A retrospective analysis of the clinical effects of neoadjuvant combination therapy with full-dose gemcitabine and radiation therapy in patients with biliary tract cancer

Revisiting resectability of biliary tract cancers, in the triplet drug therapy era with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) include intrahepatic, perihilar, distal cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and sometimes papillary Vater cancer. The incidence of BTCs varies worldwide (0.3-85.0/100,000 population). In Japan, the incidence is lowest, but it is increasing (22,000 cases/ year). The 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with localized BTC is approximately 60%, which is better than that in liver or pancreatic cancer, but is < 5% in patients with metastatic cancers. Surgery requires liver and pancreas surgery with vascular reconstruction, and is associated with a high perioperative mortality rate (> 2%) relative to other cancer surgeries (< 1%). As an adjuvant therapy, fluorouracil prodrugs are effective for improving OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69-0.81); however, in patients who receive major hepatectomy, the completion rate is reportedly low (60%). Since 2010, gemcitabine + cisplatin (GC) has become the first-line therapy for unresectable lesions. Subsequently, in 2023-2024 three triplet regimens were reported: GC + S-1(tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil), GC + durvalumab (an anti-PD-L1 antibody), and GC + pembrolizumab (an anti-PD-1 antibody). HRs for OS were 0.79-0.83, objective response rates were 27-42% (GC, 15-29%), and tumor control rates were 75-85% (GC, 62-83%) with small increases in adverse events. In this review, considering the eligibility criteria of currently ongoing neoadjuvant studies, we report two borderline resectable cases with a discussion on resectability. Owing to the high-risk nature of the surgery and to avoid early recurrence due to subclinical metastasis during postoperative recovery, these three triplet regimens for unresectable tumors may change the concept of resectability in BTC.

Defining the Role of Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Biliary Tract Cancers: A Site-Specific Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) have distinct tumor biology but share a poor prognosis, with a 5-year-survival-rate of 5-19%. Surgical resection is the only potential cure, but recurrences are common. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (XRT) remains unclear. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database (2006-2018), we analyzed resected non-metastatic BTCs. Patients who survived beyond 90 days post-surgery were included, while those with R2 resections or neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. Propensity matching was performed based on predictors of adjuvant radiation, age, and sex. Survival outcomes were compared between no adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy alone, and XRT ± chemotherapy. Results: Among 21,275 patients, including 5308 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC), 2689 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC), 3092 distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC), and 10,186 gallbladder cancer (GBC) cases, adjuvant XRT did not improve survival for IHC. For PHC and DCC, XRT improved survival over no adjuvant therapy (PHC: 31.2 vs. 26.3 months, p = 0.004; DCC: 33.7 vs. 27.0 months, p = 0.015) but not over chemotherapy alone. For GBC, XRT significantly improved survival compared to both no adjuvant therapy and chemotherapy (30.2 vs. 26.6 and 24.6 months; p = 0.05 and p = 0.001). Conclusions: XRT provides a survival benefit for GBC, especially in node-positive and R1-resected patients. For PHC and DCC, XRT improves outcomes compared to no therapy, but its benefit over chemotherapy is uncertain. No benefit was observed for IHC.

Design of studies on neoadjuvant therapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The high recurrence rate and dismal prognosis of localized intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) indicate the unmet need for effective adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy. In recent years, progress has been made in immunotherapy and targeted therapy for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC), leading to clinical exploration of the provision of these therapies in the perioperative period. Based on years of experience in clinical research on hepatobiliary cancers, the authors discuss the design of studies on neoadjuvant therapy for ICC, aiming to provide references for future neoadjuvant studies.

Gemcitabine-cisplatin induction treatment in patients with locally advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (IMPACCA): A prospective registration study

BACKGROUND

Induction treatment may be beneficial in patients with unresectable locally advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (LAPCCA). Prospective studies are currently lacking. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin as induction treatment in patients with unresectable LAPCCA.

METHODS

In this prospective single-center registration study, consecutive patients with unresectable LAPCCA who received induction treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin in an intent to downsize the tumor to allow for resection were included. The primary outcomes were resection rate and overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 265 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were screened between January 2020 and June 2023, of whom 23 patients (9%) with unresectable LAPCCA met the eligibility criteria. Eight patients (35%) became eligible for resection, of whom six ultimately underwent resection (resection rate, 26% (11-42%)). Two out of 23 patients (9%) experienced adverse events grade≥3, forcing one to stop induction treatment. Compared to baseline, CA19.9 levels decreased by 42% (95 % CI, -65 to -5%; P = 0.039) and 8% (-44 to 112%; P = 0.80) at the first and second restaging, respectively. Tumor size did not significantly decrease after chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 27 months (18-36), with 40 (24-56) in the resected and 19 (13-26) in the unresected group (P = 0.127).

CONCLUSION

Patients with LAPCCA frequently tolerate induction gemcitabine-cisplatin, leading to a 26% resection rate with 40 months overall survival. These findings support routine re-staging after three to six cycles of palliative treatment, and lay the groundwork for future prospective trials in this patient group.

Chinese national clinical practice guideline on diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancers

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) is relatively rare and comprises a spectrum of invasive tumors arising from the biliary tree. The prognosis is extremely poor. The incidence of BTC is relatively high in Asian countries, and a high number of cases are diagnosed annually in China owing to the large population. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the epidemiology and high-risk factors for BTC in China. The signs associated with BTC are complex, often require collaborative treatment from surgeons, endoscopists, oncologists, and radiation therapists. Thus, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive Chinese guideline for BTC.

METHODS

This clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed following the process recommended by the World Health Organization. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. The full CPG report was reviewed by external guideline methodologists and clinicians with no direct involvement in the development of this CPG. Two guideline reporting checklists have been adhered to: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT).

RESULTS

The guideline development group, which comprised 85 multidisciplinary clinical experts across China. After a controversies conference, 17 clinical questions concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of BTC were proposed. Additionally, detailed descriptions of the surgical principles, perioperative management, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and endoscopic management were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The guideline development group created a comprehensive Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of BTC, covering various aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The 17 clinical questions have important reference value for the management of BTC.

Liver transplantation as an alternative for the treatment of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A critical review

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (phCCC) is a dismal malignancy. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment for patients with unresectable phCCC. The present review aimed to gather the current pieces of evidence for liver transplantation and liver resection as a treatment for phCCC and to build better guidance for clinical practice.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and LILACS. The related references were searched manually. Inclusion criteria were: reports in English or Portuguese literature that a) patients with confirmed diagnosis of phCCC; b) patients treated with a curative intent; c) patients with the outcomes of liver resection and liver transplantation. Case reports, reviews, letters, editorials, conference abstracts and papers with full-text unavailability were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the current literature is based on observational retrospective studies with low grades of evidence. Liver resection has better long-term outcomes than systemic chemotherapy or palliation therapy and liver transplantation is a good alternative for selected patients with unresectable phCCC. All candidates for resection or transplantation should be medically fit and free of intrahepatic or extrahepatic diseases. As a general rule, patients presenting with a tumor having a longitudinal size > 3 cm or extending below the cystic duct, lymph node disease, confirmed extrahepatic dissemination; intraoperatively diagnosed metastatic disease; a history of other malignancies within the last five years, and did not complete chemoradiation regimen and were medically unfit should not be considered for transplantation. Some of these criteria should be individually assessed. Liver transplantation or resection should only be considered in highly experienced hepatobiliary centers, and any decision-making must be based on a multidisciplinary evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

phCCC is a complex condition with high morbidity. Surgical therapies, including hepatectomy and liver transplantation, are the best option for better long-term disease-free survival.

Clinical evaluation and treatment outcomes of caustic ingestion injuries in Syrian pediatric patients: A retrospective study: Short title: High-dose steroids for pediatric caustic ingestions in Syria

Introduction

Accidental ingestion of caustic agents poses a significant concern in pediatric emergency departments globally. It is a growing public health concern in low-to-middle income countries, which often lack comprehensive data reporting. This study examines high doses of corticosteroid treatment outcomes of caustic ingestion injuries in Syrian pediatric patients, addressing clinical features, and associated variables.

Methods and materials

A retrospective observational study was conducted at University Pediatric Hospital from January 2016 to January 2019. Medical records were reviewed for patients aged <10 years with esophagoscopy-confirmed grade IIa, IIb, or III burns. Data collected included sociodemographics, esophagoscopy results, treatment details, and outcomes.

Results

Among 114 pediatric patients, 76 (67%) were males and 38 (33%) were females. Age groups included <1 year (11%), 1-3 years (39%), 3-5 years (29%), 5-7 years (11%), and >7 years (11%). Alkaline burns accounted for 54% of injuries, acidic for 32%, and other substances for 13%. Complications included bleeding (19%) and psychomotor disability (7%). The most common burn site was the entire esophagus (62%), with 81% having grade II burns. Healing was achieved in 71% of patients with high doses of corticosteroids treatment, and 29% required dilation, with final 92% healing rate.

Conclusion

The use of corticosteroids for esophageal strictures remains inconclusive, demanding further robust research with larger sample sizes and control groups. While our study revealed that high doses of corticosteroids treatment followed by esophageal dilation had a 92% success rate. However, our study demonstrates promising results, methodological limitations and absence of a control group underscore the need for more definitive evidence. Both alkali and acidic ingestion contribute to stricture development.

Surgical Resection Alone is Associated With Higher Long-Term Survival Than Multiagent Chemotherapy Alone for Patients With Localized Biliary Tract Cancers

INTRODUCTION

We compared long-term survival of patients with localized biliary tract cancers (BTCs) treated with either surgical resection or multiagent chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with localized BTC [gallbladder adenocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma] were identified within the National Cancer Database (2010-2017). Piecewise-constant hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) at prespecified intervals: 0-30 d, 31-60 d, 61-90 d, and >90 d post-treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 5988 patients with localized BTC were identified: 2697 (45.0%) received multiagent chemotherapy and 3291 (55.0%) underwent surgical resection. Patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who were treated with surgical resection had an associated decline in overall survival (OS) as compared to those treated with multiagent chemotherapy within 0-30 d of treatment initiation (gallbladder adenocarcinoma [adjusted HR = 3.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.77-8.80]; extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [adjusted HR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.76-8.61]). However, there was an associated improvement in OS for patients treated with surgical resection after 90 d from treatment initiation (gallbladder adenocarcinoma [adjusted HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28-0.46]; extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [adjusted HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.24-0.32]). Among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, those who underwent surgical resection had an associated improvement in OS at 31-60 d (adjusted HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40-0.99) and a further associated increase in OS at 61-90 d (adjusted HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.54) and after 90 d (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.21-0.27) of treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with localized BTC, surgical resection alone is associated with improved long-term survival outcomes compared to multiagent chemotherapy alone.

Validation study for prognostic scoring system for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery using preoperative factors

PURPOSE

Recently, systemic inflammatory responses (SIR) have been shown to play a pivotal role in the development and progression of cancer. We previously reported that four factors, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (> 7 ng/dL), serum albumin (< 3.5 g/dL), C-reactive protein (> 0.5 mg/dL), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR; > 150), were independent prognostic factors after perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) surgery. We also advocated a prognosis predictive preoperative prognostic score (PPS) using these four factors and showed that PPS could predict patients' prognosis on survival. This retrospective study sought to validate preoperatively available prognostic factors for survival after major hepatectomy as reported previously, including PPS for PHCC.

METHODS

We retrospectively validated our PPS score and reported SIR scoring systems using the data of 125 consecutive patients who underwent PHCC surgery from January 2010 to November 2020.

RESULTS

PPS was an independent preoperative prognostic factors for survival. The T and N categories were independent prognostic factors. Other SIR scores were not independent preoperative factors in the univariate analysis. Among SIR scores, only the PPS was found to be associated with OS and disease-free survival. The PPS was also associated with histopathological factors (T and N categories).

CONCLUSION

PPS could be useful in predicting long-term survival after PHCC and may be a more useful scoring system than other SIR systems.

Practice patterns in diagnostics, staging, and management strategies of gallbladder cancer among Nordic tertiary centers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare malignancy in the Nordic countries and no common Nordic treatment guidelines exist. This study aimed to characterize the current diagnostic and treatment strategies in the Nordic countries and disclose differences in these strategies.

METHODS

This was a survey study with a cross-sectional questionnaire of all 19 university hospitals providing curative-intent surgery for GBC in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

RESULTS

In all Nordic countries except Sweden, neoadjuvant/downstaging chemotherapy was used in GBC patients. In T1b and T2, majority of the centers (15-18/19) performed extended cholecystectomy. In T3, majority of the centers (13/19) performed cholecystectomy with resection of segments 4b and 5. In T4, majority of the centers (12-14/19) chose palliative/oncological care. The centers in Sweden extended lymphadenectomy beyond the hepatoduodenal ligament, whereas all other Nordic centers usually limited lymphadenectomy to the hepatoduodenal ligament. All Nordic centers except those in Norway used adjuvant chemotherapy routinely for GBC. There were no major differences between the Nordic centers in diagnostics and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical and oncological treatment strategies of GBC vary considerably between the Nordic centers and countries.

SPARC accelerates biliary tract cancer progression through CTGF-mediated tumor-stroma interactions: SPARC as a prognostic marker of survival after neoadjuvant therapy

PURPOSE

In biliary tract cancer (BTC), malignancy is strongest at the invasion front. To improve the BTC prognosis, the invasion front should be controlled. We evaluated tumor-stroma crosstalk at the tumor center and at the invasion front of BTC lesions. We investigated the expression of SPARC, a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and determined its ability to predict BTC prognosis after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NAC-RT).

METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate SPARC expression in resected specimens from patients that underwent BTC surgery. We established highly invasive (HI) clones in two BTC cell lines (NOZ, CCLP1), and performed mRNA microarrays to compare gene expression in parental and HI cells.

RESULTS

Among 92 specimens, stromal SPARC expression was higher at the invasion front than at the lesion center (p = 0.014). Among 50 specimens from patients treated with surgery alone, high stromal SPARC expression at the invasion front was associated with a poor prognosis (recurrence-free survival: p = 0.033; overall survival: p = 0.017). Coculturing fibroblasts with NOZ-HI cells upregulated fibroblast SPARC expression. mRNA microarrays showed that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was upregulated in NOZ-HI and CCLP1-HI cells. A CTGF knockdown suppressed cell invasion in NOZ-HI cells. Exogeneous CTGF upregulated SPARC expression in fibroblasts. SPARC expression at the invasion front was significantly lower after NAC-RT, compared to surgery alone (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

CTGF was associated with tumor-stroma crosstalk in BTC. CTGF activated stromal SPARC expression, which promoted tumor progression, particularly at the invasion front. SPARC expression at the invasion front after NAC-RT may serve as a prognosis predictor.

Radiotherapy in the management of rare gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review

The aim of this analysis is to assess radiotherapy's role and technical aspects in an array of rare gastrointestinal (GI) cancers for adult patients. Collection data pertaining to radiotherapy and digestive rare cancers were sourced from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy improved outcomes for patients with esophageal undifferentiated carcinoma compared with esophageal salivary gland types of carcinomas. For rare gastric epithelial carcinoma, perioperative chemotherapy is the common treatment. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy showed no benefice compared with adjuvant chemotherapy for duodenal adenocarcinoma. Small bowel sarcomas respond well to radiotherapy. By analogy to anal squamous cell carcinoma, exclusive chemoradiotherapy provided better outcomes for patients with rectal squamous cell carcinoma. For anal adenocarcinoma, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery, was the most effective regimen. For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, chemoradiotherapy can be a suitable option as postoperative or exclusive for unresectable/borderline disease. The stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a promising approach for hepatobiliary malignancy. Radiotherapy is a valuable option in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) for palliative intent, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resistant disease, and unresectable or residual disease. Involved field (IF) radiotherapy for digestive lymphoma provides good results, especially for gastric extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MALT). In conclusion, radiotherapy is not an uncommon indication in this context. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for better management of digestive rare cancers.

A Practical Guide for the Systemic Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer in Canada

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Radical surgery offers the best chance for cure; however, most patients present with unresectable disease, and among those receiving curative-intent surgery, recurrence rates remain high. While other locoregional therapies for unresectable disease may be considered, only select patients may be eligible. Consequently, systemic therapy plays a significant role in the treatment of BTC. In the adjuvant setting, capecitabine is recommended following curative-intent resection. In the neoadjuvant setting, systemic therapy has mostly been explored for downstaging in borderline resectable tumours, although evidence for its routine use is lacking. For advanced unresectable or metastatic disease, gemcitabine-cisplatin plus durvalumab has become the standard of care, while the addition of pembrolizumab to gemcitabine-cisplatin has also recently demonstrated improved survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Following progression on gemcitabine-cisplatin, several chemotherapy combinations and biomarker-driven targeted agents have been explored. However, the optimum regimen remains unclear, and access to targeted agents remains challenging in Canada. Overall, this article serves as a practical guide for the systemic treatment of BTC in Canada, providing valuable insights into the current and future treatment landscape for this challenging disease.

Imaging features based on CT and MRI for predicting prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prognostic role of imaging features based on CT and MRI in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

Two hundred and four patients from a single-center database who underwent radical ICC surgery from 2010 to 2019 were enrolled in the study. Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analysis of imaging features. A meta-analysis was performed to determine imaging features that predict overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in ICC.

RESULTS

In the CT group of the retrospective cohort, tumor multiplicity, infiltrative tumor margin, lymph node metastasis, enhancement pattern in hepatic arterial phase and tumor necrosis correlated with poorer EFS and OS; moreover, enhancing capsules, high carcinoembryonic antigen levels contributed to poor OS. In the MRI group, tumor multiplicity and enhancement pattern were prognostic factors for OS; tumor multiplicity and enhancement pattern resulted in poor EFS. A total of 13 articles containing 1822 patients with ICC were enrolled in the adjusted hazard ratios meta-analysis. The results showed that enhancement pattern and infiltrative tumor margin were predictors of OS and EFS, whereas bile duct invasion was a predictor of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial enhancement patterns and tumor margin status were associated with both OS and EFS of ICC patients following resection.

Efficacy and safety comparison of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery for treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Currently, surgical resection is the most commonly performed and effective treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) worldwide. However, the prognosis of ICC is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The study also intends to explore whether chemotherapy should be introduced before surgery and which populations should be considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHOD

Four databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception dates to January 2022 for relevant articles. The statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager Software (version5.3). The non-randomized interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies and the overall quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Moreover, the primary outcomes included 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes were R0 resection, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), postoperative complications and ninety-day postoperative mortality.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 2412 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in 1-year OS, 3-year OS, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year RFS, postoperative complications and ninety-day postoperative mortality between the two groups. However, the meta-analysis showed that the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group had a better 5-year OS benefit in ICC patients than the upfront surgery group (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58), while the R0 resection rate was lower in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group than that in the upfront surgery group (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery could prolong the 5-year OS without increasing the risk of postoperative complications in ICC patients. Considering that the patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery group had more advanced ICC cases, the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be more significant in patients with more advanced ICC.

American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Although uncommon, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) is a deadly malignancy, and the treatment approaches remain controversial. While surgery remains the only cure, few patients are candidates for resection up front, and there are high rates of both local and distant failure following resection. Herein, we systematically review the available evidence regarding treatment approaches for patients with EHCC, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The evidence regarding treatment outcomes was assessed using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study design (PICOS) framework. A summary of recommendations based on the available literature is outlined for specific clinical scenarios encountered by providers in the clinic to guide the management of these patients.

The role of neo-adjuvant therapy in cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review

Introduction

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common malignancy affecting the biliary tree. The only curative treatment is surgical resection, aiming for negative margins (R0). For those who have locally advanced disease, which is borderline resectable, neoadjuvant chemoradiation presents an opportunity to reduce tumour size and allow for surgical resection. The aim of this review is to establish the role of neoadjuvant therapy in each subtype of CCA and establish its impact on survival.

Methods

Search terms such as 'neoadjuvant therapy' and 'cholangiocarcinoma' were searched on multiple databases, including Pubmed, Ovid and Embase. They were then reviewed separately by two reviewers for inclusion criteria. 978 studies were initially identified from the search strategy, with 21 being included in this review.

Results

5,009 patients were included across 21 studies. 1,173 underwent neoadjuvant therapy, 3,818 had surgical resection alone. 359 patients received Gemcitabine based regimes, making it the most commonly utilised regimen for patients CCA and Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC). Data on tolerability of regimes was limited. All included papers were found to have low risk of bias when assessed using The Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had a similar median overall survival compared to those who underwent upfront surgery (38.4 versus 35.1 months respectively). Pre-operative CA19-9, microvascular invasion, perineurial invasion and positive lymph nodes were of prognostic significance across BTC and CCA subtypes.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection is associated with improved patient outcomes and longer median overall survival compared to therapy and upfront surgery, however heterogeneity between research papers limited the ability to further analyse the significance of these results. Although initial studies are promising, further research is required in order to define suitable treatment protocols and tolerability of neoadjuvant regimes.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020164781.

Progress in Radiotherapy for Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) originates from the epithelium of the bile duct and is highly malignant with a poor prognosis. Radical resection is the only treatment option to completely cure primary CCA. Due to the insidious onset of CCA, most patients are already in an advanced stage at the time of the initial diagnosis and may lose the chance of radical surgery. Radiotherapy is an important method of local treatment, which plays a crucial role in preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and palliative treatment of locally advanced lesions. However, there is still no unified and clear recommendation on the timing, delineating the range of target area, and the radiotherapy dose for CCA. This article reviews recent clinical studies on CCA, including the timing of radiotherapy, delineation of the target area, and dose of radiotherapy. Further, we summarize large fraction radiotherapy (stereotactic body radiotherapy [SBRT]; proton therapy) in CCA and the development of immunotherapy and the use of targeted drugs combined with radiotherapy.

Impact of Gemcitabine Plus S1 Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Borderline Resectable Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the only curative strategy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC), but recurrence rates are high even after purported curative resection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine/S-1 (GS) combination chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting.

METHODS

In an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with GS, repeated every 21 days, was administered for three cycles to patients with histologic or cytologically confirmed borderline resectable (BR) PHC who were eligible for inclusion in the study. In this study, BR PHC was defined as positive for lymph node metastasis and for cancerous vascular invasion or Bismuth type 4 on preoperative imaging. The primary end point consisted of the 3- and 5-year survival rates. The secondary end points were feasibility, resection rate, and pathologic effect.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 60 patients between January 2011 and December 2016. With respect to toxicity, the major adverse effect was neutropenia, which reached grade 3 or 4 in 53.3% of cases. The overall disease control rate was 91.3%. The median survival time for the entire cohort was 30.3 months. For all the patients, the estimated 3-year survival rate was 44.1%, and the 5-year survival rate was 30.0%. Resection with curative intent was performed for 43 (71%) of the 60 patients. For 81% of the resected patients, R0 resection was performed, and Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications or a higher morbidity rate was seen in 41% of the patients. The median survival time was 50.1 months for the resected and 14.8 months for the unresected patients. For the resected patients, the estimated 3-year survival rate was 55.8%, and the estimated 5-year survival rate was 36.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine/S-1 combination NAC has promising efficacy and good tolerability for patients with BR PHC.

ACAT-1-Regulated Cholesteryl Ester Accumulation Modulates Gemcitabine Resistance in Biliary Tract Cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has few choices of chemotherapy, including gemcitabine, therefore exploring the mechanisms of gemcitabine resistance is important. We focused on lipid metabolism because biliary tract epithelial cells are essential in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism and the messenger RNA (mRNA) microarray analysis showed high acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT-1) expression in BTC gemcitabine-resistant (GR) cell lines. We hypothesized that aberrant accumulation of cholesteryl ester (CE) regulated by ACAT-1 could modulate GR in BTC.

METHODS

CE accumulations were measured in human BTC cell lines, and the relationships between CE levels, ACAT-1 expressions, and gemcitabine sensitivity were analyzed. We performed a small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown and biochemical inhibition of ACAT-1 in BTC cell lines and alterations of gemcitabine sensitivity were evaluated. To evaluate the clinical significance of ACAT-1 in regard to GR, immunohistochemistry was performed and ACAT-1 expressions were analyzed in resected BTC specimens.

RESULTS

CE levels were correlated with ACAT-1 expressions and GR in four human BTC cell lines. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ACAT-1 in two independent GR cell clones as well as ACAT-1 inhibitor treatment significantly increased gemcitabine sensitivity; knockdown of ACAT-1: 5.63- and 8.02-fold; ACAT-1 inhibitor: 8.75- and 9.13-fold, respectively. ACAT-1 expression in resected BTC specimens revealed that the disease-free survival of the ACAT-1 low-intensity group (median 2.3 years) had a significantly better outcome than that of the ACAT-1 high-intensity group (median 1.1 years) under gemcitabine treatment after surgery (*p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that CE and ACAT-1 might be a novel therapeutic target for GR in BTC.

The impact of peritoneal lavage cytology in biliary tract cancer (KHBO1701): Kansai Hepato-Biliary Oncology Group

Background

Only few studies in literature have analyzed the clinical effects of peritoneal lavage status in biliary tract cancers.

Aim

We aimed to assess the effect of cytology‐positive peritoneal lavage on survival for patients with biliary tract cancer who underwent curative resection.

Methods

The KHBO1701 study was a multi‐institutional retrospective study that assessed the clinical effects of peritoneal lavage cytology in biliary tract cancers. Using clinicopathological data from 11 Japanese institutions, we compared long‐term outcomes between patients with cytology‐positive and cytology‐negative peritoneal lavage.

Results

Of 169 patients who underwent curative resection, 164 were cytology‐negative, and five were cytology‐positive. The incidence of portal invasion and preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels were higher in the cytology‐positive group than in the cytology‐negative group. The incidence of peritoneal metastatic recurrence was also higher, and overall survival tended to be worse in the cytology‐positive group. In contrast, recurrence‐free survival was similar between the cytology‐negative and cytology‐positive groups.

Conclusions

The positive status of peritoneal lavage cytology could moderately affect the survival of patients with biliary tract cancers. Given that surgical resection is the only curative treatment option, it may be acceptable to resect biliary tract cancers without other non‐curative factors, regardless of peritoneal lavage cytology status.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Simultaneous Hepatic Artery Resection and Reconstruction for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Introduction

Because surgical resection with simultaneous hepatic artery (HA) resection and reconstruction for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is technically demanding, the surgical indication for this challenging procedure is controversial. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous HA resection and reconstruction for PHC.

Methods

Between January 2002 and January 2018, 13 patients with PHC underwent surgical intervention with simultaneous resection and reconstruction of the HA at Yamaguchi University Hospital (Ube, Japan) and Osaka University Hospital (Suita, Japan).

Results

There were 2 cases (15.4%) of 90-day postoperative mortality. Nine patients (69.2%) developed major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa). Curative resections (R0) were achieved in 8 cases (61.5%). The median survival time (MST) and 1- and 3-year survival rates after resection (including in-hospital deaths) were 20.9 months and 61.5 and 10.3%, respectively. The MST and 1- and 2-year survival rates of 8 patients who underwent R0 resection were significantly better than those of the other 5 patients (24.2 vs. 10.2 months, 75.0 vs. 40.0%, and 50.0 vs. 0.0%, respectively, p = 0.0228).

Conclusions

Simultaneous HA resection and reconstruction is technically possible and may provide long-term survival in selected patients with locally advanced PHC.

Risk factors for dysfunction of preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

Few studies have focused on the risk factors for dysfunction of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) in preoperative patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

METHODS

We searched the database between February 2011 and December 2018 and identified patients with MHBO who underwent radical operation. The rate of dysfunction of the initial EBD, risk factors for dysfunction of the initial EBD and survival after surgery were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 131 patients [95 males (72.5%); mean age, 69.5 (±7.3) years; Bismuth-Corlette classification (BC) I/II/IIIa/IIIb/IV, 50/26/22/17/16; hilar cholangiocarcinoma/gall bladder cancer, 115/16]. Dysfunction of the initial EBD occurred in 28 patients (21.4%). The cumulative incidences of dysfunction of the initial EBD in all patients were 18.4%, 38.2% and 47.0% at 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively (Kaplan-Meier method). The rate of dysfunction of the initial EBD increased in patients with BC-IV (P = .03). Multivariate analysis showed that BC-IV and pre-EBD cholangitis were significantly associated with the occurrence of dysfunction of the initial EBD. Survival rates were not significantly different according to the initial biliary drainage methods and presence/absence of the initial EBD dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysfunction of the initial EBD frequently occurs in patients with the BC-IV and those with pre-EBD cholangitis.

Heterogeneity of Treg/Th17 According to Cancer Progression and Modification in Biliary Tract Cancers via Self-Producing Cytokines

BACKGROUND/AIM

We previously demonstrated that inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) was produced during cancer progression, worked together with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with chemo-resistance against gemcitabine (GR) at the invasion front of biliary tract cancers (BTCs). However, the significance of cytokine-induced T cell accumulation at the tumor microenvironment in biliary tract cancer (BTC) is not well understood. Because these cytokines (IL-6 and TGF-β1) are able to differentiate naïve T cells into Foxp3-expressing T cells (Tregs) and/or IL-17-producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells, we investigated the relationship between heterogeneous, cancer-producing cytokines and T cell differentiation.

METHODS

In total, 127 curative resected specimens from patients with BTCs at Osaka University Hospital between 2000 and 2012 were evaluated for IL-6, TGF-β1, Tregs, and Th17 cells by immunohistochemistry. The ability of BTC-GR cells to undergo T cell differentiation was investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

Tregs accumulated at the tumor center and Th17 cells accumulated at the invasion front during cancer progression and/or metastasis; each signaled poor prognosis. Treg accumulation was related to TGF-β1 expression by cancer cells, and Th17 cell accumulation was related to IL-6 expression by cancer cells, in resected specimens; this was confirmed in vitro. Compared with parent cells, GR cells produced IL-6 but not TGF-β1 in a time-dependent manner, had EMT features, and induced T cell differentiation to Th17 cells but not Tregs.

CONCLUSION

Cytokines produced by cancer cells (IL-6 and TGF-β1) induced heterogeneity of Tregs and Th17 cells in the tumor microenvironment, supporting progression of BTC.

Invasion category-oriented lymph node metastases of cholangiocarcinoma and the prognostic impact

PURPOSE

It was speculated that intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) invasion would influence cancer progression, such as lymph node (LN) metastasis, and the efficacy of LN dissection (LND). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the LN metastatic pattern of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, including the invasion category and prognosis after surgical resection, in order to explore effective LND.

METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively collected cohort for ICC with a previously reported invasion category: hilar type, showing invasion to the main or first branch of Glisson; peripheral type, showing no invasion to less than the third branch; and intermediate type, for all others.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 180 patients who underwent surgical resection were analyzed (LN dissection in 142 (79%)). In single ICC, hilar type had a higher LN metastatic rate than the others (hilar; 23/45 (51%), intermediate; 7/25 (28%), peripheral; 1/34 (3%)). Although the survival with LN metastasis (LN+) was worse, single and hilar/intermediate ICC LN+ had a better survival than peripheral type LN+ (3-year OS: hilar/intermediate 30-37%, peripheral 0%). The most frequent LN metastatic region was the hepatico-duodenal ligament for all invasion categories, and the LN metastatic region was not related to the survival. In peripheral ICC, LND did not affect the survival. By contrast, hilar/intermediate ICC LN+ had a better survival than did peripheral ICC LN+, and the 3-year OS was ≥ 20%.

CONCLUSION

LN metastasis depended on the ICC invasion category in addition to the tumor number, which affected patients' survival and the need for LND. In hilar-type disease, LN dissection may contribute to the survival.

Trends in Treatment and Survival of Gallbladder Cancer in the Netherlands; Identifying Gaps and Opportunities from a Nation-Wide Cohort

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare in Western populations and data about treatment and outcomes are scarce. This study aims to analyze survival and identify opportunities for improvement using population-based data from a low-incidence country. GBC patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 with GBC were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were grouped according to time period (2005–2009/2010–2016) and disease stage. Trends in treatment and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. In total 1834 patients were included: 661 (36%) patients with resected, 278 (15%) with non-resected non-metastatic, and 895 (49%) with metastatic GBC. Use of radical versus simple cholecystectomy (12% vs. 26%, p < 0.001) in early (pT1b/T2) GBC increased. More patients with metastatic GBC received chemotherapy (11% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). OS improved from 4.8 months (2005–2009) to 6.1 months (2010–2016) (p = 0.012). Median OS increased over time (2005–2009 vs. 2010–2016) in resected (19.4 to 26.8 months, p = 0.038) and metastatic (2.3 vs. 3.4 months, p = 0.001) GBC but not in unresected, non-metastatic GBC. In early GBC, patients with radical cholecystectomy had a median OS of 76.7 compared to 18.4 months for simple cholecystectomy (p < 0.001). Palliative chemotherapy showed superior (p < 0.001) survival in metastatic (7.3 versus 2.1 months) and non-resected non-metastatic (7.7 versus 3.5 months) GBC. In conclusion, survival of GBC remains poor. Radical surgery and palliative chemotherapy appear to improve prognosis but remain under-utilized.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by liver transplantation yields promising results in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PH-CCA). This study reviews the literature to assess whether there is evidence to justify modern phase II studies of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to resection of PH-CCA.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of the literature for reports of patients undergoing resection of PH-CCA after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for the period between 1990 and 2019. The keywords and MeSH headings "hilar cholangiocarcinoma", "Klatskin", "chemoradiotherapy" and "chemotherapy" were used. Data were extracted on demographic profile, disease staging, chemoradiotherapy protocols, complications and outcome. Risks of bias were assessed using Cochrane methodology.

RESULTS

There were seven reports on this topic, with median recruitment period of 14 (range 4-31) years. The total number of patients in these studies was 87. Interval from completion of neoadjuvant treatment to surgery varied from 3 days to 6 months. Resection was by hepatectomy with three studies reporting an R0 rate of 100%, 24% and 63%, respectively. Three studies reported histopathological evidence of prior treatment response. There were two treatment related deaths at 90 days. Median survival was 19 (95% CI: 9.9-28) months and 5-year survival 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

There are potential benefits of treatment on both R0 rate and complete response in resected specimens. Scientific equipoise exists in relation to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for PH-CCA.

Essential updates to the surgical treatment of biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancer, which includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer, is an intractable disease with a dismal prognosis. Prognosis is particularly poor in cases involving vessels or lymph nodes. Hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons worldwide have consistently focused on improving surgical treatment, perioperative management, and chemotherapy to improve the outcomes of these diseases. There has been significant progress even in the last 2 years (2017 and 2018), such as promising findings reported by studies on the optimal extent of surgical treatment and multi-institutional randomized controlled trials on adjuvant chemotherapy. We overview the current trends and advancements made in surgical treatment in 2017 and 2018.

Extending resectability of hilar cholangiocarcinomas: how can it be assessed and improved?

Until the 1980's, Klatskin tumors were considered 'desperate cases' and most of them were not resected; almost no oncologic concept was available. After many improvements, today, extended hepatectomy, including caudate lobe resection and lymphoadenectomy, have become a standard of care for oncologicaly radical resection of Klatskin tumors. Portal vein en bloc resection, if necessary, is a diffused standard assuring R0-resection without any improvement of survival in most series. Arterial resection remains episodical and controversial in its oncologic impact. Arterial resection-reconstruction was demonstrated to be feasible with many different technical possibilities. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, refinement of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy and liver transplantations are some possible future resources for treatment of those aggressive tumors that could be able to expand the pool of treatable patients.

Congress presidential address to the 30th meeting of the JSHBPS: the second opening of Japan on the way to a bright future

The 30th meeting of the JSHBPS is the first domestic meeting of our society to have been organized completely in English. In that sense, we have established the theme of the 30th meeting of the JSHBPS as "The Second Opening of Japan on the Way to a Bright Future". Last 30 years, several strategies have been undertaken to battle hepatobiliary (HPB) malignancies, such as aggressive operative procedures, operative planning using state-of-the-art technologies, neoadjuvant therapy, conversion surgery for initially unresectable diseases, and immunomodulation. According to the rapid development of precision medicine, HBP surgeons should have a literacy for individualized therapy. Here, I review recent improvements in regard to HBP surgery. In addition, education for the next generations should be our highest priority. Collaboration with foreign researchers is the most effective tool to promote personal growth.

Laparoscopic Hilar Lymph Node Sampling in Patients With Biliary Tract Cancers That are Rarely Associated With Nodal Metastasis

PURPOSE

Among the various types of biliary tract cancer, patients with single, small (<5 cm), peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), or small (<2 cm) gallbladder tumors (GBTs) rarely develop lymph node (LN) metastasis. We investigated a laparoscopic approach for hilar LN sampling in such cases.

METHODS

Among the 176 patients with biliary tract cancer who were treated from January 2012 to March 2017, 21 (ICC, n=4; GBT, n=17) met the above indications.

RESULTS

All patients were treated by a laparoscopic approach with R0 resection. After determining the pathologic diagnosis, 9 patients with GBT and all 4 patients with ICC underwent laparoscopic LN sampling; the mean numbers of sampled LNs were 2.6 and 7.3, respectively; no patients had metastasis. The mean operating times for GBT and ICC were 223 and 379 minutes, respectively; the mean blood loss was 23 mL and 171 mL. With the exception of 1 patient who developed intrahepatic metastasis of ICC at the opposite liver lobe, all of the patients were recurrence free.

CONCLUSIONS

A laparoscopic approach could be safely applied under our indications.

The maximum chemiluminescence intensity predicts severe neutropenia in gemcitabine-treated patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancer

PURPOSE

To assess the predictive ability of the maximum chemiluminescence intensity (CI_max) for severe neutropenia (SN) during neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy [NAC(RT)] in patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary tract cancer.

METHODS

Clinicopathological variables and blood test data before NAC(RT) were evaluated in 64 patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary tract cancer who received gemcitabine plus tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil as NAC(RT).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients (60.9%) developed Grade 3-4 SN. The median time between commencing NAC(RT) and the onset of SN was 15 (range 10-36) days. SN occurred during the NAC period, not the RT period. The CI_max, neutrophil count, serum interleukin-6 level, C-reactive protein level, complement C3 titer, serum complement titer, and 50.0% hemolytic unit of complement before NAC(RT) were significantly lower in patients with SN than in those without SN (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed the CI_max to be the sole independent predictor of SN (P < 0.05). The optimal threshold for the CI_max was 46,000 RLU/s. The sensitivity and specificity were 46.2% and 80.0%, respectively. Majority of the patients (81.8%) with a low CI_max before NAC(RT) experienced SN during NAC(RT).

CONCLUSIONS

CI_max before NAC(RT) predicts SN during NAC(RT) in patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary tract cancer.