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Zhang YZ, Liu YC, Su T, Shi JN, Huang Y, Liang B. Current advances and future directions in combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae031. [PMID: 38628397 PMCID: PMC11018545 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The low incidence of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is an important factor limiting research progression. Our study extensively included nearly three decades of relevant literature and assembled the most comprehensive database comprising 5,742 patients with cHCC-CCA. We summarized the characteristics, tumor markers, and clinical features of these patients. Additionally, we present the evolution of cHCC-CCA classification and explain the underlying rationale for these classification standards. We reviewed cHCC-CCA diagnostic advances using imaging features, tumor markers, and postoperative pathology, as well as treatment options such as surgical, adjuvant, and immune-targeted therapies. In addition, recent advances in more effective chemotherapeutic regimens and immune-targeted therapies were explored. Furthermore, we described the molecular mutation features and potential specific markers of cHCC-CCA. The prognostic value of Nestin has been proven, and we speculate that Nestin will also play a role in classification and diagnosis. However, further research is needed. Moreover, we believe that the possibility of using machine learning liquid biopsy for preoperative diagnosis and establishing a scoring system are directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiang-Nan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
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El Jabbour T, Molnar A, Lagana SM. Challenges in Diagnosing and Reporting Cholangiocarcinoma. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:599-608. [PMID: 37536891 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a challenge to the practicing surgical pathologist for several reasons. It is rare in many parts of the world, and thus practical exposure may be limited. Related to the fact of its rarity is the fact that more common tumors which frequently metastasize to the liver can be morphologically indistinguishable (eg, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma). Immunohistochemical testing is generally non-contributory in this context. Other difficulties arise from the protean morphologic manifestations of cholangiocarcinoma (ie, small duct vs. large duct) and the existence of combined cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. These, and other issues of concern to the practicing diagnostic pathologist are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attila Molnar
- Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, Department of Pathology, 1000 Tenth Avenue, First floor, Room G183, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Stephen M Lagana
- New York-Presbyterian /Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, 622 W168th St, Vc14-209, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Yang X, Chang J, Li R, Qi Y, Zeng X, Wang W, Li H. Quantitative Assessment of Hypovascular Component in Arterial Phase to Help the Discrimination of Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:113-122. [PMID: 36727035 PMCID: PMC9885771 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s390820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the imaging performance for discrimination of combined hepatocellular- cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In total, 35 patients with cHCC-CCA and a matched control group of HCC patients (n = 35) were included retrospectively. We quantitatively evaluated the hypovascular component in tumor and qualitatively assessed LI-RADS features and other aggressive features to develop model for cHCC-CCA diagnose. Subgroup analyses were performed by tumor size and LI-RADS category. Results cHCC-CCA frequently showed a larger proportion (≥50%) of hypovascular areas followed by HCC (P = 0.000). Among those patients with ≥50% hypovascular areas, 8 patients did not present rim enhancement in atrial phase. The LI-RADS major features were more commonly observed in HCC (82.9-45.7%,), than cHCC-CCA (P = 0.003-0.022). The targetoid appearances and non-smooth margin frequently appeared in cHCC-CCA (34.3-63.9%), compared with HCC (P = 0.000-0.023). We developed a radiologic model based on ≥50% hypovascular component and delayed enhancement, which presented AUC of 0.821, accuracy of 80%. We also obtained good performance by radiologic model in LR-M group and tumor size <50mm group (AUC: 0.841 and 0.866, respectively). Combined group which included CA 19-9 and ≥50% hypovascular component and delayed enhancement did not improve the distinction performance between cHCC-CCA and HCC, which presented good performance of identifying cHCC-CCA in the LR-4/5 subgroup and tumor size ≥50 mm subgroup (AUC: 0.717, 0.730, respectively). cHCC-CCA group presented heterogeneous dominant pathology involving 15 of HCC, 7 of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) or cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC), 13 of intermediate cells component. Macrotrabecular appearances were higher in cHCC-CCA than that in HCC. The proportion of Hepa-1 was significantly higher in true negative (TN) patients (29 [93.5%]) and false negative (FN) patients (10 [100%]) than in true positive (TP) patients (16 [64%]; P = 0.036). Conclusion Quantitative assessment of hypovascular component could help the discrimination of cHCC-CCA. Macrotrabecular appearances were more exhibited in cHCC-CCA than that in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruili Li
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100073, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xufen Zeng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Hongjun Li, Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Roßner F, Sinn BV, Horst D. Pathology of Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Cholangiocarcinoma: An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36672443 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver cancer that is composed of both hepatocellular and cholangiocellular differentiated cells. It is slightly more common in men and among Asian and Pacific islanders. Overall, risk factors are similar to classic risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The classification has significantly evolved over time. The last WHO classification (2019) mainly emphasized diagnosis on morphological basis with routine stainings, discarded previously recognized classifications with carcinomas with stem cell features, introduced intermediate cell carcinoma as a specific subtype and considered cholangiolocarcinoma as a subtype of cholangiocellular carcinoma. Immunohistochemical markers may be applied for further specification but have limited value for diagnosis. Recent discoveries in molecular pathway regulation may pioneer new therapeutic approaches for this poor prognostic and challenging diagnosis.
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Leone V, Ali A, Weber A, Tschaharganeh DF, Heikenwalder M. Liver Inflammation and Hepatobiliary Cancers. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:606-623. [PMID: 33674229 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune regulation has an important role in cancer development, particularly in organs with continuous exposure to environmental pathogens, such as the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Chronic liver inflammation can lead to the development of hepatobiliary cancers, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), or combined HCC (cHCC)-CCA. In this review, we discuss the link between oxidative stress and the hepatic immune compartments, as well as how these factors trigger hepatocyte damage, proliferation, and eventually cancer initiation and its sustainment. We further give an overview of new anticancer therapies based on immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Leone
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Adnan Ali
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (IMCR), University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Darjus Felix Tschaharganeh
- Helmholtz-University Group Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Azizi AA, Hadjinicolaou AV, Goncalves C, Duckworth A, Basu B. Update on the Genetics of and Systemic Therapy Options for Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:570958. [PMID: 33102226 PMCID: PMC7545907 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.570958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC) is an uncommon and aggressive form of primary liver cancer. Currently, there are no international guidelines for optimal management. For localized tumors, radical resection represents the preferred treatment option, whereas for advanced tumors, systemic therapies recommended for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often selected. Emerging information from comparative cohort studies, genomic and transcriptomic data sets are starting to build a case for rationalized approaches to systemic treatment in the advanced setting specific to cHCC-ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Azizi
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas V Hadjinicolaou
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Goncalves
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Duckworth
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bristi Basu
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Chi C, Chau G, Lee R, Chen Y, Lei H, Hou M, Chao Y, Huang Y. Radiological features and outcomes of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma in patients undergoing surgical resection. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:125-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Van Haele M, Moya IM, Karaman R, Rens G, Snoeck J, Govaere O, Nevens F, Verslype C, Topal B, Monbaliu D, Halder G, Roskams T. YAP and TAZ Heterogeneity in Primary Liver Cancer: An Analysis of Its Prognostic and Diagnostic Role. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E638. [PMID: 30717258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer comprises a diverse group of liver tumors. The heterogeneity of these tumors is seen as one of the obstacles to finding an effective therapy. The Hippo pathway, with its downstream transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), has a decisive role in the carcinogenesis of primary liver cancer. Therefore, we examined the expression pattern of YAP and TAZ in 141 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma keratin 19 positive (HCC K19+), hepatocellular carcinoma keratin 19 negative (HCC K19−), combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma carcinoma (cHCC-CCA), or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). All cHCC-CCA and CCA patients showed high expression levels for YAP and TAZ, while only some patients of the HCC group were positive. Notably, we found that a histoscore of both markers is useful in the challenging diagnosis of cHCC-CCA. In addition, positivity for YAP and TAZ was observed in the hepatocellular and cholangiocellular components of cHCC-CCA, which suggests a single cell origin in cHCC-CCA. Within the K19− HCC group, our results demonstrate that the expression of YAP is a statistically significant predictor of poor prognosis when observed in the cytoplasm. Nuclear expression of TAZ is an even more specific and independent predictor of poor disease-free survival and overall survival of K19− HCC patients. Our results thus identify different levels of YAP/TAZ expression in various liver cancers that can be used for diagnostics.
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