Biliary tract cancer incidence in the United States-Demographic and temporal variations by anatomic site

Epidemiological trends in gastrointestinal cancers and risk factors across U.S. states from 2000 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for over a quarter of all cancer-related deaths in the United States; however, the latest trends in their prevalence remain unclear.

METHODS

Data on GI cancers were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were estimated across various states, sexes, ages, and risk factors, and annual percentage changes were calculated.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2021, liver cancer exhibited the greatest increase in both the ASIR and the ASMR, followed by pancreatic cancer. In contrast, stomach cancer showed the greatest decline, followed by colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and biliary tract cancer. Most GI cancers predominantly affect men and tend toward a younger age of onset. Geographic disparities exist in the burden of GI cancers and their risk factors. For esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers, mortality rates linked to diet and smoking decreased, whereas alcohol-related mortality increased in several states, especially West Virginia. Hepatitis C remains the leading cause of liver cancer, with intravenous drug use as the primary risk factor. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the fastest-growing cause of liver cancer, followed by excessive alcohol use. Mortality rates for pancreatic cancer due to high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose have increased across states and age groups.

DISCUSSION

The epidemiological trends of GI cancers in the U.S. have shifted substantially. States need to implement targeted policies that address specific populations and risk factors for each cancer type.

Gemcitabine Cisplatin and Durvalumab Experience in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers: A Real-World, Multicentric Data From India

PURPOSE

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are usually diagnosed in advanced stages, where treatment options are either palliative chemotherapy and/or best supportive care. The breakthrough results of the TOPAZ-1 trial demonstrated a 24% decrease in risk of death at 2 years with the addition of durvalumab to chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted across 14 institutions in India. All the patients were diagnosed with advanced BTCs. The primary objective was to assess median overall survival (mOS) with the use of durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy backbone. The patient details, treatment details, laboratory results, and outcome parameters were recorded from the prospectively collected databases.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients were included with a median age of 57.5 years; 36 (24.3%) patients had borderline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2. The most common subtype was gall bladder cancer (GBC), seen in 94 patients (63.5%); 126 (85.1%) patients presented with de novo metastases. At a median follow-up of 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.9 to 7.8), the estimated mOS for the entire cohort was 12 months (95% CI, 7.8 to 16.3) and median progression-free survival was 8.2 months (95% CI, 7.1 to 9.4) with objective response achieved in 44 (29.7%) patients, and the estimated 2-year OS being 25%. Immune-related grade 3/4 adverse events were reported in 11 (7.4%) patients. In multivariate analysis, age <60 years (P = .001) and standard dose of durvalumab (P < .001) were found to have improved OS compared with age >60 years and low dose of durvalumab.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, these real-world data provide the first evidence in Indian context of the efficacy and safety of durvalumab plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced/metastatic BTCs especially in GBC.

Incidence and Long-Term Outcomes of Biliary Tract Cancers in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976 to 2018

Biliary tract cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, and ampulla of Vater cancers, rank second among hepatobiliary cancers, known for their poor prognoses. The United States has witnessed a notable increase in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma incidence. This study examines the incidence and survival outcomes of biliary tract cancers in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976 to 2018. Using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP), residents aged 20 and above were analyzed across four eras. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted for age and sex, and temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma exhibited a significant escalation in incidence rates over time, while gallbladder cancers showed a decline among women. Median survival times for biliary tract cancers notably improved. These findings confirm the rising incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and suggest improving survival rates. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis for biliary tract cancers remains very poor, emphasizing the continual need for enhanced management strategies and further research.

Exploring the association between acute pancreatitis and biliary tract cancer: A large-scale population-based matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) often goes undetected until its advanced stages, resulting in a poor prognosis. Given the anatomical closeness of the gallbladder and bile ducts to the pancreas, the inflammatory processes triggered by acute pancreatitis might increase the risk of BTC.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between acute pancreatitis and the risk of BTC.

METHODS

Using the Swedish Pancreatitis Cohort (SwePan), we compared the BTC risk in patients with a first-time episode of acute pancreatitis during 1990-2018 to a 1:10 matched pancreatitis-free control group. Multivariable Cox regression models, stratified by follow-up duration, were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), adjusting for socioeconomic factors, alcohol use, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

BTC developed in 0.94% of 85,027 acute pancreatitis patients and in 0.23% of 814,993 controls. The BTC risk notably increased within 3 months of hospital discharge (HR 82.63; 95% CI: 63.07-108.26) and remained elevated beyond 10 years of follow-up (HR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.35-2.47). However, the long-term risk of BTC subtypes did not increase with anatomical proximity to the pancreas, with a null association for gallbladder and extrahepatic tumors. Importantly, patients with acute pancreatitis had a higher occurrence of early-stage BTC within 2 years of hospital discharge than controls (13.0 vs. 3.6%; p-value <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our nationwide study found an elevated BTC risk in acute pancreatitis patients; however, the risk estimates for BTC subtypes were inconsistent, thereby questioning the causality of the association. Importantly, the amplified detection of early-stage BTC within 2 years after a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis underscores the necessity for proactive BTC surveillance in these patients.

Birthweight, genetic risk, and gastrointestinal cancer incidence: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiologic studies investigating the association of birthweight and genetic factors with gastrointestinal cancer remain scarce. The study aimed to prospectively assess the interactions and joint effects of birthweight and genetic risk levels on gastrointestinal cancer incidence in adulthood.

METHODS

A total of 254,997 participants were included in the UK Biobank study. We used multivariate restricted cubic splines and Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidential intervals (CI) for the association between birthweight and gastrointestinal cancer risk, then constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) to assess its interaction and joint effect with birthweight on the development of gastrointestinal cancer.

RESULTS

We documented 2512 incident cases during a median follow-up of 8.88 years. Compare with participants reporting a normal birthweight (2.5-4.5 kg), multivariable-adjusted HR of gastrointestinal cancer incidence for participants with high birthweight (≥4.5 kg) was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.01-1.36). Such association was remarkably observed in pancreatic cancer, with an HR of 1.82 (95%CI: 1.26-2.64). No statistically significant association was observed between low birth weight and gastrointestinal cancers. Participants with high birthweight and high PRS had the highest risk of gastrointestinal cancer (HR: 2.95, 95%CI: 2.19-3.96).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight that high birthweight is associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal cancer, especially for pancreatic cancer. Benefits would be obtained from birthweight control, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk.KEY MESSAGESThe epidemiologic studies investigating the association of birthweight and genetic factors with gastrointestinal cancer remain scarce.This cohort study of 254,997 adults in the United Kingdom found an association of high birthweight with the incidence of gastrointestinal cancer, especially for pancreatic cancer, and also found that participants with high birthweight and high polygenic risk score had the highest risk of gastrointestinal cancer.Our data suggests a possible effect of in utero or early life exposures on adulthood gastrointestinal cancer, especially for those with a high genetic risk.

A Multicenter Survey on Eligibility for a Randomized Phase III Trial of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Biliary Tract Cancer (JCOG1202, ASCOT)

BACKGROUND

The Adjuvant S-1 for Cholangiocarcinoma Trial (JCOG1202, [ASCOT]) was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) with S-1 for resected biliary tract cancer (BTC). This trial reported that overall survival was prolonged with AC compared with observation.

METHODS

With the aim of increasing enrollment, the present survey biannually recorded the number of patients eligible for enrollment into ASCOT and reasons for ineligibility among patients who had undergone surgery for BTC from April 2015 to September 2017 at 36 institutions participating in ASCOT.

RESULTS

Of 2039 patients who underwent surgery for BTC, 211 (10.3%) were already enrolled, 166 (8.1%) were eligible but had not been enrolled, and 1662 (81.5%) were ineligible. Among ineligible patients, the predominant reasons for ineligibility were patient refusal (n = 332, 20.0%), pathologic stage (pT1N0; n = 248, 14.9%), age (≥ 81 years; n = 196, 11.8%), and prolonged postoperative complications (n = 176, 10.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing surgery for BTC are a heterogeneous cohort comprising patients with earlier pathologic stage, advanced age, and prolonged postoperative complications. These factors should be considered during the design of future clinical trials of perioperative treatments for resectable BTC.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of malignancy in biliary strictures of undetermined etiology: summary and recommendations

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evidence-based approach for the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with biliary strictures of undetermined etiology. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework and addresses the role of fluoroscopic-guided biopsy sampling, brush cytology, cholangioscopy, and EUS in the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with biliary strictures. In the endoscopic workup of these patients, we suggest the use of fluoroscopic-guided biopsy sampling in addition to brush cytology over brush cytology alone, especially for hilar strictures. We suggest the use of cholangioscopic and EUS-guided biopsy sampling especially for patients who undergo nondiagnostic sampling, cholangioscopic biopsy sampling for nondistal strictures and EUS-guided biopsy sampling distal strictures or those with suspected spread to surrounding lymph nodes and other structures.

Prognosis and Treatment Outcomes of Bone Metastasis in Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma: A SEER-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy comprising 0.5% of gastrointestinal cancers. It has poor survival outcomes due to its insidious onset, lack of standardized screening, and limited therapies. Advanced-stage diagnosis with liver, lymph node, and peritoneal metastasis is common, while bone metastasis is rare. The knowledge on bone metastasis in GBC is limited to case reports and small series, and its clinical significance is largely unexplored.

METHODS

The study extracted the demographic and clinical variables of patients with metastatic (M1) gallbladder adenocarcinoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2011 and 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic characteristics. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratio. The overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was utilized to compare the survival between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 2724 patients were included in the study. A total of 69% of the patients were female, and the median age was 68 (range 24-90+). A total of 7.4% of the patients had bone metastasis on diagnosis. The multivariate Cox analysis identified bone metastasis as an independent mortality risk factor in metastatic GBC (HR 1.50, p < 0.001). The patients were divided into two age groups: a younger age group (18-74 years) and an older age group (75+ years). In the younger group, the median OS with and without bone metastasis was 3 and 5 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the older age group, there was no significant difference in the OS between the patients with and without bone metastasis (p = 0.35). In the younger group who were treated with chemotherapy, the patients with bone metastasis had a significantly worse OS (median OS 5 months vs. 8 months, p < 0.0001). In the untreated group, the patients with bone metastasis in the younger age group had a significantly worse OS (median OS 1 month vs. 2 months, p = 0.014). In the patients with bone metastasis, those who did not receive chemotherapy had a significantly worse OS than those who were treated with chemotherapy in both age groups (younger age group: median OS 1 month vs. 5 months, p < 0.0001 and older age group: median OS 1 month vs. 5 months, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the presence of bone metastasis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma is an independent prognostic factor associated with unfavorable survival outcomes in the younger age group (18-74 years). However, in the older age group (75+ years), the presence of bone metastasis did not impact the survival. Treatment with chemotherapy was associated with extended survival in all patients. Thus, early detection and aggressive management of bone metastasis, including the consideration of chemotherapy, may be crucial in improving the OS and quality of life for individuals with gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Personal comorbidities and their subsequent risks for liver, gallbladder and bile duct cancers

Many environmental risk factors for hepatobiliary cancers are known but whether they are associated with specific cancer types is unclear. We present here a novel approach of assessing standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of previously diagnosed comorbidities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and ampullary cancer. The 13 comorbidities included alcohol and nonalcohol related liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gallstone disease, viral and other kinds of hepatitis, infection of bile ducts, hepatic and other autoimmune diseases, obesity and diabetes. Patients were identified from the Swedish Inpatient Register from 1987 to 2018, and their cancers were followed from 1997 onwards. SIRs for HCC were 80 to 100 in men and women diagnosed with hepatitis C virus and they were also >10 in patients diagnosed with hepatitis B virus, other kind of hepatitis, hepatic autoimmune disease and nonalcohol related liver disease. Many of these risks, as well as alcohol related liver disease, were either specific to HCC or were shared with intrahepatic CCA. For GBC, CCA and ampullary cancer infection of bile ducts was the main risk factor. Gallstone disease, nonhepatic autoimmune diseases and diabetes were associated with all hepatobiliary cancers. The limitations of the study include inability to cover some rare risk factors and limited follow-up time. Many of the considered comorbidities are characterized by chronic inflammation and/or overt immune disturbance in autoimmune diseases. The results suggest that local chronic inflammation and a related immune disturbance is the carcinogenic trigger for all these cancers.

The epidemiological trends of biliary tract cancers in the United States of America

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a series of heterogeneous malignancies that are broadly grouped based on the anatomical site where they arise into subtypes including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), and ampulla of Vater cancer (AVC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present study provides an overview of the epidemiology of the various BTCs based on data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2018. Distinct differences in both incidence and mortality rates were observed for these BTCs as a function of age, sex, ethnicity, and calendar year. In 2018, BTCs emerged as the fifth most prevalent form of alimentary tract cancer in the USA. While the incidence and mortality of ICC appear to be increasing, the incidence rates of GBC, ECC, and AVC have remained stable, as have the corresponding mortality rates. The most common and deadliest BTCs in 2018 were ICC and GBC among males and females, respectively. The ethnic groups exhibiting the highest incidence rates of these different BTCs were American Indians and Alaska Natives for GBC, and Asian and Pacific Islanders for ICC, ECC, and AVC. The incidence of all of these forms of BTC rose with age. There were some variations in BTCs in terms of staging, locoregional surgical treatments, adjuvant therapies, and prognostic outcomes from 2000 to 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological characteristics, staging, locoregional surgical treatments, adjuvant therapies, and prognostic outcomes were distinct for each of these BTCs.

Epidemiologic patterns of biliary tract cancer in the United States: 2001–2015

Background

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampulla of Vater cancer (AVC). Although BTC is rare in the US, incidence is increasing and elevated in certain populations. This study examined BTC epidemiology in the US by age, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic region, and anatomic site.

Methods

BTC incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival from 2001 to 2015 were evaluated using the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries databases. Incidence and mortality rates were calculated and reported as age-standardized rates. Data were assessed by age, anatomic sites, geographic region, and race/ethnicity, and a joinpoint regression model was used to predict trends for age-adjusted BTC incidence and mortality rates.

Results

BTC incidence increased during the study period (annual percent change = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [1.59–1.92]), with the highest increase in ICC (6.65 [6.11–7.19]). Incidence of unspecified BTC initially increased but has recently begun to drop. Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian/Alaska Native race/ethnicity was associated with higher BTC mortality rates than White race/ethnicity. Patients with ICC had the highest mortality rate (age-standardized rate = 1.87/100,000 person-years [1.85–1.88]). Five-year survival was 15.2% for all BTC, ranging from 8.5% (ICC) to 34.5% (AVC), and patients with distant disease at diagnosis had lower survival (3%) compared with those with regional (19.1%) or locally advanced disease (31.5%).

Conclusions

BTC incidence increased, survival was low across all subtypes, and mortality was greatest in patients with ICC. This underscores the serious, increasing unmet need among patients with BTC. Treatment options are limited, although clinical studies investigating immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and alternative chemotherapy combinations are ongoing. Epidemiological insights may improve patient care and inform the integration of novel therapies for BTC.

Gallstones and risk of cancers of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas: a prospective study within two U.S. cohorts

BACKGROUND

Gallstones may result in inflammation, altered bile flow, and changes in metabolic hormone levels, thereby increasing cancer risk. However, previous studies for gallstones and cancers of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas in the U.S. were relatively limited.

METHODS

We followed 115,036 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1982-2012) and 49,729 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2012). History of gallstones, including with or without performed cholecystectomy, was reported at baseline and updated through biennial questionnaires. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

During up to 30-year follow-up, we identified 204 incidents of liver cancer, 225 biliary tract cancer and 1147 pancreatic cancer cases. Compared to those without gallstones diagnosis, the multivariable HRs for individuals with gallstones (untreated or with cholecystectomy) were 1.60 for liver cancer (95% CI: 1.14-2.26), 4.79 for biliary tract cancer (95% CI: 3.02-7.58), and 1.13 for pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 0.96-1.32). The multivariable HRs for individuals with cholecystectomy were 1.33 for liver cancer (95% CI: 0.90-1.95) and 1.15 for pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 0.98-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Gallstones were associated with a higher risk of cancers of the liver, biliary tract and possibly pancreas.

HHLA2 promotes tumor progression by long non‑coding RNA H19 in human gallbladder cancer

Advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most malignant of all types of biliary tract cancers that is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. Accumulating evidence suggest that the B7 family of proteins serve an essential role in various types of cancers, including GBC. However, the potential function and regulatory mechanism of human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2; also known as B7-H7 or B7H5) in GBC remain poorly understood. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression pattern of HHLA2 in samples from 89 patients with GBC. The possible association between HHLA2 expression and the clinicopathological parameters, including prognosis, were then assessed. Using lentiviruses, overexpression of HHLA2 plasmid or short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) of HHLA2 were transfected into GBC-SD cells to overexpress or knock down HHLA2 expression, respectively. The effects of HHLA2 overexpression and knockdown on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process on GBC-SD cells were measured by the western blotting and immunofluorescence staining of collagen I, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA. By contrast, changes in cell proliferation were measured using EdU assay. Cell invasion and migration were assessed using Transwell and wound-healing assays, respectively. In addition, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenic ability of the GBC cell line in vivo after stable transfection with lentivirus for HHLA2 overexpression or shRNA for HHLA2 knockdown. The regulatory relationships among TGF-β1, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 (H19) and HHLA2 were then investigated. The mRNA expression of lncRNA H19 were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, whereas the expression levels of HHLA2 were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. HHLA2 expression was found to gradually increase as the stages of the GBC samples become more advanced. In addition, the expression level of HHLA2 was calculated to be positively associated with the Nevin stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor invasion and regional lymph node metastasis but was negatively associated with the overall patient survival (OS). In vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpression of HHLA2 promoted GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT, whereas in vivo experiments found a promoting role of HHLA2 overexpression on GBC tumor growth. After transfection with lentiviruses encoding the overexpression plasmid of lncRNA H19, GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT were increased. By contrast, knocking down HHLA2 expression suppressed TGF-β1- or lncRNA H19 overexpression-induced GBC migration, invasion, proliferation and EMT. In addition, HHLA2 knockdown significantly reduced the sizes of the GBC tumors in vivo. These results suggest that HHLA2 overexpression can promote GBC progression. Conversely, ablation of HHLA2 expression inhibited both TGF-β1- and lncRNA H19-induced GBC progression, suggesting that HHLA2 is a potential therapeutic target for this disease.

Trends in Primary Gallbladder Cancer Incidence and Incidence-based Mortality in the United States, 1973 to 2015

OBJECTIVES

Primary gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract cancer with poor survival despite aggressive treatment. This study aimed to investigate the trends of GBC incidence and incidence-based mortality (IBM) over the last 4 decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GBC cases diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Incidence rates, IBM rates, and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated and stratified according to population and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 10,792 predominantly white (81%) and female (71%) GBC patients. The overall GBC incidence decreased by 1.65% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45% to 1.84%) per year since 1973, but has plateaued since 2002. IBM decreased by 1.69% (95% CI: 1.22% to 2.16%) per year from 1980 to 2015; the rate of decrease in IBM rates was lower during 1997 to 2015 (APC: -1.19%, 95% CI: -1.68% to -0.71%) compared with 1980 to 1997 (APC: -3.13%, 95% CI: -3.68% to -2.58%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and IBM rates of GBC have been decreasing over the last 40 years, but the decrease plateaued over the last 2 decades. The effects of treatment modalities, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation on the incidence and IBM of GBC need to be further investigated.

Increasing Incidence of Gallbladder Cancer among Non-Hispanic Blacks in the United States: A Birth Cohort Phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer incidence varies among racial/ethnic subgroups in the United States (US). We investigated trends in gallbladder cancer incidence rates in 50 states from 2001 to 2018.

METHODS

Age-adjusted incidence rates and trends in adults were calculated using data from the US Cancer Statistics registry. We used joinpoint regression to compute annual percentage of changes (APC). We analyzed incidence trends by time periods, age groups, and birth cohorts through age-period-cohort modeling.

RESULTS

Overall, age standardized incidence rates for gallbladder cancer decreased by 0.3% annually between 2001 and 2018 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.5% to -0.1%]. However, secular trends varied by race/ethnicity. Although gallbladder cancer rates declined in other racial/ethnic groups, rates increased by 1.4% annually among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) between 2001 and 2018 (APC = 1.4%; 95% CI, 0.9%-2.0%). We found evidence for period and birth cohort effects with increasing rates among successive birth cohorts of NHBs. Relative to NHB cohorts born circa 1946, gallbladder cancer rates were 85% higher in NHB cohorts born circa 1971 [incidence rate ratio (IRR), 1.85; 95% CI, 1.26-2.72). The rates among NHBs in South region were higher in cohorts born circa 1971 (IRR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.27-3.73) relative to those born circa 1946.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of gallbladder cancer has consistently increased in the US among NHBs. A notable increase in incidence was observed among NHBs with evidence of birth cohort effects in South, Northeast, and Midwest regions.

IMPACT

The cohort effect observed among NHBs with increasing rates in different US regions suggests that gallbladder cancer rates will continue to rise in the US in the near future.

Long-term incidence and survival trends in cancer of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden with etiological implications related to Thorotrast

Cancers of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts (called here 'GBC' because gallbladder cancer is the main component) are rare in Europe, including the Nordic countries. Their incidence has varied for unknown reasons and we hypothesize that Thorotrast, a previously used carcinogenic radiographic contrast medium, has contributed to the incidence trends. We obtained incidence and survival data from the NORDCAN database, which includes cancer registry data from Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE), which are globally the oldest national cancer databases, starting from 1943 in DK, 1953 in FI and NO and 1960 in SE, and extending to 2016. The incidence trend for GBC showed a broad maximum around 1980 in men (close to 3/100,000) and women (4/100,000), except for NO, where this phenomenon was not seen. In 1955, FI and NO incidence rates were equal but FI rates peaked and later declined similar to DK and SE rates. By 2010, the incidence was similar in all Nordic countries, for both men and women, at close to 2.0/100,000. Birth cohort analysis showed strong effects for countries other than NO. Relative 1-year survival increased for men from 20% to about 50% and similarly for women although at a 5 percentage points lower level. Survival in NO was better than in other countries in the 1980s. Thorotrast, causing a high risk of GBC, was extensively used in the Nordic countries between 1930 and end of 1940s, with the exception of NO, where these was no documented use. These data suggest that Thorotrast influenced GBC epidemiology and probably worsened survival in certain periods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Trends in Incidence and Prognostic Factors of Two Subtypes of Primary Liver Cancers: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Based Population Study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of our study was to investigate and compare the epidemiologic characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients.

METHODS

Age-adjusted incidence rates were evaluated from 1975 to 2016 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Overall survival (OS) was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for OS.

RESULTS

In the last 10 years, the incidence rate of ICC increased rapidly by 109% (annual percentage change (APC) = 8.24, 95% CI = 6.64 to 9.86; P < .001), compared with a much more modest 12% increase in the incidence of HCC (APC = 1.59, 95% CI = .56 to 2.62; P < .001). This trend persisted throughout the study across different age groups, sexes, and races. Males older than 70 years and of other races (non-African American and non-Caucasian) showed the highest incidence rates of HCC and ICC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that other race, married status, later year of diagnosis, more examined lymph nodes, and surgery were significant protective factors of OS in HCC patients. In contrast, the race and year of diagnosis were not independent prognostic factors, but radiation and chemotherapy were protective factors of OS in ICC patients. The median OS was 18 months and 12 months in HCC and ICC patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the last 10 years, the incidence of HCC had a slow growth in the United States, whereas ICC showed a remarkable increase. The 5-year OS of the former has improved in recent years while that of the latter showed no significant improvement. Therefore, surgery could contribute to superior survival outcomes as compared to other treatments.

Molecular characterization of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: perihilar and distal tumors display divergent genomic and transcriptomic profiles

BACKGROUND

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) is classified into two subtypes based on anatomic origin: distal extrahepatic (DECC) and perihilar (PHCC) cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to shed light on its genomic and transcriptomic profiles.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The genomic alterations of 99 ECC (47 PHCC and 52 DECC) were investigated by next-generation sequencing of 96 genes. A subgroup of cases, representative of each subtype, was further investigated using transcriptomic analysis. Bioinformatics tools were applied for clustering and pathway analysis and defining the immune composition of the tumor microenvironment.

RESULTS

PHCC had more frequent KRAS mutations (p = 0.0047), whereas TP53 mutations were more common in DECC (p = 0.006). Potentially actionable alterations included high-tumor mutational burden and/or microsatellite instability (7.1%), PI3KCA mutations (8.1%), and MYC (10.1%) and ERBB2 amplification (5.1%). The transcriptomic profiles showed the presence of three distinct clusters, which followed the anatomic origin and differed in immune microenvironment. DECC appeared to contain two distinct tumor subgroups, one enriched for druggable alterations and one lacking actionable opportunities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new insights into the molecular landscape and the actionable alterations of ECC. Our findings represent a step toward improved ECC molecular taxonomy and therapeutic strategies for precision oncology.

Merestinib monotherapy or in combination for japanese patients with advanced and/or metastatic cancer: A phase 1 study

This phase 1, multi‐center, nonrandomized, open‐label, dose‐escalation study consisted of Part A wherein merestinib 80 or 120 mg (40‐mg tablets) was administered orally QD during a 28‐day cycle to patients diagnosed with solid tumors and Part B wherein merestinib 80 mg (40‐mg tablets) was administered orally QD, and cisplatin 25 mg/m² + gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² administered IV on Day 1 and Day 8 of a 21‐day cycle (for a maximum of eight cycles) to patients diagnosed with biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Nineteen patients were screened and 18 patients were (Part A, n = 10; Part B, n = 8) enrolled in the trial and received treatment. All patients in Parts A and B were from Japan and were within an age range of 43–73 years, with an ECOG PS of 0.1. No dose‐limiting toxicity or deaths were experienced in the study. Dose‐limiting toxicity equivalent toxicity of Grade 4 platelet count decreased (n = 1) and was observed in Part B. In Part A, treatment‐related Grade ≥3 TEAEs were reported in one patient (PT: ALT increased and AST increased), while in Part B, five patients reported treatment‐related Grade ≥3 TEAEs with four of the five patients reporting an event of neutrophil count decreased. No complete response was reported in either Part. One patient in Part B reported partial response while four patients in each part reported stable disease. Merestinib monotherapy was concluded to be tolerable in Japanese patients, and its combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine is a tolerable regimen for Japanese patients with BTC.

Trial registration: NCT03027284 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on 23 January 2017.

Understanding Patient Experience in Biliary Tract Cancer: A Qualitative Patient Interview Study

Introduction

Patients living with biliary tract cancer (BTC) experience a decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the patient experience of BTC-related signs/symptoms and the impacts of these on daily functioning and HRQoL.

Methods

Patients with BTC participated in qualitative semi-structured concept elicitation interviews. Signs/symptoms and impacts of BTC were initially explored by targeted literature searches and interviews with five clinicians. Patient interviews were transcribed and coded using qualitative research software. Concept saturation was assessed over five interview waves. A sign/symptom or impact was defined as “salient” if mentioned by ≥ 50% of patients, with a mean disturbance rating of ≥ 5 (0–10 scale). A conceptual model of the patient experience of BTC-related signs/symptoms and impacts was produced.

Results

Twenty-three patients from the USA (78% women; median age: 54 years), diagnosed as having early (n = 3), locally advanced (n = 11) or metastatic (n = 9) disease, were interviewed. Sixty-six signs/symptoms and 12 impacts were identified. Of these, 46 signs/symptoms and 8 impacts were not identified from the targeted literature or clinician interviews. Concept saturation was reached by the fourth of five interview waves. Fourteen disease-related signs/symptoms (including fatigue/lack of energy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, insomnia and diarrhoea) and three impacts (physical, emotional and cognitive impacts) were deemed “salient”. The conceptual model included 50 signs/symptoms and 12 impacts.

Conclusion

Patients with BTC reported a range of signs/symptoms and impacts that negatively affect daily functioning and HRQoL.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40487-021-00159-z.

Incidence and Mortality of Cancers of the Biliary Tract, Gallbladder, and Liver by Sex, Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Stage at Diagnosis: United States, 2013 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Few population-based studies have examined incidence and mortality of cancers of the biliary tract, including intrahepatic bile duct, extrahepatic bile duct, ampulla of Vater, and overlapping or other lesions of the biliary tract in one study.

METHODS

To further the understanding of recent rates of biliary tract cancers, we used population-based data, to examine incidence and mortality during 2013 to 2017. We examined how rates varied by sex, age, race/ethnicity, U.S. census region, and stage at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Intrahepatic bile duct was the most common biliary tract cancer, with an incidence rate of 1.49 per 100,000 persons. Cancer incidence rates per 100,000 persons were 0.96 for extrahepatic bile duct, 0.45 for ampulla of Vater, and 0.24 for overlapping or other lesions of the biliary tract. Cancer death rates per 100,000 persons were 1.66 for intrahepatic bile duct and 0.45 for other biliary tract. Intrahepatic bile duct incidence and death rates were higher among males than females, higher among Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islander persons compared with non-Hispanic Whites, and higher in the Northeast and in urban counties.

CONCLUSIONS

This report provides national estimates of these rare biliary tract cancers.

IMPACT

Key interventions targeted to high-risk populations may help reduce incidence and mortality of cancers of the biliary tract by improving primary prevention through strategies to reduce tobacco and alcohol use, control overweight and obesity, and promote hepatitis B vaccination and use of syringe service programs meant to curb the transmission of infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis.

Integrative molecular characterisation of gallbladder cancer reveals micro-environment-associated subtypes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common type of biliary tract cancer, but the molecular mechanisms involved in gallbladder carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied integrative genomics approaches to characterise GBC and explore molecular subtypes associated with patient survival.

METHODS

We profiled the mutational landscape of GBC tumours (whole-exome sequencing on 92, targeted sequencing on 98, in total 190 patients). In a subset (n = 45), we interrogated the matched transcriptomes, DNA methylomes, and somatic copy number alterations. We explored molecular subtypes identified through clustering tumours by genes whose expression was associated with survival in 47 tumours and validated subtypes on 34 publicly available GBC cases.

RESULTS

Exome analysis revealed TP53 was the most mutated gene. The overall mutation rate was low (median 0.82 Mut/Mb). APOBEC-mediated mutational signatures were more common in tumours with higher mutational burden. Aflatoxin-related signatures tended to be highly clonal (present in ≥50% of cancer cells). Transcriptome-wide survival association analysis revealed a 95-gene signature that stratified all GBC patients into 3 subtypes that suggested an association with overall survival post-resection. The 2 poor-survival subtypes were associated with adverse clinicopathologic features (advanced stage, pN1, pM1), immunosuppressive micro-environments (myeloid-derived suppressor cell accumulation, extensive desmoplasia, hypoxia) and T cell dysfunction, whereas the good-survival subtype showed the opposite features.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the tumour micro-environment and immune profiles could play an important role in gallbladder carcinogenesis and should be evaluated in future clinical studies, along with mutational profiles.

LAY SUMMARY

Gallbladder cancer is highly fatal, and its causes are poorly understood. We evaluated gallbladder tumours to see if there were differences between tumours in genetic information such as DNA and RNA. We found evidence of aflatoxin exposure in these tumours, and immune cells surrounding the tumours were associated with survival.

Burden of illness for patients with cholangiocarcinoma in the United States: a retrospective claims analysis

Background

Advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Novel second-line treatments for advanced CCA underscore the need to understand treatment patterns and economic burden of illness in clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective, claims-based study using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics^® Data Mart Database [2007-2019] selected patients with CCA who experienced failure of a line of therapy containing either gemcitabine or fluorouracil. The index date was defined based on evidence of treatment failure: date of last administration of the gemcitabine- or fluorouracil-based regimen plus 28 days, or initiation date of the next-line systemic therapy. Treatment patterns, healthcare resource use (HRU), costs, and survival were assessed during the follow-up period (index until death or end of eligibility).

Results

A total of 1,298 patients met inclusion criteria and had a mean age of 69.1 years. There were 958 patients (73.8%) with intrahepatic and 275 patients (21.2%) with extrahepatic CCA. Average follow-up was 7.5 months. Almost 40% of patients did not receive another line of therapy after the index date. Among the 784 patients who received another line of therapy, 40.3% used fluorouracil-based therapy, 30.7% used gemcitabine-based therapy, and 29.3% used capecitabine-based therapy. Total mean per patient per month CCA-related healthcare costs were $7,743, with medical services ($6,685) a larger driver of monthly costs relative to treatment costs ($1,058). Median overall survival (OS) was 5.3 months among all patients.

Conclusions

Many patients with advanced CCA do not initiate additional therapy after failure of gemcitabine or fluorouracil treatment, and there is considerable variation in treatments among those who do. This study highlights the high costs and unmet need for a standard of care in this patient population.

Feasibility of HER2-Targeted Therapy in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: A Prospective Pilot Study of Trastuzumab Biosimilar in Combination with Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin

The prognosis of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) is poor with the standard gemcitabine and cisplatin (GemCis) regimen. Given that the rates of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity in BTC reaches around 15%, HER2-targeted therapy needs further investigation. This study aims to evaluate the preliminary efficacy/safety of first-line trastuzumab-pkrb plus GemCis in patients with advanced BTC. Patients with unresectable/metastatic HER2-positive BTC received trastuzumab-pkrb (on day 1 of each cycle, 8 mg/kg for the first cycle and 6 mg/kg for subsequent cycles), gemcitabine (1000 mg/m² on day 1 and 8) and cisplatin (25 mg/m² on day 1 and 8) every 3 weeks. Of the 41 patients screened, 7 had HER2-positive tumours and 4 were enrolled. The median age was 72.5 years (one male). Primary tumour locations included extrahepatic (N = 2) and intrahepatic (N = 1) bile ducts, and gallbladder (N = 1). Best overall response was a partial response in two patients and stable disease in two patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.1 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The most common grade 3 adverse event was neutropenia (75%), but febrile neutropenia did not occur. No patient discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Trastuzumab-pkrb with GemCis showed promising preliminary feasibility in patients with HER2-positive advanced BTC.

Epidemiology of Cholangiocarcinoma; United States Incidence and Mortality Trends

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with few available studies assessing incidence and mortality. In this study, we aim to investigate trends of incidence and mortality in a large nation-wide epidemiologic study.

METHODS

We used SEER 18 database to study cholangiocarcinoma cases in the US during 2000-2015. Incidence and mortality rates of cholangiocarcinoma were calculated by race and were expressed by 1,000,000 person-years. Annual percent change (APC) was calculated using joinpoint regression software.

RESULTS

We reviewed 16,189 patients with cholangiocarcinoma, of which 64.4% were intrahepatic. Most patients were whites (78.4%), males (51.3%), and older than 65 years (63%). A total of 13,121 patients died of cholangiocarcinoma during the study period. Cholangiocarcinoma incidence and mortality were 11.977 and 10.295 and were both higher among Asians, males, and individuals older than 65 years. Incidence rates have significantly increased over the study period (APC=5.063%, P<.001), while mortality increased significantly over the study period (APC=5.964%, P<.001), but decreased after 2013 (APC=-25.029, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

The incidence and mortality of cholangiocarcinoma were increasing in the study period with significant observed disparities based on race and gender.

Gallbladder Cancer Surgery in the United States: Lymphadenectomy Trends and Impact on Survival

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis, and surgery is the only curative treatment. However, lymphadenectomy has been underperformed. We evaluate the trend of lymphadenectomy in the United States and its impact on survival.

METHODS

This is a cohort study of patients who underwent gallbladder cancer surgery between 2004 and 2016. Trend analysis of the rate of lymphadenectomy and the number of lymph nodes (LNs) removed were examined. The impact of lymph node status and different LN staging systems on survival was examined.

RESULTS

Of the 4577 patients identified, 69.9% were female, the mean age was 71.0 (±12.4), 87.2% had ≥ T2, and only 50.3% (n = 2302) received lymphadenectomy. Although the rate of lymphadenectomy and the number of LNs removed increased during the study period, both with P < 0.0001, the rate of patients who received examination of ≥6 LNs remained low, 13.6% in 2016. Adjusted regression analysis showed that patients without LN examination had worse overall survival than patients with LN positive disease, HR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.22). Concordance index analysis revealed that LN ratio (LNR) and Log odds of positive LN (LODDS) did not improve the ability of the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging in predicting 5-y survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of LN examination is associated with worse survival than LN positive disease. Although the rate of LN examination and number of LNs retrieved have increased from 2004 to 2016, they remained low. LNR and LODDS staging systems added no benefit to AJCC staging ability in predicting a 5-y survival rate.

Defining and Predicting Early Recurrence after Resection for Gallbladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

The optimal time interval to define early recurrence (ER) among patients who underwent resection of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is not well defined. We sought to develop and validate a novel GBC recurrence risk (GBRR) score to predict ER among patients undergoing resection for GBC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for GBC between 2000 and 2018 were identified from the US Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy Consortium database. A minimum p value approach in the log-rank test was used to define the optimal cutoff for ER. A risk stratification model was developed to predict ER based on relevant clinicopathological factors and was externally validated.

RESULTS

Among 309 patients, 103 patients (33.3%) had a recurrence at a median follow-up period of 15.1 months. The optimal cutoff for ER was defined at 12 months (p = 3.04 × 10^-18). On multivariable analysis, T3/T4 disease (HR: 2.80; 95% CI 1.58-5.11) and poor tumor differentiation (HR: 1.91; 95% CI 1.11-3.25) were associated with greater hazards of ER. The GBRR score was developed using β-coefficients of variables in the final model, and patients were classified into three distinct groups relative to the risk for ER (12-month RFS; low risk: 88.4%, intermediate risk: 77.9%, high risk: 37.0%, p < 0.001). The external validation demonstrated good model generalizability with good calibration (n = 102: 12-month RFS; low risk: 94.2%, intermediate risk: 59.8%, high risk: 42.0%, p < 0.001). The GBRR score is available online at https://ktsahara.shinyapps.io/GBC_earlyrec/ .

CONCLUSIONS

A novel online calculator was developed to help clinicians predict the probability of ER after curative-intent resection for GBC. The proposed web-based tool may help in the optimization of surveillance intervals and the counselling of patients about their prognosis.

Survival benefit of lymphadenectomy for gallbladder cancer based on the therapeutic index: An analysis of the US extrahepatic biliary malignancy consortium

BACKGROUND

The survival benefit of lymphadenectomy among patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains poorly understood.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for GBC between 2000 and 2015 were identified from a US multi-institutional database. The therapeutic index (LNM rate multiplied by 3-year overall survival [OS]) was determined to assess the survival benefit of lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

Among 449 patients, less than half had LNM (N = 183, 40.8%). The median number of evaluated and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-6) and 1 (IQR: 0-1), respectively. 3-year OS among patients with LNM in the entire cohort was 26.8%. The therapeutic index was lower among patients with T4 (5.9) or T1 (6.0) tumors as well as carbohydrate antigen (CA19-9) ≥200 UI/mL (6.0). Of note, a therapeutic index difference ≥10 was noted relative to CA19-9 (<200: 18.7 vs ≥200: 6.0), American Joint Committee on Cancer T Stage (T1: 6.0 vs T2: 17.8 vs T4: 5.9) and number of LNs examined (1-2: 6.9 vs ≥6: 16.9). Concomitant common bile duct resection was not associated with a higher therapeutic index among patients with either T2 or T3 disease.

CONCLUSION

Certain clinicopathological factors including T1 or T4 tumor and CA19-9 ≥200 UI/mL were associated with a low therapeutic index. Resection of six or more LNs was associated with a meaningful therapeutic index benefit among patients with LNM.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of adjuvant therapy for curatively resected biliary tract cancers

Background

Recent randomized controlled trials (rcts) have contributed high-quality data about adjuvant therapy in curatively resected biliary tract cancer (btc); however, a standard approach to treating those patients still has not been developed.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of published studies and abstracts up to and including June 2018, choosing rcts involving patients with btc receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after complete surgical resection. Network meta-analysis methods were used for indirect comparisons of overall survival (os) and relapse-free survival (rfs) for various adjuvant therapies.

Results

Five rcts were included in qualitative synthesis, and three rcts (bilcap, prodige 12-accord 18, and bcat) had data sufficient for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Results from the indirect comparison demonstrated no significant improvement in os for capecitabine compared with gemcitabine or with gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (gemox), the hazard ratios (hrs) being 0.82 [95% confidence interval (ci): 0.53 to 1.27] and 0.86 (95% ci: 0.56 to 1.34) respectively. Similarly, no significant improvement in rfs was observed for capecitabine compared with gemcitabine or gemox.

Conclusions

Although in the present analysis, we found no statistically significant improvements in os or rfs for capecitabine compared with gemox or gemcitabine, capecitabine can-until further prospective trials are completed-be considered the standard of care in the adjuvant setting based on a single randomized phase iii study.

Gallbladder histological alterations in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis

OBJECTIVE

to describe the histological findings of the gallbladders of patients undergoing cholecystectomy and to evaluate the presence of factors associated with gallbladder incidental cancer.

METHODS

we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study with 1,278 histopathological exams of gallbladders coming from cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis and of their reports, held from January 2008 to December 2017.

RESULTS

the most common pathological finding was chronic cholecystitis, present in 1,251 patients (97.8%), followed by gallbladder cholesterolosis, in 131 (10.2%). Gallbladder cancer was identified in six patients, with a prevalence of 0.5% in this sample. There was a significant association between the presence of cancer and age ≥60 years and wall thickness ≥0.3cm.

CONCLUSION

there was low prevalence of gallbladder cancer in this population, higher occurrence in the elderly and association of the tumor with gallbladder wall thickness.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Biliary Tract Cancer Risk: A Pooling Project of 26 Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND

Tobacco and alcohol are well-established risk factors for numerous cancers, yet their relationship to biliary tract cancers remains unclear.

METHODS

We pooled data from 26 prospective studies to evaluate associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with biliary tract cancer risk. Study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with smoking and alcohol consumption were calculated. Random-effects meta-analysis produced summary estimates. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Over a period of 38 369 156 person-years of follow-up, 1391 gallbladder, 758 intrahepatic bile duct, 1208 extrahepatic bile duct, and 623 ampulla of Vater cancer cases were identified. Ever, former, and current smoking were associated with increased extrahepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater cancers risk (eg, current vs never smokers HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.34 to 2.13 and 2.22, 95% CI = 1.69 to 2.92, respectively), with dose-response effects for smoking pack-years, duration, and intensity (all Ptrend < .01). Current smoking and smoking intensity were also associated with intrahepatic bile duct cancer (eg, >40 cigarettes per day vs never smokers HR = 2.15, 95 % CI = 1.15 to 4.00; Ptrend = .001). No convincing association was observed between smoking and gallbladder cancer. Alcohol consumption was only associated with intrahepatic bile duct cancer, with increased risk for individuals consuming five or more vs zero drinks per day (HR = 2.35, 95%CI = 1.46 to 3.78; Ptrend = .04). There was evidence of statistical heterogeneity among several cancer sites, particularly between gallbladder cancer and the other biliary tract cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking appears to increase the risk of developing all biliary tract cancers except gallbladder cancer. Alcohol may increase the risk of intrahepatic bile duct cancer. Findings highlight etiologic heterogeneity across the biliary tract.

Analysis of Incidental Gallbladder Cancer in Cholecystectomies

OBJECTIVE

To study incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) incidence in patients who underwent cholecystectomy.

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2004-2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic information, preoperative radiological findings of the patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer (GBC), as a result of routine histopathological examination and operation records, were reviewed and findings were recorded. The preoperative radiological records of the patients with GBC and, if any, findings of GBC suspected during surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2004-2019, a total of 6314 patients underwent cholecystectomy. Of the patients, 5404 (85.59%) were female and 910 (14.41%) were male. The median age was 47 years (min:19, max:94) and the mean age was 47.28±14.60 years. Nine out of 6314 patients (0.14%) were diagnosed with GBC by postoperative histopathological examination. All patients with GBC were female and their mean age was 64.33±11.08 years. Two out of nine GBC cases were prediagnosed with GBC in preoperative radiological findings; the remaining seven (0.11%) had IGBC without any preoperative findings.

CONCLUSION

Asian populations are reported to have a higher incidence of GBC. Turkey is located in the transition zone between Asia and Europe. However, the GBC rates in our study remain far below the rates reported in Asian publications. We believe that our results may be affected by the predominantly Mediterranean-type diet and the relatively higher socioeconomic level of the region where we conducted our study. Consequently, we recommend routine histopathological examination after cholecystectomies in regions with a high incidence of GBC.

Menopausal hormone therapy and biliary tract cancer: a population-based matched cohort study in Sweden

BACKGROUND

This study tested the hypothesis that contemporary menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) increases the risk of biliary tract cancer. The risk of cancer of the biliary tract (gallbladder and extra-hepatic bile ducts) may be increased following estrogen exposure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a nationwide population-based matched cohort study in Sweden. Data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register identified all women exposed to systemic MHT in 2005-2012. Group-level matching (1:3 ratio) was used to select women unexposed to MHT from the same study base, matched for history of delivery, thrombotic events, hysterectomy, age, smoking- and alcohol related diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Comparing 290,186 women exposed to MHT with 870,165 unexposed, MHT did not increase the OR of biliary tract cancer. The OR of gallbladder cancer was rather decreased in MHT users (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43-0.79), but this association became attenuated and statistically non-significant after adjusting for gallstone disease (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.60-1.15). The OR of extra-hepatic bile duct cancers was 0.83 (95% CI 0.61-1.15). There were no clear differences when the analyses were stratified for estrogen or estrogen/progestogen combinations. MHT increased the risk of gallstone disease (OR 6.95, 95% CI 6.64-7.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary MHT does not seem to increase the risk of biliary tract cancer. The decreased risk of gallbladder cancer may be explained by the increased use of surgery for symptomatic gallstones in MHT users.

Biliary tract cancer incidence and trends in the United States by demographic group, 1999-2013

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare but deadly cancers (gallbladder cancer [GBC], intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ICC], extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ECC], and ampulla of Vater cancer [AVC]). A recent US study reported increasing GBC incidence among people younger than 45 years and blacks; however, it did not examine trends for other biliary tract sites.

METHODS

This study characterized demographic differences in BTC incidence rates and time trends by anatomic site. Population-based North American Association of Central Cancer Registries data were used to calculate age-adjusted incidence rates, incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and estimated annual percent changes (eAPCs) for 1999-2013 by site and demographic group. For sites with significant differences in eAPC by age group, IRRs were compared by age group.

RESULTS

GBC incidence rates declined among women (eAPC, -0.5%/y; P = .01) and all racial/ethnic groups except for non-Hispanic blacks, among whom rates increased (1.8%/y; P < .0001). Although GBC rates increased among 18- to 44-year-olds (eAPC, 1.8%/y; P = .01), they decreased among people 45 years old or older (-0.4%/y; P = .009). Sex (P < .0001) and racial/ethnic differences (P = .003 to .02) in GBC incidence were larger for younger people than older people. During this period, ICC (eAPC, 3.2%/y; P < .0001) and ECC rates (1.8%/y; P = .001) steadily increased across sex and racial/ethnic groups. Although AVC incidence rates increased among younger adults (eAPC, 1.8%/y; P = .03) but not older adults (-0.20%/y; P = .30), sex and racial/ethnic IRRs did not differ by age.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential patterns of BTC rates and temporal trends have been identified by anatomic site and demographic groups. These findings highlight the need for large pooling projects to evaluate BTC risk factors by anatomic site.

Evaluation of positive ductal margins of biliary tract cancer in intraoperative histological examination

At present the only method available to confirm microscopic infiltration of cancer into ductal margins during surgery, is intraoperative histological examination. In the present study, the status of the surgical margins and postoperative course were evaluated to determine any correlation between remnant carcinoma and postoperative survival. All consecutive patients who underwent resection for biliary tract cancer between January 2004 and May 2012 were identified from a database. Positive margin cases were divided into two groups, invasive carcinoma and carcinoma in situ (CIS). Immunohistochemical staining targeting Ki67 and p53 for positive margins was performed. Cases of major vessel invasion were significantly increased in the positive group compared with the negative group. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the CIS group compared with the invasive group. The survival rate was significantly increased in the CIS group compared with the invasive group. The expression levels of p53 and Ki67 were significantly increased in the invasive group compared with the CIS group. No statistical correlations were observed between the expression of p53 or Ki67 and the survival or recurrence of disease. In the positive group, resected margin status was the principal factor associated with recurrence-free survival according to Cox-regression analysis. In conclusion, the status of the resected margins in the positive group was the most important factor for postoperative survival and recurrence in cholangiocarcinoma, not immunohistochemical staining targeting Ki67 and p53.

Associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancer risk among elderly US adults

Growing evidence suggests that people with autoimmune conditions may be at increased risk of hepatobiliary tumors. In the present study, we evaluated associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancers among adults aged ≥66 in the United States. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data (1992-2013) to conduct a population-based, case-control study. Cases (n = 32,443) had primary hepatobiliary cancer. Controls (n = 200,000) were randomly selected, cancer-free adults frequency-matched to cases by sex, age and year of selection. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with 39 autoimmune conditions identified via Medicare claims. We also conducted separate analyses for diagnoses obtained via inpatient versus outpatient claims. Sixteen conditions were associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer. The strongest risk estimates were for primary biliary cholangitis with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 31.33 [95% CI: 23.63-41.56]) and primary sclerosing cholangitis with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (7.53 [5.73-10.57]), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (5.59 [4.03-7.75]), gallbladder cancer (2.06 [1.27-3.33]) and ampulla of Vater cancer (6.29 [4.29-9.22]). Associations with hepatobiliary-related conditions as a group were observed across nearly all cancer sites (ORs ranging from 4.53 [95% CI: 3.30-6.21] for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to 7.18 [5.94-8.67] for hepatocellular carcinoma). Restricting to autoimmune conditions diagnosed via inpatient claims, 6 conditions remained associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer, and several risk estimates increased. In the outpatient restricted analysis, 12 conditions remained associated. Multiple autoimmune conditions are associated with hepatobiliary cancer risk in the US Medicare population, supporting a shared immuno-inflammatory etiology to these cancers.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Treatment, Outcomes, and Nutrition Overview for Oncology Nurses

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that arises from the bile ducts inside or outside of the liver. Although it is a rare cancer, cholangiocarcinoma appears to be rising in incidence in the United States and worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma frequently presents with biliary emergencies from diagnosis through treatment. The lethality of this cancer stems, in part, from challenges with supportive care during treatment. This article provides an overview of intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, including identification of risk factors, differences in treatment approaches, palliation of symptoms, and insight into commonly asked questions.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the current literature regarding incidence, prevalence, and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma was conducted.

FINDINGS

Nursing literature regarding cholangiocarcinoma is scarce. Studies that focus on nursing care, symptom management, and nursing management of patients with biliary obstruction are needed. Nutrition and palliative care management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma are key areas of nursing management.

Prevalence of gallbladder cancer In patients submitted to cholecystectomy: experience of the University Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP

Objective:

to evaluate the prevalence of gallbladder carcinoma in patients submitted to cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis at the University Hospital of the State University of Campinas.

Methods:

we conducted a retrospective prevalence study through the analysis of histological specimens from January 2010 to May 2015.

Results:

we analyzed 893 patient reports. Emergency cholecystectomies amounted to 144, and elective ones, 749 (16.2% and 83.8%, respectively). Regarding gender, 72.8% were female and 27.2% male. Gallbladder adenocarcinoma occurred in 12 patients (1.3%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in one (0.1%). In patients with cancer, seven (53.8%) were associated with cholelithiasis and two (15.3%) with gallbladder polyps.

Conclusion:

prevalence results of gallbladder adenocarcinoma in this study were similar to those of Western studies and the main risk factor was cholelithiasis, followed by the presence of gallbladder polyps.

Patterns of failure after resection of extrahepatic bile duct cancer: implications for adjuvant radiotherapy indication and treatment volumes

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and setting proper RT target volumes have not been clearly demonstrated for extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) cancer, due to the rarity of the disease and the lack of randomized trials. This study was conducted to evaluate the indication and treatment volume for adjuvant RT in EHBD cancer patients by identifying the prognostic factors for loco-regional (LR) failure, and analyze the patterns of LR failure.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with EHBD cancer, who underwent resection without adjuvant RT, at 2 medical centers, between 2001 and 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to find the prognostic factors for LR recurrence. The initial patterns of failure were recorded, especially those of LR recurrence, and categorized according to the Japanese classification.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 30 months, and 38 (40.9%) patients experienced LR recurrence during this period. With regards to LR recurrence, close or positive resection margin (RM) status (p < 0.001) remained statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. The most common LR recurrence sites were the tumor bed (18.3%), and lymph node (LN) stations No. 8 (14.1%), No. 9 (12.7%), No. 12 (12.7%), No. 13 (5.6%), No. 14 (21.1%), No. 16 (14.1%), and No. 17 (1.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

A close or positive RM status may be suggestive of high LR recurrence rates. In such cases, adjuvant RT may improve outcomes. When adjuvant RT is performed, the treatment volume should be well-designed so as to encompass the tumor bed, as well as LN stations No. 8, No. 9, No. 12, No. 14, and No. 16.

Young Adult Cancer: Influence of the Obesity Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the association of the obesity pandemic with appearance of cancers in young adults under age 50 and to define potential mechanisms by which obesity may accelerate the development of malignancy.

METHODS

A comprehensive narrative review was performed to integrate preclinical, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence describing the association of obesity with cancer in young adults based on a search of PubMed and Google databases.

RESULTS

Results from more than 100 publications are summarized. Although they differ in age groups analyzed and incidence of obesity, sufficient data exists to suggest an influence of the obesity pandemic on the increase of cancer among young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer in young adults is occurring with increasing frequency. Overweight and obesity have become major public health issues reaching pandemic proportions. Excess weight is associated with increased cancer risk, morbidity, and mortality. Multiple murine models indicate that obesity not only increases cancer incidence but also accelerates its development. Thus, the possibility exists that overweight and obesity may be contributing to the appearance of specific malignancies at younger ages. This prospect, in association with the worldwide expansion of obesity, suggests an impending explosive increase in obesity-associated cancers in young adults.

Risk factors for intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States: A population-based study in SEER-Medicare

Objectives

Intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic (ECC) cholangiocarcinomas are rare tumors that arise from the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, and the etiology of both cancer types is poorly understood. Thus, we utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare resource to examine risk factors and novel preexisting medical conditions that may be associated with these cancer types.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2011, 2,092 ICC and 2,981 ECC cases and 323,615 controls were identified using the SEER-Medicare database. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with approximately 3-fold increased risks of ICC (OR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.87–4.32) and ECC (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 2.42–3.55). Other metabolic conditions, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, were also associated with increased risks of both cancer types. Smoking was associated with a 46% and 77% increased ICC and ECC risk, respectively. Several autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, including type 1 diabetes and gout, were associated with increased risks of ICC/ECC. As anticipated, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related disorders, and bile duct conditions were associated with both cancer types. However, thyrotoxicosis and hemochromatosis were associated with an increased risk of ICC but not ECC, but did not remain significantly associated after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

In this study, risk factors for ICC and ECC were similar, with the exceptions of thyrotoxicosis and hemochromatosis. Notably, metabolic conditions were associated with both cancer types. As metabolic conditions are increasing in prevalence, these could be increasingly important risk factors for both types of cholangiocarcinoma.

Genomic Profiling of Biliary Tract Cancers and Implications for Clinical Practice

OPINION STATEMENT

Biliary tract cancers are relatively uncommon, have an aggressive disease course and a dismal clinical outcome. Until recently, there have been very few clinical advances in the management of these patients and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy has been the only widely accepted systemic therapy. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies can potentially change the treatment paradigm of this disease. Targeted therapy directed against actionable mutations and identification of molecular subsets with distinct prognostic significance is now feasible in clinical practice. Mutation profiling has highlighted the genomic differences between the intra, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. The mutational spectrum of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma differs according to geographic location and ethnicity. There is a higher incidence of chromatin modulating gene mutations in Western patients as compared with Asian patients with liver fluke-associated cholangiocarcinoma. KRAS and p53 mutations are associated with an aggressive disease prognosis while FGFR mutations may signify a relatively indolent disease course of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. FGFR and IDH mutations have promising agents in clinical trials at this time. An estimated 15 % of gallbladder cancers have Her2/neu amplification and can be targeted by trastuzumab. On the other hand, an estimated 10-15 % of cholangiocarcinomas have DNA repair mutations and may be candidates for immune therapies with checkpoint inhibitors. The promise of targeted therapies for biliary tract cancers can be fulfilled with well-designed, prospective, and multi-center clinical trials.

Association of Aflatoxin and Gallbladder Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Aflatoxin, which causes hepatocellular carcinoma, may also cause gallbladder cancer. We investigated whether patients with gallbladder cancer have higher exposure to aflatoxin than patients with gallstones.

METHODS

We measured aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-lysine adducts in plasma samples from the Shanghai Biliary Tract Cancer case-control study, conducted from 1997 through 2001. We calculated age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the population-attributable fraction for 209 patients with gallbladder cancer and gallstones vs 250 patients with gallstones without cancer (controls). In 54 patients with gallbladder cancer, tumor tissue was examined for the R249S mutation in TP53, associated with aflatoxin exposure, through targeted sequencing.

RESULTS

The AFB1-lysine adduct was detected in 67 (32%) of 209 patients with gallbladder cancer and 37 (15%) of the 250 controls (χ2 P < .0001), almost threefold more patients with gallbladder cancer than controls (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.70-4.33). Among participants with detectable levels of AFB1-lysine, the median level of AFB1-lysine was 5.4 pg/mg in those with gallbladder cancer, compared with 1.2 pg/mg in controls. For patients in the fourth quartile of AFB1-lysine level vs the first quartile, the OR for gallbladder cancer was 7.61 (95% CI, 2.01-28.84). None of the 54 gallbladder tumors sequenced were found to have the R249S mutation in TP53. The population-attributable fraction for cancer related to aflatoxin was 20% (95% CI, 15%-25%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a case-control study of patients with gallbladder cancer and gallstones vs patients with gallstones without cancer, we associated exposure to aflatoxin (based on plasma level of AFB1-lysine) with gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer does not appear associate with the R249S mutation in TP53. If aflatoxin is a cause of gallbladder cancer, it may have accounted for up to 20% of the gallbladder cancers in Shanghai, China, during the study period, and could account for an even higher proportion in high-risk areas. If our findings are verified, reducing aflatoxin exposure might reduce the incidence of gallbladder cancer.

Genetic alterations in Japanese extrahepatic biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is one of the most devastating types of malignant neoplasms worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of BTC remain unresolved. BTC includes extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma (EBDC), gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and ampulla of Vater carcinoma (AVC), named according to the location of the tumor. Although genetic alterations of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have been investigated, those of EBDC, GBC and AVC have not yet been fully understood. The present study analyzed somatic mutations of 50 cancer-associated genes in 27 Japanese BTC cells, including: 11 EBDC, 14 GBC and 2 AVC. Next-generation sequencing using an Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Panel identified a total of 44 somatic mutations across 14 cancer-associated genes. Among the 44 mutations, 42 were judged as pathological mutations. Frequent mutations were identified in tumor protein 53 (TP53) (14/27), SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) (6/27), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) (6/27), and Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) (6/27); no significant differences were identified between EBDC and GBC tissues. Notably, the frequency of the PIK3CA mutation was higher when compared with previous reports. This result may suggest that the activation of the PIK3CA-protein kinase B signaling pathway, in addition to the abrogation of p53, SMAD4 and RAS mitogen-activated protein kinase may have a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of Japanese BTC. These findings may be useful for the development of personalized therapies for BTC.

miR-218-5p restores sensitivity to gemcitabine through PRKCE/MDR1 axis in gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most common malignancy of the biliary tract characterized by its high chemoresistant tendency. Although great progresses have been made in recent decades for treating many cancers with anticancer drugs, effective therapeutics methods for anti-GBC are still lacking. Therefore, investigations into identifying the mechanisms underlying the drug resistance of GBC are greatly needed. In this study, we show that miR-218-5p plays a critical role in gemcitabine resistance of GBC. miR-218-5p levels were significantly lower in GBC than adjacent non-cancer tissues, and which were also associated with patient prognosis. While miR-218-5p overexpression abrogated gemcitabine resistance of GBC cells, silencing of which exhibited the opposite effects. Via six microRNA targets prediction algorithms, we found that PRKCE is a potential target of miR-218-5p. Moreover, miR-218-5p overexpression repressed the luciferase activity of reporter constructs containing 3'-UTR of PRKCE and also reduced PRKCE expression. Further studies revealed that miR-218-5p promotes sensitivity of gemcitabine by abolishing PRKCE-induced upregulation of MDR1/P-gp. Taken together, our results imply that an intimate correlation between miR-218-5p and PRKCE/MDR1 axis abnormal expression is a key determinant of gemcitabine tolerance, and suggest a novel miR-218-5p-based clinical intervention target for GBC patients.