Combining gemcitabine and capecitabine in patients with advanced biliary cancer: a phase II trial

Hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy in patients with advanced primary liver tumours

Background:

Primary liver tumours (PLTs) are currently a major health problem worldwide. The study’s aim was to investigate the feasibility, toxicity, and activity of hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy (HIAC) in patients with advanced PLTs.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed 43 patients with advanced unresectable PLT, who were consecutively treated. HIAC with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and mitomycin-C was administered through a radiologically positioned temporary percutaneous catheter every six weeks until tumour progression or unacceptable toxicity was reached.

Results:

Partial response was observed in 26% and stable disease in 41% of patients. The median overall survival was 12.3 months. Manageable catheter-related complications occurred in 23% of patients. The grade 3–4 toxicities included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. There were no toxic deaths.

Conclusion:

The results of this retrospective study show that HIAC is feasible, active, and manageable in patients with PLTs. The treatment could be studied in selected patients with advanced progressive HCC/BTC being treated with or ineligible for sorafenib/cisplatin plus gemcitabine.

Endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage for Klatskin tumors?

PURPOSE

Controversy exists regarding the preferred biliary drainage technique in patients with Klatskin tumors because few comparative studies exist. This study compared outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (N = 129) with Klatskin tumors treated with initial EBD or PTBD were identified, and their clinical histories were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the time to therapeutic success (TTS), defined as the time between the first drainage and a total bilirubin measurement of 40 μmol/L or lower.

RESULTS

EBD was the first biliary decompression procedure performed in 87 patients; PTBD was performed first in 42. Technical success rates (78% with EBD vs 98% with PTBD; P = .004) and therapeutic success rates (49% vs 79%, respectively; P = .002) were significantly lower in the EBD group than in the PTBD group. Forty-four patients in the EBD group (51%) subsequently underwent PTBD before therapeutic success was achieved or antitumoral treatment was started. Median TTSs were 61 days in the EBD group and 44 days in the PTBD group, and multivariate analysis showed a hazard ratio of 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.99; P = .045). In patients treated with surgery or chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy, median times to treatment were 76 and 68 days in the EBD and PTBD groups, respectively (P = .76). Cholangitis occurred in 25% and 21% of patients in the EBD and PTBD groups, respectively (P = .34).

CONCLUSIONS

PTBD should be seriously considered for biliary decompression when treating patients with Klatskin tumor.

Current management of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatobiliary malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma and remains among the most difficult management problems faced by surgeons. Curative surgery is achieved in only 25% to 30% of patients. Local tumor extent, such as portal vein invasion and hepatic lobar atrophy, does not preclude resection. Long-term survival has been seen only in patients who underwent extensive liver resections, suggesting that bile-duct excision alone is less effective. The majority of patients have unresectable disease, with 20% to 30% incidence of distant metastasis at presentation. Unresectable patients should be referred for nonsurgical biliary decompression, and in potential curative resection candidates the use of biliary stents should be reduced. Liver transplantation provides the option of wide resection margins, expanding the indication of surgical intervention for selected patients who otherwise are not surgical candidates due to lack of functional hepatic reserve.

Biliary tract carcinomas: from chemotherapy to targeted therapy

Biliary tract carcinomas (BTC) are a group of tumours arising from the epithelial cells of intra- and extra-hepatic biliaryducts and the gallbladder, characterised by a poor prognosis. Surgery is the only curative procedure, but the risk of recurrence is high and furthermore, the majority of patients present with unresectable disease at the time of diagnosis. Systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients who present recurrent or metastatic disease. Progress has been made in the last decade to identify the most effective chemotherapy regimens, with the recent recommendation of the combination of gemcitabine-cisplatin as the standard schedule. Comprehension of the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinogenesis and tumour progression has recently led to the experimentation of targeted therapies in patients with BTC, demonstrating promising results. In this review we will discuss the clinical experience with systemic treatment for BTC, focusing on future directions with targeted therapies.

Synergic effect of photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium with conventional anticancer chemotherapy for the treatment of bile duct carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective laser treatment for locally treating advanced bile duct carcinoma (BDC). The study objective was to evaluate the synergic effect of PDT using a new photosensitizer, talaporfin sodium (Laserphyrin), in combination with conventional anticancer drug treatments.

METHODS

The range of the necrotic area, the percentage of apoptosis-positive cells, the vascular endothelial growth factor expression quantification, and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index, as treatment effects, were examined in the BDC cell line (NOZ) in vitro and in vivo (4-wk-old male BALB/c mice).

RESULTS

Tumor viability was determined by an in vitro MTS assay. PDT with a single treatment of 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum showed a significantly lower viability compared with the control or the PDT-alone group (P<0.05). Furthermore, administering PDT combined with two anticancer drugs showed a further decline in the tumor viability. A treatment of PDT combined with oxaliplatin and gemcitabine showed the least viability (P<0.05). Thus, this regimen was administered in the in vivo study. The tumor necrotic area, apoptosis positivity, and the vascular endothelial growth factor expression rate were higher in the PDT with anticancer drugs group compared with those of the other groups (P<0.05). The proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index results in the PDT with the anticancer drugs group were significantly lower than those of the other groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A treatment of PDT combined with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin showed the best synergic effect for necrosis, apoptosis, and cytostatic alterations for the treatment of BDC.

Tumors of ampulla of Vater: A case series and review of chemotherapy options

Carcinomas of the Ampulla of Vater are rare tumors, accounting for 0.2% of gastrointestinal cancers. Compared with other biliary tract neoplasms, these tumors have a relatively favorable prognosis after surgical resection. Based on their epithelium of origin, two subtypes of ampullary carcinoma have been recently distinguished: intestinal and pancreatobiliary. This study evaluates histopathological features and outcomes of ampullary carcinoma and to compares the survival of these tumors to that of other biliary tract tumors. The chemotherapic options available for ampullary cancer are also reviewed. We analyzed data from 20 consecutive patients with ampullary carcinomas and 26 patients with other biliary tract carcinomas, observed in our Institution. Statistical analysis was performed by using either Fisher’s exact test or χ² test for categorical variables. Median time of survival was calculated and compared using the Log-Rank test. Similar distribution of demographic characteristics and stage between ampullary and other biliary tract cancers was observed. Patients with ampullary cancer underwent surgery more frequently than other biliary cancers while chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used equally. In accordance with the literature, a longer median survival was observed in the group of ampullary carcinomas.

Advanced biliary tract cancers

Single-agent management of metastatic biliary tract cancers with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine has shown limited efficacy, although 5-FU has been shown to be more effective than best supportive care alone. An analysis of phase II trials has suggested that platinums enhanced the efficacy of single-agent fluoropyrimidines. In a phase III randomized trial comparing single-agent gemcitabine with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, the gemcitabine/cisplatin combination significantly improved median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), which established a new option for standard of care. However, the future of cancer medicine lies in newer, targeted agents. In the management of biliary tract cancers, preliminary evidence with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors has already demonstrated activity. This article reviews systemic therapies for metastatic biliary tract cancers as they relate to current and emerging standards of care.

A phase I study for adjuvant chemotherapy of gemcitabine plus S-1 in curatively resected patients with biliary tract cancer: adjusting the dose of adjuvant chemotherapy according to the surgical procedures

PURPOSE

We conducted a phase I study for adjuvant chemotherapy of gemcitabine (GEM) plus S-1 in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended dose (RD) and to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the regimen in curatively resected patients with biliary cancer.

METHODS

The study included 34 patients with adequate organ functions, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group PS 0-1, under 80 years of age, who had curative resection after August, 2007. Patients received GEM on day 1 and day 15, and S-1 from day 1 to day 14. Dose-limiting toxicities were determined during first two treatment cycles. After determining RD, a feasibility study was continued in the following four treatment cycles.

RESULTS

Hematological toxicity, particularly neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, was the most pronounced toxic effect of gemcitabine and S-1 adjuvant combination chemotherapy. The RD after pancreatoduodenectomy is GEM 1,000 mg/m(2) + S-1 80 mg/m(2), and RD after hemihepatectomy is GEM 800 mg/m(2) + S-1 60 mg/m(2).

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetics of GEM and S-1 indicate that changing the dose of adjuvant chemotherapy based on the operation method for biliary cancers is reasonable. We believe that this regimen will be established as an effective adjuvant chemotherapy for biliary cancer in the future.

Tamoxifen enhances therapeutic effects of gemcitabine on cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor with limited therapeutic options. We have previously reported that tamoxifen (TMX) induces apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells and reduces cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis in mice. In the present studies, we determined the effect of combination therapy of TMX and gemcitabine (GMT), another chemotherapeutical reagent for many cancers, on cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and investigated the responsible mechanisms. GMT inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. TMX enhanced GMT-induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Consistently, GMT (15 mg/kg) inhibited cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis in nude mice by 50%. TMX (15 mg/kg) enhanced the inhibitory effect of GMT on tumorigenesis by 33%. The inhibition of tumor growth correlated with enhanced apoptosis in tumor tissues. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the additive effects of TMX on GMT-induced apoptosis, we determined the activation of caspases in cholangiocarcinoma cells exposed to GMT, TMX, or both. Activation of caspases 9 and 3, as well as cytochrome c release to the cytosol, was demonstrated in cells exposed to both reagents. In contrast, TMX activated caspase 2, whereas GMT had no effect. Inhibition of caspase 2 activation decreased TMX-, but not GMT-, induced activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Similarly, activation of caspase 2 was found in tumors from TMX-treated mice, but not GMT-treated mice. Therefore, the enhanced effect of TMX on GMT-induced cholangiocarcinoma cell death is partially mediated by activation of caspase 2. TMX and GMT both induce apoptosis and inhibit cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis, which may be attributed to the activation of distinct apoptosis signals by TMX and GMT. Our studies provide in vivo evidence and molecular insight to support the use of TMX and GMT in combination as an effective therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.

Effectiveness of percutaneous metal stent placement in cholangiocarcinoma patients with midterm follow-up: Single center experience

PURPOSE

Patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma present with high rate of local complications. The primary aim of this study is to report clinical course of advanced cholangiocarcinoma patients those who were presented with biliary obstruction and treated with percutaneous biliary stenting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma followed by our center for a period of 4 years were analyzed. For statistical analysis demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, primary biliary drainage method, metal stent occlusion rate, time to stent occlusion, and overall survival rates were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 34 eligible patients were analyzed. 27 patients had metal stent placement. These 27 patients formed the basis of this study. Median overall survival (OS) was 6.0 months. After metal stent deployment bilurubin levels were normalized within a mean of 10 days. During the follow-up period, 13 patients were experienced metal stent occlusion. Median TtSO was 10 weeks. Cytotoxic chemotherapy was administered to 14 (52%) patients. Patients without stent dysfunction had significantly higher rate of chemotherapy exposure rate (p=0.021). Statistical analysis, however, failed to exhibit significant effect of stent dysfunction on OS.

CONCLUSION

In advanced cholangiocarcinoma, relief of bile duct obstruction is an important part of the initial patient management. This study therefore described the clinical value of percutaneous metal stent in cholangiocarcinoma patients and raises the question about patency of metal stent in cholangiocarcinoma whether we can expect success similar to the success achieved in pancreas carcinoma.

Targeted therapy for biliary tract cancer

It is necessary to establish effective chemotherapy to improve the survival of patients with biliary tract cancer, because most of these patients are unsuitable candidates for surgery, and even patients undergoing curative surgery often have recurrence. Recently, the combination of cisplatin plus gemcitabine was reported to show survival benefits over gemcitabine alone in randomized clinical trials conducted in the United Kingdom and Japan. Thus, the combination of cisplatin plus gemcitabine is now recognized as the standard therapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer. One of the next issues that need to be addressed is whether molecular targeted agents might also be effective against biliary tract cancer. Although some targeted agents have been investigated as monotherapy for first-line chemotherapy, none were found to exert satisfactory efficacy. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab and cetuximab have also been investigated in combination with a gemcitabine-based regimen and have been demonstrated to show promising activity. Furthermore, clinical trials using new targeted agents for biliary tract cancer are also proposed. This cancer is a relatively rare and heterogeneous tumor consisting of cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma. Therefore, a large randomized clinical trial is necessary to confirm the efficacy of chemotherapy, and international collaboration is important.

Gemcitabine and s-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer: a retrospective study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 15 consecutive patients. Gemcitabine was administered intravenously at 1,000 mg/m² on days 8 and 15. Oral S-1 (60 mg/m² in 2 divided doses) was given daily for the first 2 weeks, followed by 1 week of rest. This 3-week course of treatment was repeated. The primary endpoint was response rate, and the secondary endpoints were overall survival, progression-free survival, and safety.

Results

The overall response rate was 26.7%, and the disease control rate was 73.4%. The overall survival was 12.0 months (95% CI, 9.5–14.5 months), and the progression-free survival was 8.0 months (95% CI, 4.3–11.7 months). Adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurred in 33.3%, and the major grade 3/4 toxicities were anemia (20.0%), leukopenia (13.3%), and anorexia (13.3%).

Conclusion

Gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy is effective and safe in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Cholangiocarcinoma: A position paper by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterology (AIGO), the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) and the Italian Association of Oncological Radiotherapy (AIRO)

The incidence of Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) is increasing, due to a sharp increase of the intra-hepatic form. Evidence-ascertained risk factors for CCA are primary sclerosing cholangitis, Opistorchis viverrini infection, Caroli disease, congenital choledocal cist, Vater ampulla adenoma, bile duct adenoma and intra-hepatic lithiasis. Obesity, diabetes, smoking, abnormal biliary-pancreatic junction, bilio-enteric surgery, and viral cirrhosis are emerging risk factors, but their role still needs to be validated. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis should undergo surveillance, even though a survival benefit has not been clearly demonstrated. CCA is most often diagnosed in an advanced stage, when therapeutic options are limited to palliation. Diagnosis of the tumor is often difficult and multiple imaging techniques should be used, particularly for staging. Surgery is the standard of care for resectable CCA, whilst liver transplantation should be considered only in experimental settings. Metal stenting is the standard of care in inoperable patients with an expected survival >4 months. Gemcitabine or platinum analogues are recommended in advanced CCA whilst there are no validated neo-adjuvant treatments or second-line chemotherapies. Even though promising results have been obtained in CCA with radiotherapy, further randomized controlled trials are needed.

Lessons from the comparison of two randomized clinical trials using gemcitabine and cisplatin for advanced biliary tract cancer

There had been no standard chemotherapy established for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) until 2009, when the combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine (GC) was adopted as a first line standard chemotherapy option based on the results from two randomized studies: ABC-02, a UK investigator-initiated trial and the largest randomized phase III study in this tumor type with 410 patients; and BT22, a Japanese, industry-sponsored, randomized phase II study with 83 patients. In this review, investigators from both studies collaborated to compare protocols, patient characteristics, and outcomes of both studies including sub-analyses of study results. Although both studies showed GC combination therapy to be more effective than monotherapy, a detailed comparison revealed disparities between efficacy and safety end-points between the studies, which did not necessarily arise from different populations but from differences in protocol design. This review provides clinicians with insights for advanced BTC clinical study design and interpretation of historical studies.

[Chemotherapy in gallbladder carcinoma]

Gallbladder cancer is an aggressive tumor. Its incidence varies according to geography. Surgery is the standard treatment for localized stage but there is no standard treatment in metastatic or locally advanced disease. Because of the rarity of bile tract cancer (BTC) and gallblader carcinoma (GBC), most studies have grouped all BTC and GBC together, and there are very few GBC-specific studies. In addition, there is a paucity of randomized controlled studies in this disease with small numbers of patients and inclusion bias. One randomized trial ABC-02 was well conducted and showed a survival benefit in favor of gemcitabine (GEM)+cisplatin (CDDP), which can be regarded as the standard in locally advanced BTC. Adjuvant therapy after surgical resection is not validated. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis of GBC has opened the way for the use of targeted therapies. This new treatment would improve survival and quality of life of our patients.

Multicenter phase II study of S-1 monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer refractory to gemcitabine

Gemcitabine is widely used for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) as first-line chemotherapy. However, there is no standard chemotherapy for patient with advanced BTC refractory to gemcitabine. We conducted a multicenter phase II study of S-1 monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced BTC that were refractory to gemcitabine. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 80 mg/m(2) for 28 days, followed by 14 days of rest. This regimen was repeated every 6 weeks. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. Twenty-two patients were enrolled between March 2007 and January 2010, with 14 patients (64%) representing cases of recurrence after surgery. The overall response rate was 22.7%, and the overall disease control rate was 50.0%. The median overall survival time was 13.5 months (95% CI, 7.1-23.1 months) and the median time-to-progression was 5.4 months (95% CI, 2.6-17.2 months). Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (5%) and anemia (5%). The most common non-hematological toxicities were nausea (27%), anorexia (55%), and pigmentation (32%). In conclusion, S-1 monotherapy is feasible and moderately efficacious second-line chemotherapy for advanced BTC.

Precision hepatic arterial irinotecan therapy in the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma: optimal tolerance and prolonged overall survival

BACKGROUND

Unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC) carries a poor prognosis, and there are few chemotherapeutic treatments to prolong survival. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of drug-eluting bead (DEB) therapy by transarterial infusion for unresectable ICC.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter study of ICC patients who received hepatic arterial DEB therapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with unresectable ICC were treated with DEB. Ten patients (41.6%) had recurrent ICC after prior radiofrequency ablation (n = 3) or hepatectomy (n = 7). Twenty patients (80%) had received prior chemotherapy, mostly of gemcitabine (n = 8) or Eloxatin (n = 6). The percent of overall liver involvement was < 25% (n = 8), 26% to 50% (n = 11), and > 50% (n = 4). Ten patients (40%) had sites of extrahepatic disease located at lymph nodes (n = 5), bone (n = 2), peritoneum (n = 1), lung (n = 1), and mouth (n = 1). A total of 42 DEB treatments were administered. Eight were administered in combination with systemic chemotherapy of FOLFOX (n = 4) or Gemzar (n = 4). Twelve patients (48%) received a second treatment, and 4 patients (16%) received a third treatment. The median length of stay was 23 h (23-72 h). Eleven adverse reactions (26.2%) were reported. Of these, 7 (63.6%) were minor (less than grade 3). One patient died from hepatorenal syndrome. The disease of one patient was downstaged to resection. After a median follow-up of 13.6 months, the median overall survival of a multitherapeutic regimen with DEB therapy was significantly greater than chemotherapy alone (17.5 vs. 7.4 months; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Bead therapy is safe and effective in patients with unresectable ICC. There is a marked survival benefit when DEB therapy is used as adjunctive therapy.

A multi-institution phase II study of gemcitabine/S-1 combination chemotherapy for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine/S-1 combination chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

METHODS

Patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed unresectable or recurrent biliary tract cancer were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Gemcitabine was administered intravenously at a dose of 1,000 mg/m(2) over 30 min on days 1 and 8, and oral S-1 was administered daily at a dose of 60 mg/m(2) on days 1-14. This schedule was repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression or patient refusal.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were enrolled between October 2007 and January 2009. Eleven patients (44%) had extrahepatic bile duct cancer, 5 (20%) had intrahepatic bile duct cancer, 8 had gallbladder cancer (32%), and 1 (4%) had ampulla of Vater cancer. The median overall survival time was 12.7 months (95% CI, 8.4-23.5 months), and the 1-year survival rate was 52.0% (95% CI, 31.2-69.2%). Of the 23 patients with evaluable target regions, seven patients experienced a partial response, and an overall response rate was 30.4%. The following grade 3-4 hematological toxicities occurred: neutropenia (56%), leukopenia (24%), anemia (8%) and thrombocytopenia (4%). In spite of the high incidence of grade 3-4 neutropenia, no patients developed febrile neutropenia in the present study. The major grade 3-4 non-hematological toxicities were fatigue (8%), anorexia (8%) and diarrhea (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine/S-1 combination chemotherapy offered a promising survival benefit with acceptable toxicity in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Outcome of patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract or gallbladder carcinoma

PURPOSE

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer have poor overall prognosis and their management is often complex. Currently, there is no standard chemotherapy for this disease, but several single agents and combinations have shown promising activity, most notably gemcitabine-based combinations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of biliary tract cancer treated at two academic centers in Lyon, France: 127 cases were identified, 67 underwent primary surgery, 13 of which were deemed unresectable upon surgery and were treated medically; 60 patients received medical treatment only. Overall, 71 patients received chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic disease and are the subject of this report.

RESULTS

The median age was 60.7 years, 47 (66%) patients were male and 55 (77%) patients had metastatic disease. Twenty-seven patients (38%) required biliary drainage before chemotherapy. Twenty-four patients received single-agent gemcitabine, 37 patients received gemcitabine-platinum combination and 10 patients received fluorouracil-based regimens. The response rates, median progression-free survival and overall survival times were 24%, 4.1, 7.5 months, respectively. There was a significant increase in the response rate with gemcitabine-platinum combinations compared with other regimens. Fluororuracil-based regimens provided lower response rates and shorter median progression-free survival and overall survival as compared with gemcitabine-based regimens (both single agents and combinations).

CONCLUSION

Although retrospective, these data support the use of gemcitabine-containing regimens in patients with advanced biliary tract or gallbladder cancer. The benefit of adding oxaliplatin in this setting remains unclear.

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon gastrointestinal malignancy. Indications for adjuvant chemoradiation therapy after surgical resection have not yet been determined. We aimed this study to elucidate the effectiveness of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy according to TNM stage for gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

Between March 2001 and March 2009, 100 patients with gallbladder cancer underwent surgical resection. We divided the patients according to TNM stage, and subdivided further according to whether adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was added or not. The clinicopathologic factors, recurrence and survival were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with gallbladder cancer at T2N0M0, T2N1M0, T3N0M0, and T3N1M0 stages were enrolled in this study. Among the four stages, the two lymph node-negative stages (T2N0M0 and T3N0M0) did not show any gain in survival by adding adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Conversely, the remaining lymph node-positive stages (T2N1M0 and T3N1M0) showed gain in disease-free survival, and the lymph node-positive T2 stage (T2N1M0) showed gain in disease-specific survival. In patients with lymph node-positive T2/T3 GB cancers, adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was an independent prognostic factor for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy is recommended for lymph node-positive T2/T3 gallbladder cancer following surgical resection.

Genetics of biliary tract cancers and emerging targeted therapies

Biliary tract cancers (BTC), which encompass intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder carcinomas, are a genetically diverse collection of cancers. Evidence suggests distinct models of molecular and pathologic progression, and a growing body of genetics data points to a heterogeneous collection of underlying mutations in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Although tumor genetics have been used to tailor individual treatment regimens and guide clinical decision making in other cancers, these principles have not been applied in BTC. Recent clinical trials with targeted therapies seem promising, although the relationships between subsets of patients with positive responses to therapy and tumor genetics remain unexplored. Here, we summarize the molecular pathogenesis and genetics of BTCs and animal modeling and relate these to recent and ongoing clinical trials with targeted agents.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: primary liver resection and aggressive multimodal treatment of recurrence significantly prolong survival

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of surgical therapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), the incidence and the management of recurrence, and to analyze the change in approach during 2 different periods.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient and tumor characteristics, and overall and disease-free survival were analyzed in a series of 72 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for ICC. Several factors likely to influence survival after resection were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the year of operation (before and after 1999). Management of recurrence and survival after recurrence were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 62% and 48%, whereas the 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 30% and 25%, respectively. The median survival time was 57.1 months. Patient and histologic characteristics before and after 1999 were similar. Survival was significantly better among patients operated after 1999, who were node-negative, did not receive blood transfusion, and underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The overall recurrence rates before and after 1999 were comparable (66.6% and 50%, P = 0.49). The most frequent site of recurrence was the liver. A significantly large number of patients received treatment for recurrence after 1999 (81.5%) compared with the first period (8.3%). The overall 3-year survival rate after recurrence was 46%. After 1999, there was a significant improvement in 3-year survival after recurrence (56%) compared with patients operated before 1999 (0%, P = 0.004); the median survival time from the diagnosis of recurrence increased from 20 months to 66 months in the second group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although recurrence rate represents a frequent problem in ICC, an aggressive approach to recurrence can significantly prolong survival.

Report of a multicenter phase II trial testing a combination of biweekly bevacizumab and daily erlotinib in patients with unresectable biliary cancer: a phase II Consortium study

PURPOSE

Biliary cancers overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and angiogenesis has been correlated with poor outcome. Erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor have each been shown to have activity in biliary cancer. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), VEGF levels, and molecular studies of EGFR and k-ras.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had advanced cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer. Patients were treated with bevacizumab 5 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15 and erlotinib 150 mg by mouth daily on days 1 through 28. Responses were evaluated by RECIST. VEGF levels were collected, and samples were analyzed for EGFR mutation by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Fifty-three eligible patients were enrolled at eight sites. Of 49 evaluable patients, six (12%; 95% CI, 6% to 27%) had a confirmed partial response. Stable disease was documented in another 25 patients (51%). Rash was the most common grade 3 toxicity. Four patients had grade 4 toxicities. Median OS was 9.9 months, and TTP was 4.4 months. Low repeats (< 16) in EGFR intron 1 polymorphism and G>G k-ras Q38 genotype (wild type) were associated with improved outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Combination chemotherapy with bevacizumab and erlotinib showed clinical activity with infrequent grade 3 and 4 adverse effects in patients with advanced biliary cancers. On the basis of preliminary molecular analysis, presence of a k-ras mutation may alter erlotinib efficacy. The combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib may be a therapeutic alternative in patients with advanced biliary cancer.

The cisplatin, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine (PEFG) regimen in advanced biliary tract adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract adenocarcinoma (BTA) is an uncommon tumor with a poor prognosis and no standard, systemic chemotherapy. The combined cisplatin, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine (PEFG) regimen is an effective, upfront treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. In this study, the authors assessed the activity and safety of this combination regimen in patients with advanced BTA.

METHODS

PEFG (cisplatin 40 mg/m(2) and epirubicin 40 mg/m(2) on Day 1; gemcitabine 600 mg/m(2) on Days 1 and 8; and 5-fluorouracil [FU] 200 mg/m(2) daily as a continuous infusion) was administered to chemotherapy-naive patients who had a cytologic or histologic diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic BTA, aged <or=75 years, and a performance status (PS) >60 either until they had evidence progressive disease or for a maximum of 6 months. Tumor size was assessed every 2 months during treatment.

RESULTS

Between May 1999 and December 2005, 37 patients (62% metastatic) who had a median age of 62 years and a median PS of 90 received the PEFG regimen at the authors' institution. Primary tumor sites were the intrahepatic bile duct in 10 patients (27%), the extrahepatic bile duct in 8 patients (22%), the gallbladder in 12 patients (32%), and the ampulla of Vater in 7 patients (19%). A partial response was observed in 16 patients (43%), and stable disease was observed in 12 patients (32%). The median overall survival (OS) was 12.1 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 52%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.9 months, and the 6-month PFS rate was 67%. The main grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia in 18% of cycles followed by thrombocytopenia in 9% of cycles, nausea/vomiting in 5% of cycles, and febrile neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, and stomatitis in 2% of cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrated that PEFG was an active regimen with a manageable toxicity profile for patients with advanced BTA.

Targeting anticancer drugs to tumor vasculature using cationic liposomes

Liposomal drug delivery systems improve the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents, and the use of cationic liposomes to deliver anticancer drugs to solid tumors has recently been recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutics. This review summarizes the selective targeting of cationic liposomes to tumor vasculature, the merits of incorporating the polymer polyethylene-glycol (PEG), and the impact of the molar percent of the cationic lipid included in cationic liposomes on liposomal targeting efficacy. In addition, the discussion herein includes the therapeutic benefit of a dual targeting approach, using PEG-coated cationic liposomes in vascular targeting (of tumor endothelial cells), and tumor targeting (of tumor cells) of anticancer drugs. Cationic liposomes have shown considerable promise in preclinical xenograft models and are poised for clinical development.

Current management of gallbladder carcinoma

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) represents the most common and aggressive type among the biliary tree cancers (BTCs). Complete surgical resection offers the only chance for cure; however, only 10% of patients with GBC present with early-stage disease and are considered surgical candidates. Among those patients who do undergo "curative" resection, recurrence rates are high. There are no established adjuvant treatments in this setting. Patients with unresectable or metastatic GBC have a poor prognosis. There has been a paucity of randomized phase III data in this field. A recent report demonstrated longer overall survival with gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin than with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced or metastatic BTCs. Molecularly targeted agents are under development. In this review, we attempt to discuss the current status and key issues involved in the management of GBC.

Recent advances in tumor vasculature targeting using liposomal drug delivery systems

Tumor vessels possess unique physiological features that might be exploited for improved drug delivery. The targeting of liposomal anticancer drugs to tumor vasculature is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to obtain superior therapeutic efficacy with limited host toxicity compared with conventional treatments. This review introduces recent advances in the field of liposomal targeting of tumor vasculature, along with new approaches that can be used in the design and optimization of liposomal delivery systems. In addition, cationic liposome is focused on as a promising carrier for achieving efficient vascular targeting. The clinical implications are discussed of several approaches using a single liposomal anticancer drug formulation: dual targeting, vascular targeting (targeting tumor endothelial cells) and tumor targeting (targeting tumor cells).

Mode of hepatic spread from gallbladder carcinoma: an immunohistochemical analysis of 42 hepatectomized specimens

This study aimed to clarify the mode of hepatic spread from gallbladder carcinoma and to elucidate its prognostic value. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 42 consecutive patients who underwent resection for gallbladder carcinoma with hepatic involvement verified histologically. The mode of hepatic spread was classified into 3 patterns: direct invasion through the gallbladder bed, portal tract invasion, and hepatic metastatic nodules. Intrahepatic lymphatic invasion was declared when either single tumor cells or cell clusters were clearly visible within vessels that showed immunoreactivity to the D2-40 monoclonal antibody. Seven, 24, and 11 patients had direct invasion alone, portal tract invasion with (22 patients) or without (2 patients) direct invasion, and hepatic metastatic nodules, respectively. Of the 24 patients with portal tract invasion, 14 had intrahepatic lymphatic invasion, 8 had neither intrahepatic lymphatic nor venous invasion, and 2 had both intrahepatic lymphatic and venous invasion. To date, 4 patients with direct invasion alone and 4 patients with portal tract invasion survived more than 5 years after resection, whereas all the patients with hepatic metastatic nodules died within 11 months after resection, irrespective of the type of hepatectomy. The mode of hepatic spread (P<0.001) was a strong independent prognostic factor. Direct liver invasion and portal tract invasion, which features intrahepatic lymphatic invasion, are the main modes of hepatic spread from resectable gallbladder carcinoma. The mode of hepatic spread independently predicts long-term survival after resection for patients with gallbladder carcinoma. Hepatic metastatic nodules indicate a dismal outcome after resection.

Adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 chemotherapy improves survival after aggressive surgical resection for advanced biliary carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 chemotherapy after aggressive surgical resection for advanced biliary carcinoma.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

No effective adjuvant therapy for advanced biliary carcinoma has been reported although its prognosis is extremely poor.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed for 103 patients with International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage II biliary carcinoma who underwent aggressive surgical resection. About 50 patients received 10 cycles of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 chemotherapy and 53 patients did not. Clinicopathological factors and patient survival were compared between the 2 groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. A cycle of chemotherapy consisted of intravenous gemcitabine 700 mg/m(2) on day 1 and oral S-1 50 mg/m(2) for 7 consecutive days, followed by a 1-week break from chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical procedures did not differ between the 2 groups. Aggressive surgical procedures including major hepatectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy were performed for 94 of 103 patients. In the chemotherapy group, 37 patients (74%) were given the full number of 10 cycles. The use of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001) and surgical margin status (P = 0.003) were independently associated with long-term survival by multivariate analysis. Five-year survival rates of patients who did or did not receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were 57% and 24%, respectively (P < 0.001). Toxicity during chemotherapy was mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 chemotherapy may be one of several factors contributing to improved outcomes after aggressive surgical resection of advanced biliary carcinoma in recent years.

Adjuvant Gemcitabine-Oxaliplatin (GeMOX) after Curative Surgery in High-risk Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma

Background

There is no standard adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent recurrent cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare cancer with poor prognosis. We assessed the efficacy and safety of GEMOX on intrahepatic and hilar CCA with high-risk factors after curative surgery.

Patients and Methods

Twenty two patients (mean age: 57 years old) with CCA received 6 cycles of GEMOX: gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 on day 1 and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on day 2, q3w after a curative surgery.

Results

All patients completed 6 cycles of GEMOX. EGFR membranous expression was present in 20 CCA. The 5-year survival rate was 56% (CI 95%: 25.7–85.4); 2-year disease free survival rate was 28% (CI 95%: 3.4–52.6). Median time to progression was 15 months. The rate of recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy was 63% (14/22). Two patients died of disease progression. Twelve patients received cetuximab/GEMOX at the time of relapse. Six died after 12 months (9–48 months), three are still alive suggesting a clinical applicability of EGFR inhibitors in CCA.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy with GEMOX alone seems ineffective in intrahepatic and hilar CCA with a high risk of relapse. Additional studies including targeted therapies to circumvent such poor chemosensitivity are needed.

Efficacy and safety of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in advanced biliary-tract cancers and correlation of changes in 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET with clinical outcome: a phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Previous phase 2 studies have shown antitumour activity with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in patients with advanced biliary-tract cancers (BTCs). In this phase 2 study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of combined bevacizumab with GEMOX (GEMOX-B) in patients with advanced BTCs, and investigated how changes in 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG)-PET correlate with clinical outcome.

METHODS

Patients with advanced measurable BTCs were given the following treatment on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle: bevacizumab 10 mg/kg, followed by gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) (10 mg/m(2) per min) and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) (2-h infusion). [(18)F]FDG-PET scans were obtained at baseline and after completion of the second cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Efficacy and safety analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00361231.

FINDINGS

35 patients were enrolled and evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. Median PFS was 7.0 months (95% CI 5.3-10.3), and PFS at 6 months was 63% (47-79), which was below the targeted rate of 70%. Grade 3-4 toxic effects included neutropenia (n=7), raised alanine aminotransferase concentrations (n=5), peripheral neuropathy (n=5), and hypertension (n=5). [(18)F]FDG-PET scans showed a significant decrease in maximum standardised uptake value (SUV(max)) after two cycles of treatment (5.72 [SD 2.01] at baseline; 3.73 [SD 1.88] after two cycles; p<0.0001). These changes were more pronounced in patients with partial response or stable disease than those with progressive disease (24 patients, -2.80 [SD 1.95] vs five patients, 1.41 [SD 3.13]; p=0.009). Change in SUV(max) was a significant predictor of PFS (HR 1.35, 1.14-1.60, p=0.0006) and overall survival (1.25, 1.05-1.50, p=0.01).

INTERPRETATION

GEMOX-B showed antitumour activity with tolerable safety in patients with advanced BTCs. Decreases in SUV(max) on [(18)F]FDG-PET scans after treatment were associated with disease control and increases in PFS and overall survival.

FUNDING

Genentech Oncology and Sanofi-Aventis.

Gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and 5-FU in advanced bile duct and gallbladder carcinoma: two parallel, multicentre phase-II trials

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are active in biliary tract cancer and have a potentially synergistic mode of action and non-overlapping toxicity. The objective of these trials was to determine response, survival and toxicity separately in patients with bile duct cancer (BDC) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) treated with gemcitabine/oxaliplatin/5-FU chemotherapy.

METHODS

Eligible patients with histologically proven, advanced or metastatic BDC (n=37) or GBC (n=35) were treated with gemcitabine (900 mg m(-2) over 30 min), oxaliplatin (65 mg m(-2)) and 5-FU (1500 mg m(-2) over 24 h) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Tumour response was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Response rates were 19% (95% CI: 6-32%) and 23% (95% CI: 9-37%) for BDC and GBC, respectively. Median survivals were 10.0 months (95% CI: 8.6-12.4) and 9.9 months (95% CI: 7.5-12.2) for BDC and GBC, respectively, and 1- and 2-year survival rates were 40 and 23% in BDC and 34 and 6% in GBC (intention-to-treat analysis). Major grade III and IV adverse events were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated bilirubin and anorexia.

CONCLUSION

Triple-drug chemotherapy achieves comparable results for response and survival to previously reported regimens, but with more toxicity.

Biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with jaundice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The combination of photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting seems to be beneficial in the palliative treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. We aimed to assess the accuracy of photodynamic therapy in a single centre.

METHODS

Fourteen selected patients, with jaundice related to unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, underwent photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting (with or without chemotherapy). Photofrin was injected intravenously (2 mg/kg) 2 days before intraluminal photoactivation. In case of malignant progression, photodynamic therapy was repeated. The outcome parameters were overall survival and quality of life.

RESULTS

There were eight men and six women (median age: 67 [42-81]). Unresectability was related to a low Karnofski index (n = 2), peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 4), vascular involvement (n = 3), invasion of the hepatoduodenal ligament (n = 2) and an under-sized liver remnant (n = 3). Biliary stenting was efficient (> or = 50% total bilirubin) in 78.5% of cases. Eight patients developed cholangitis. The mean number of photodynamic therapy procedures was two (1-4). Six (43%) patients needed > or = 2 procedures. No severe toxicity was noted. Photodynamic therapy improved the Karnofski index in 64% of cases. Six (42.8%) patients received concomitant chemotherapy (gemcitabine). The median survival time was 13.8 [0.7-29.2] months. The 3-, 6- and 12-month survival rates were 85%, 77% and 77%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm the beneficial effect of biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma in selected patients with jaundice.

Yttrium-90 radiotherapy for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a preliminary assessment of this novel treatment option

BACKGROUND

There are no treatment options for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with proven efficacy. The objective of this study was to present data on the safety and efficacy of a novel treatment option, yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization for unresectable ICC.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients underwent resin-based (90)Y radioembolization for unresectable ICC between January 2004 and May 2009. Patients were assessed at 1 month and then at 3-month intervals after treatment. Radiologic response was evaluated with the Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Clinical and biochemical toxicities were prospectively recorded. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and potential prognostic variables were identified.

RESULTS

No patient was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 8.1 (range, 0.4-56) months and the median survival after (90)Y radioembolization was 9.3 months. Two patients died within 1 month of treatment; the median follow-up for the remaining 23 was 8.9 (range, 1.5-56) months. Two factors were associated with an improved survival: peripheral tumor type (vs. infiltrative, P = .004) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 (vs. 1 and 2, P < .001). On imaging follow-up of 23 patients, a partial response to treatment was observed in 6 patients (24%), stable disease in 11 patients (48%), and progressive disease in 5 patients (20%). The most common clinical toxicities were fatigue (64%) and self-limiting abdominal pain (40%). Two patients (8%) each developed grade III bilirubin and albumin toxicity. One patient (4%) developed grade III alkaline phosphatase toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

(90)Y radioembolization may be a relatively safe and efficacious treatment for unresectable ICC. In the absence of other effective therapeutic options, this treatment warrants further investigation.

Preliminary results of phase II study of capecitabine and gemcitabine (CAP-GEM) in patients with metastatic pretreated thymic epithelial tumors (TETs)

BACKGROUND

No previous prospective trials have been reported with capecitabine and gemcitabine (CAP-GEM) in patients with metastatic thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). We conducted a multicenter study to determine the activity and tolerability of this regimen in pretreated TETs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the first stage of phase II study. All patients received CAP-GEM every 3 weeks. The primary end point was objective response rate (RR); secondary end points were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival.

RESULTS

Complete responses (CR) and partial responses were observed in three (20%) and three (20%) patients for a 40% RR, respectively. Grade 1-2 neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia were the most common side-effects, noted in seven (46.7%), five (33.3%) and five (33.3%) patients, respectively. The most common grade 3 toxicity was neutropenia in three patients (20%). Median PFS was 11 months (95% confidence interval 4-17). The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 80% and 67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We have decided to publish the preliminary results because this regimen was more active than that expected. Although our results are preliminary, CAP-GEM shows activity and safety in pretreated TETs. Furthermore, multicenter trials, also in first-line setting, are necessary to confirm our results.

Advances in diagnosis, treatment and palliation of cholangiocarcinoma: 1990-2009

Several advances in diagnosis, treatment and palliation of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) have occurred in the last decades. A multidisciplinary approach to this disease is therefore recommended. CC is a relatively rare tumor and the main risk factors are: chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition and congenital abnormalities of the biliary tree. While the incidence of intra-hepatic CC is increasing, the incidence of extra-hepatic CC is trending down. The only curative treatment for CC is surgical resection with negative margins. Liver transplantation has been proposed only for selected patients with hilar CC that cannot be resected who have no metastatic disease after a period of neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, positron emission tomography scan, endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography scans are the most frequently used modalities for diagnosis and tumor staging. Adjuvant therapy, palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been relatively ineffective for inoperable CC. For most of these patients biliary stenting provides effective palliation. Photodynamic therapy is an emerging palliative treatment that seems to provide pain relief, improve biliary patency and increase survival. The clinical utility of other emerging therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization, hepatic arterial chemoinfusion and high intensity intraductal ultrasound needs further study.

Multicenter, phase II study of gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

METHODS

Patients with a measurable lesion and no previous history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. Gemcitabine was administered intravenously at a dose of 1,000 mg/m(2) over 30 min on day 1 and 15, repeated every 4 weeks. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/m(2) b.i.d. on days 1-14. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.

RESULTS

As much as 35 patients were enrolled between December 2006 and July 2008; 14 patients (40%) with gallbladder cancer and 14 (40%) with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were included and 7 patients (20%) had received previous surgical resection. The overall response rate was 34.3% and the overall disease control rate was 82.9%. The median overall survival time was 11.6 months (95% CI, 7.3-15.6 months), and the median time to progression was 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.0-7.7 months). The grade 3/4 toxicities were leucopenia (23%), neutropenia (34%), anemia (20%), thrombocytopenia (6%) and anorexia (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy has promising efficacy and good tolerability in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival after aggressive surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is dismal although aggressive surgery including major hepatectomy has been performed. The aim of this study was to clarify useful prognostic factors and the usefulness of gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had undergone aggressive surgical resection.

METHODS

Medical records of 42 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate models were used to analyze the effect of various clinicopathological factors on long-term survival.

RESULTS

Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the 42 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were 81%, 42%, and 30%, respectively (median survival time, 21.5 months). Univariate analysis revealed that adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and surgical margin status were associated significantly with long-term survival (P < 0.05). Furthermore, use of a Cox proportional hazards regression model indicated that only adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was a significant independent predictor of a favorable prognosis (P = 0.035). The toxicity of adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was mild. Five-year actuarial survival rates of patients who did or did not receive adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy were 57% and 23%, respectively (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy may be a promising strategy to improve survival after surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A prospective randomized study should be done to confirm the results of this study.

Indications for neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative chemotherapy in the treatment of biliary tract cancers

Advanced biliary tract carcinomas represent a group of aggressive diseases that still carries a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy has been shown to provide disease control and may also prolong survival. An established role for systemic therapy in the adjuvant setting is still lacking. This article reviews the available evidence to support indications of systemic chemotherapy in the palliative setting and discuss the attempts to study it in the perioperative settings.