions were used to generate protein signatures of I-O-related proteins and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in the discovery cohort.

Results

Sixteen protein signatures, including 2 to 82 proteins, were generated. All signatures included CA19-9 and chemokine C-C motif ligand 20. Signatures discriminated between patients with BTC vs. controls, with AUCs ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 in the discovery cohort and 0.94 to 0.97 in validation cohort 1. In validation cohort 2, AUCs ranged from 0.84 to 0.94. Nine signatures achieved a specificity of 82% to 84% while keeping a sensitivity of 100% in validation cohort 2. All signatures performed better than CA19-9, and signatures including >15 proteins showed the best performance.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that it is possible to generate protein signatures that can successfully differentiate patients with BTC from non-cancer controls.

Impact and implications

We attempted to find blood sample-based protein profiles that could differentiate patients with biliary tract cancer from those without cancer. Several profiles were found and tested in different groups of patients. The profiles were successful at identifying most patients with biliary tract cancer, pointing towards the utility of multiprotein signatures in this context.

Leveraging patient derived models of FGFR2 fusion positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to identify synergistic therapies

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains a deadly malignancy lacking systemic therapies for advanced disease. Recent advancements include selective FGFR1-3 inhibitors for the 15% of ICC patients harboring fusions, although survival is limited by poor response and resistance. Herein we report generation of a patient-derived FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC model system consisting of a cell line, organoid, and xenograft, which have undergone complete histologic, genomic, and phenotypic characterization, including testing standard-of-care systemic therapies. Using these FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC models, we conducted an unbiased high-throughput small molecule screen to prioritize combination strategies with FGFR inhibition, from which HDAC inhibition together with pemigatinib was validated in vitro and in vivo as a synergistic therapy for ICC. Additionally, we demonstrate broad utility of the FGFR/HDAC combination for other FGFR fusion-positive solid tumors. These data are directly translatable and justify early phase trials to establish dosing, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of this synergistic combination.

The role of robotic surgery for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review

Background

The role of robotic surgery (RS) for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is under investigation. Surgical resection is the only curative modality of treatment but extremely complex and high risk of morbidity and mortality may occur. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of perioperative and oncological outcomes of RS for HC, across a comprehensive range of outcomes reported in recent literature.

Materials and Methods

PRISMA checklist was used as a basis for writing the systematic review and studies’ selection. Literature documenting RS for HC was analyzed by searching PubMed and Cochrane Library from 2009 to May 2022. The search terms, either independently or in combination, were used according to PICOT framework. The target population are patients treated with robotic surgical approach for HC.

Results

12 studies with 109 patients were included after screening process. The Bismuth classification in all series except one was: 21 type I, 7 type II, 12 type IIIa, 26 type IIIb and 4 type IV. Mean operative time for a total of 21 patients was 644 minutes. Other two case series reported a median operative time of 375 with a console time of 276 minutes. Mean blood loss for case reports and two case series was 662 milliliters. Blood transfusion rate for all operation was 33.3%. Overall Conversion rate was 2.8%. Pooled post operative morbidity and mortality was 39.8% and 1.8% respectively. Mean LOS for case reports and one case series for a total of 17 patients was 16 days. R0 resection rate for the 11 papers was 74.3%. Seven out of 12 studies reported on the oncological follow up: median observation time ranged from 5 to 60 months, recurrence rate was 52.6% (range 0-90%) reported only in 19 patients (10/19).

Conclusions

RS for HC was feasible and safe. However, although this systematic review could not be conclusive in most of the analyzed items, RS for the treatment of HC could represent the best tool for a future meticulous and precision surgery. The review’s results certainly indicate that further research in urgently is required on this field.

Target nursing care on anxiety and depression in patients with gallbladder cancer during perioperative period

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively investigated the effects of target nursing care (TNC) on anxiety and depression in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) during the perioperative period.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the data of 80 patients with GBC during perioperative period. These records were divided into an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). All 80 patient records in both groups were administered routine nursing care (RNC). The patients in the intervention group also underwent TNC. The primary outcomes were depression (measured using the Hamilton Depression Scale, HAMD) and anxiety (assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, HAMA). The secondary outcomes were quality of life (assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) and adverse events. We collected and analyzed the outcome data before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After treatment, patients in the intervention group showed more promising effects on depression (HAMD, P < .01) and anxiety (HAMA, P < .01) than those in the control group did. However, there were no significant differences in the quality of life before and after treatment. No TNC- or RNC-associated adverse events were reported in patient records.

CONCLUSION

This study found that TNC was more effective than RNC in relieving depression and anxiety. Future studies should be conducted to validate the present findings.

Preoperative Management of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare hepatobiliary malignancy that requires thoughtful, multidisciplinary evaluation in the preoperative setting to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Comprehensive preoperative imaging, including multiphase CT angiography and some form of cholangiographic assessment, is key to assessing resectability. While many staging systems exist, the Blumgart staging system provides the most useful combination of resectability assessment and prognostic information for use in the preoperative setting. Once resectability is confirmed, volumetric analysis should be performed. Upfront resection without biliary drainage or portal venous embolization may be considered in patients without cholangitis and an estimated functional liver remnant (FLR) > 40%. In patients with FLR < 40%, judicious use of biliary drainage is advised, with the goal of selective biliary drainage of the functional liver remnant. Percutaneous biliary drainage may avoid inadvertent contamination of the contralateral biliary tree and associated infectious complications, though the relative effectiveness of percutaneous and endoscopic techniques is an ongoing area of study and debate. Patients with low FLR also require intervention to induce hypertrophy, most commonly portal venous embolization, in an effort to reduce the rate of postoperative liver failure. Even with extensive preoperative workup, many patients will be found to have metastatic disease at exploration and diagnostic laparoscopy may reduce the rate of non-therapeutic laparotomy. Management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to improve preoperative liver hypertrophy and to further define the role of transplantation in disease management.

Epidemiological trends of gallbladder cancer in Australia between 1982 to 2018: A population-based study utilizing the Australian Cancer Database

Backgrounds/Aims

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare neoplasm. The epidemiology of GBC has not been updated in Australia for over five decades.

Methods

Data of all Australian patients diagnosed with GBC at any age from 1982 to 2018 were identified from the Australian Cancer Database. Age-standardized rates were calculated and joinpoint analysis was performed to ascertain the trends of incidence and mortality of GBC.

Results

Between 1982 and 2018, there were 22,745 cases of GBC and 11,054 GBC-related deaths in Australia. There were three distinct periods showing changed incidence. Period 1 (1982–1995) was stable. Period 2 (1996–2006) showed reduced incidence in females (3.6 to 2.8/100,000; p < 0.01) and all Australians (3.7 to 2.8/100,000, p < 0.01). Period 3 (2006–2017) demonstrated significantly increased incidence in all groups (males: 2.7 to 4.0/100,000, p < 0.01; females: 2.8 to 3.5/100,000, p < 0.01; all Australians: 2.8 to 3.7/100,000, p < 0.01). Incidence between females and males had declined from 1.10 : 1 in 1982 to 0.87 : 1 in 2017. There was a 71% reduction in mortality (3.1 to 0.9/100,000; p < 0.01). Median age at diagnosis increased from 69.7 to 74.3 years for females and from 67.2 to 73.3 years for males. Increasing incidence in the 6th to 8th decade of life in males, compared to previous years, was noted.

Conclusions

Incidence, mortality, sex, and age of GBC have significantly changed in Australia since 1982. Rising incidence of GBC in Australia warrants further investigation.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Early Recurrence in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma After Curative-Intent Resection

BACKGROUND

Recurrence rates of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) after curative hepatectomy are as high as 50% to 70%, and about half of these recurrences occur within 2 years. This systematic review aims to define prognostic factors (PFs) for early recurrence (ER, within 24 months) and 24-month disease-free survival (DFS) after curative-intent iCCA resections.

METHODS

Systematic searching was performed from database inception to 14 January 2021. Duplicate independent review and data extraction were performed. Data on 13 predefined PFs were collected. Meta-analysis was performed on PFs for ER and summarized using forest plots. The Quality in Prognostic Factor Studies tool was used for risk-of-bias assessment.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 10 studies comprising 4158 patients during an accrual period ranging from 1990 to 2016. In the risk-of-bias assessment of patients who experienced ER after curative-intent iCCA resection, six studies were rated as low risk and four as moderate risk (49.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 49.2-50.0). Nine studies were pooled for meta-analysis. Of the postoperative PFs, multiple tumors, microvascular invasion, macrovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and R1 resection were associated with an increased hazard for ER or a reduced 24-month DFS, and the opposite was observed for receipt of adjuvant chemo/radiation therapy. Of the preoperative factors, cirrhosis, sex, HBV status were not associated with ER or 24-month DFS.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this systematic review could allow for improved surveillance, prognostication, and treatment decision-making for patients with resectable iCCAs. Further well-designed prospective studies are needed to explore prognostic factors for iCCA ER with a focus on preoperative variables.

Surgical practice patterns and outcomes in T2 and T3 gallbladder cancer: a population-based study

Background:

The extent of resection required in advanced gallbladder cancer is controversial. We aimed to describe the management and outcomes in patients with resected stage T2 and T3 gallbladder cancer.

Methods:

In this population-based study, all T2 and T3 gallbladder cancer cases from Jan. 1, 2002, to Mar. 31, 2012, were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry; pathology reports were linked and abstracted. The type of resection was classified as extended (cholecystectomy + liver resection, with or without bile duct resection) or simple (cholecystectomy only). We used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to model time to death and evaluated factors associated with overall survival using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results:

A total of 370 patients were included, 232 with T2 disease and 138 with T3 disease. The proportions who underwent extended resection were 24.1% (56/232) and 37.0% (51/138), respectively. The unadjusted 5-year overall survival rates for simple and extended resection were 39.7% and 49.5%, respectively, for T2 disease (p = 0.03), and 13.5% and 22.8%, respectively, for T3 disease (p = 0.05). In adjusted analysis, extended resection significantly improved overall survival among patients with T2 disease (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.97), whereas higher grade of differentiation, presence of lymphovascular invasion and positive lymph nodes led to worse survival. Extended resection was not associated with improved survival in the T3 group; however, in subgroup analysis stratified by lymph node status, a trend toward improved overall survival with extended resection was seen in node-negative patients (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03–1.06).

Conclusion:

Extended resection improved overall survival in T2 disease regardless of nodal status but appeared most beneficial in node-negative T3 disease. The finding that extended resection was offered only to a small proportion of eligible patients highlights the need for improved knowledge translation at national surgical meetings.

Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Forceps Mapping Biopsy for Evaluation of the Lateral Extension of Biliary Tract Cancer

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS)-guided forceps mapping biopsy (FMB) is a method for the accurate preoperative identification of the extent of the disease of biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, the diagnostic value of POCS-FMB is still uncertain. Objectives: We evaluated the diagnostic utility of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension—superficial intraductal spread longitudinally and continuously from the main lesion—of BTC. Methods: In the retrospective study, patients who received POCS-FMB and surgery for curative resection of BTC between September 2016 and August 2019 at our medical institution were enrolled. The diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension of BTC was evaluated. Furthermore, we also evaluated the factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB. Results: A total of 23 patients with BTC were enrolled, and 24 procedures of POCS-FMB from 96 sites of biliary tracts were performed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of POCS-FMB were 53.8%, 63.9%, and 63.1%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, the biopsy from the bifurcation of biliary tracts was a significant factor affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB (odds ratio 3.538, 95%; confidence interval 1.151–10.875, p = 0.027). Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension of BTC was insufficient. The biopsy from the bifurcation of biliary tracts was a positive factor affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB.

Prognostic Impact of Paraaortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) with paraaortic lymph node metastasis (PALNM) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of PALNM in resected EHCC.

METHODS

The present retrospective study included 410 patients, including 16 patients with PALNM, who underwent surgical resection of EHCC between September 2002 and December 2018. These were compared to 9 patients in whom EHCC was not resected due to PALNM. The clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were investigated to identify the prognostic factors in resected EHCC.

RESULTS

The overall survival in the resected patients with PALNM was significantly better than that in unresected patients (median survival time [MST] 33.7 vs. 16.7 months, p=0.009) and was not significantly worse than that of patients with regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) (MST 33.7 vs 36.0 months, p=0.278). The multivariate analysis identified age > 70 years, male sex, tumor location (perihilar), residual tumor status, histological grade, microscopic venous invasion, and regional LNM as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in survival between the resected patients with PALNM and patients with regional LNM, and PALNM was not a significant prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. Surgical resection may be considered an acceptable approach for EHCC with PALNM in selected patients.

Plastic versus metal stents for inoperable gallbladder cancer with hilar biliary obstruction: the jury is still out

In unresectable malignant hilar obstruction, adequate biliary drainage can be achieved with endoscopic placement of plastic or metal stents. Stent patency and patient survival may differ, depending on the primary disease, disease progression and stent type. Metal and plastic stents were compared in patients with malignant hilar strictures in several studies, but these studies mainly included patients who had cholangiocarcinoma, without taking into consideration potential differences in the invasion properties of tumor cells, histological differentiation and the biological behavior of different tumors. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, especially in the Indian subcontinent and Latin America. About half the patients with GBC present with jaundice, which usually means the tumor is inoperable. Palliative endoscopic stenting remains the first-line treatment of unresectable GBC with biliary obstruction. Primary disease progression is faster in GBC compared to cholangiocarcinoma. There is a paucity of data on the selection of stents for inoperable GBC with hilar biliary obstruction. This review focuses on the published literature related to the selection of stents for unresectable GBC with hilar obstruction.

Adequate tissue acquisition rate of peroral cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy

Background

Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS)-guided forceps biopsy is a method for diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures and for the preoperative identification of the exact perihilar and distal margins of biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, POCS-guided forceps biopsy may result in an insufficient amount of specimen at times. Therefore, we evaluated the adequate tissue acquisition rate and the factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary tract.

Methods

Patients who underwent POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary disease between September 2016 and October 2018 at our hospital were enrolled retrospectively. We evaluated the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion and that for non-stenotic bile duct. In addition, the factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy were evaluated.

Results

We enrolled 47 patients with biliary disease and performed POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary lesion and POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy for non-stenotic bile duct in 40 and 36 patients, respectively. The adequate tissue acquisition rates of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary lesions and that for non-stenotic bile duct were 86.4%, and 68.9%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, and previous biliary stenting before POCS were factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion. For non-stenotic bile duct, the location of the biliary lesion, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), and procedure time of POCS were factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy.

Conclusions

Previous biliary stenting was a factor affecting a low tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion. In the POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy, the location of the biliary lesion, EST, and procedure time were factors affecting tissue acquisition rates.

Peroral cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy versus fluoroscopy-guided forceps biopsy for extrahepatic biliary lesions

Background and Aim

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐related tissue acquisition, including fluoroscopy‐guided forceps biopsy (F‐FB), is a common technique in diagnosing indeterminate biliary lesions. Recently, peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) and POCS‐guided forceps biopsy (POCS‐FB) has also been used for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary lesions. However, it is uncertain which of those techniques were superior for the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of F‐FB for indeterminate biliary lesions compared with POCS‐FB.

Methods

Patients who underwent F‐FB or POCS‐FB to evaluate indeterminate biliary lesions between October 2011 and August 2019 were enrolled retrospectively. We carried out propensity score matching to balance these clinical differences between the F‐FB group and POCS‐FB group. In the propensity score‐matched cohort, we compared the diagnostic performance of F‐FB with that of POCS‐FB based on the pathological evaluation. We also evaluate adverse events associated with F‐FB and POCS‐FB.

Results

We enrolled 113 patients with biliary diseases, and 62 patients were analyzed in the propensity score‐matched cohort. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of F‐FB were 82.4, 100, and 90.3%, and for POCS‐FB, those values were 83.3, 100, and 90.3%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance between F‐FB and POCS‐FB. There were also no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between F‐FB and POCS‐FB (41.9 vs 29.0%, P = 0.289).

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of F‐FB for ECC is similar to that of POCS‐FB. POCS‐FB is not necessary for the initial pathological diagnosis of indeterminate biliary lesions.

Betulinic acid induces apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells via repressing SCD1

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract. Betulinic acid (BetA) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects; however, the effect of BetA on GBC is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of BetA on five GBC cell lines and found that BetA significantly inhibited the proliferation of NOZ cells but had little inhibitory effect on other GBC cells. BetA disturbed mitochondrial membrane potential and induced apoptosis in NOZ cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) was highly expressed in NOZ cells but low expressed in other GBC cells. BetA inhibited SCD1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner in NOZ cells. Downregulation of SCD1 expression by RNA interference inhibited the proliferation of NOZ cells and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, BetA inhibited the growth of xenografted tumors and suppressed SCD1 expression in nude mice. Thus, our results showed that BetA induced apoptosis through repressing SCD1 expression in GBC, suggesting that BetA might be an effective agent for the treatment of patients with GBC that highly expresses SCD1.

Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Forceps Biopsy and Endoscopic Scraper for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Extrahepatic Biliary Stricture

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) has become a widely-used technique in diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures, enabling optical viewing of the biliary system and targeted biopsies under direct vision. The diagnostic utility of the new endoscopic scraper, Trefle^®, for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) has also been reported. However, the diagnostic utility of POCS-guided and Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC has never been compared empirically. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for diagnosing ECC compared with POCS-guided tissue sampling. Methods: Patients who underwent Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition or POCS-guided forceps biopsy to differentiate ECC from benign biliary disease between April 2014 and March 2018 were enrolled retrospectively. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy based on pathological evaluation. We also compared adverse events associated with Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition with those of POCS-guided forceps biopsy. Results: We enrolled 34 patients with biliary disease and performed Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy in 14 and 20 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition were 87.5%, 83.3%, and 85.7%, respectively, and for POCS-guided forceps biopsy, these were 90.0% each. Statistical values of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided tissue acquisition were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and the POCS-guided forceps biopsy (35.7% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.770). Compared with patients who underwent POCS procedure, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed for fewer patients who underwent Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The diagnostic ability of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC is similar to that of POCS-guided tissue acquisition. Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition might also help to preserve the sphincter of Oddi and its digestive function.

Epidemiology of intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma in the French population

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the differences between cholangiocarcinoma (CC) subtypes in terms of incidence rate, clinical presentation, management and survival by applying a stable anatomical classification in a population-based study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cancer data for the period 2000-2012 were obtained from a specialized digestive cancer registry in the Department of Calvados, France. Patients' files were checked, and the diagnosis was verified by two hepatobiliary surgeons. This approach prevents classifying perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), thereby allowing an accurate estimation of their respective epidemiological characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 320 patients with CC were included. ICC represented 41% (130), whereas PHCC and distal cholangiocarcinoma represented 36 (116) and 23% (74), respectively. The mean age at the time of diagnosis differed significantly between the three subtypes (P<0.05). ICC was discovered accidently more frequently than PHCC, which was associated significantly with clinical symptoms. No change in the incidence or survival rates of CC subtypes were noticed, except for PHCC, in which female individuals had a significantly shorter median and 5-year survival rate of 0% (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of PHCC is overestimated in the literature. The anatomical reclassification of CC subtypes shows the stability of their incidence and survival rates. Considering ICC and PHCC as two different entities implies the need to assign a specific topographic code for PHCC.

Distinct histomorphological features are associated with IDH1 mutation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has known histological heterogeneity. Mutations in IDH1 (mIDH1) define a molecular subclass of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and IDH-targeted therapies are in development. Characterizing mIDH1 ICC histomorphology is of clinical interest for efficient identification. Resected ICCs with targeted next-generation sequencing by MSK-IMPACT were selected. Clinical data were obtained. By slide review, blinded to IDH status, data were collected for histology type, mucin production, necrosis, fibrosis, cytoplasm cell shape (low cuboidal, plump cuboidal/polygonal, and columnar), and architectural pattern (anastomosing, tubular, compact tubular, and solid). A tumor was considered architecturally heterogeneous if no dominant pattern represented ≥75% of the tumor. Parameters were compared between mIDH1and IDH wild-type controls. In the examined cohort (113 ICC: 29 mIDH1 and 84 IDH wild-type), all IDH1-mutant tumors were of small duct-type histology, thus analysis was limited to 101 small duct-type tumors. mIDH1cases were more likely to have plump cuboidal/polygonal shape (P = .014) and geographic-type fibrosis (P = .005), while IDH1 wild-type were more likely to have low cuboidal shape (P = .005). Both groups were predominantly architecturally heterogeneous with no significant difference in the distribution of architectural patterns. Plump cuboidal/polygonal cell shape and a geographic-type pattern of intra-tumoral fibrosis are more often seen in mIDH1compared to IDH wild-type tumors; however, IDH1 mutation is not associated with a distinct histoarchitectural pattern.

Incidence and Overall Survival of Biliary Tract Cancers in South Korea from 2006 to 2015: Using the National Health Information Database

Background/Aims

There have been no nationwide studies to investigate the trends in incidence and 5-year survival rates of intra- and extrahepatic bile duct cancers and gall-bladder cancer. Therefore, our study aimed to describe the incidence and 5-year survival rates of biliary tract cancers by subsites in South Korea.

Methods

A total of 86,134 patients with biliary tract cancers were selected from the National Health Information Database. Age-standardized incidence rates and annual percentage changes were calculated. Life-table methods and log-rank tests were used to determine the differences in survival rates. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio of the patients with biliary tract cancers.

Results

The incidence rate of intra-hepatic bile duct cancer decreased by 1.3% annually from 8.8 per 100,000 in 2006 to 7.8 per 100,000 in 2015. Extrahepatic bile duct cancer also showed a decreasing trend by 2.2% per year from 8.7 per 100,000 in 2006 to 6.7 per 100,000 in 2015. Gallbladder cancer showed the greatest decline, with an annual percentage change of 2.8% from 6.3 per 100,000 to 5.2 per 100,000 during the same period. The 5-year survival rates were 30.0% in gallbladder cancer, 27.8% in extrahepatic bile duct cancer, and 15.9% in intra-hepatic bile duct cancer.

Conclusions

The overall incidence rates of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct cancer and gallbladder cancer decreased from 2006 to 2015. Among biliary tract cancers, intrahepatic bile duct cancers exhibited the highest incidence rate and the worst survival rate.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Safe Tissue Sampling Modality

Few studies have compared the diagnostic utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) tissue sampling for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of EUS-FNA for diagnosing ECC compared with ERCP tissue sampling. Patients who underwent EUS-FNA or ERCP tissue sampling to differentiate ECC from benign biliary disease were enrolled retrospectively between October 2011 and March 2017. We evaluated diagnostic performances of EUS-FNA and ERCP tissue sampling based on pathological evaluation. We compared adverse events in EUS-FNA and ERCP tissue sampling. We enrolled 73 patients with biliary disease and performed EUS-FNA and ERCP in 19 and 54 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ERCP tissue sampling were 76.0%, 100%, and 88.9%, respectively, and for EUS-FNA these were 81.8%, 87.5%, and 84.2%, respectively. Statistical values of ERCP tissue sampling and EUS-FNA were not significantly different. The adverse event frequency of EUS-FNA was significantly lower than that of ERCP tissue sampling (0% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.033). The diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA for ECC is similar to that of ERCP tissue sampling. EUS-FNA is a safer tissue sampling modality than ERCP for evaluating biliary disease.

Methylated promoter DNA of CDO1 gene and preoperative serum CA19-9 are prognostic biomarkers in primary extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Promoter DNA methylation of Cysteine dioxygenase type1 (CDO1) gene has been clarified as a molecular diagnostic and prognostic indicator in various human cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical relevance of CDO1 methylation in primary biliary tract cancer (BTC).

METHODS

CDO1 DNA methylation was assessed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR in 108 BTC tumor tissues and 101 corresponding normal tissues. BTC was composed of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) (n = 81) and ampullary carcinoma (AC) (n = 27).

RESULTS

The CDO1 methylation value in the tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in the corresponding normal tissues (p<0.0001). The overall survival (OS) in EHCC patients with hypermethylation was poorer than those with hypomethylation (p = 0.0018), whereas there was no significant difference in AC patients. Multivariate analysis identified that CDO1 hypermethylation, preoperative serum CA19-9 and perineural invasion were independent prognostic factors in EHCC. The EHCC patients with CDO1 hypermethylation exhibited more dismal prognosis than those with hypomethylation even in low group of CA19-9 level (p = 0.0006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided evidence that promoter DNA methylation of CDO1 gene could be an excellent molecular diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in primary EHCC. The combination of CDO1 methylation and preoperative serum CA19-9 effectively enriched EHCC patients who showed the most dismal prognosis. These markers would be beneficial for clinical clarification of the optimal strategies in EHCC.

Surgical management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which represents approximately 60% of biliary tract malignancies, is increasing in incidence and presents an ongoing challenge for patients and hepatobiliary surgeons. Although the majority of patients present with advanced disease, the remaining minority of patients are best treated with surgical resection or transplant. Transplant is typically reserved for locally unresectable tumors often in the setting of underlying hepatic dysfunction and will not be discussed herein. This review, therefore, focuses on oncological resection and the strategies implemented for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma at a quaternary referral center, including preoperative considerations such as patient selection and optimization of the future liver remnant, nuances to the operative approach for these tumors such as resection under low central venous pressure and management of the bile duct, as well as postoperative management.

The role of sex in the outcomes of patients with biliary tract cancers remains unclear: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Differences in outcomes between males and females with biliary tract cancer (BTC) has been previously reported but not studied.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing BTC resection in Ontario between 2002 and 2012. Descriptive statistics on patient, disease, and treatment-related factors in each BTC subtype were reported. Kaplan Meier Curves and Cox Proportional Hazards analysis were used to examine the univariate relationship between sex and overall survival.

RESULTS

714 patients underwent resection of a BTC. Kaplan Meier Curves shows trends towards different survival for males and females in different BTC subtypes: improved for females with intrahepatic and ampullary cancers and poorer survival for females with perhilar and distal cholangiocarcinomas. These trends were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex may be an important factor in overall survival following resection of BTC. Further work is needed to better characterize the relationship between sex and outcomes of BTC.