Genomic Characterization of Cholangiocarcinoma in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Reveals Therapeutic Opportunities

Morphomolecular pathology and Genomic Insights into the Cells of Origin of Cholangiocarcinoma and combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly heterogenous group of malignancies that, despite recent progress in the understanding of its molecular pathogenesis and clinical management, continue to pose a major challenge to public health. The traditional view posits that cholangiocarcinomas derive from the neoplastic transformation of cholangiocytes lining the biliary tree. However, increasing genetic and experimental evidence has recently pointed to a more complex - and nuanced - scenario for the potential cell of origin of cholangiocarcinomas, with hepatocytes as well as hepatic stem/progenitor cells being considered as additional potential sources, depending on microenvironmental contexts including liver injury. The hypothesis of potentially diverse cells of origin for CCA, albeit controversial, is certainly not surprising given the plasticity of the cells populating the liver as well as the existence of liver cancer subtypes with mixed histological and molecular features. This review carefully looks at the current pathological, genomic and experimental evidence supporting the existence of multiple cells of origin of liver and biliary tract cancers, with particular focus on cholangiocarcinoma and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma.

Whole-exome sequencing reveals novel cancer genes and actionable targets in biliary tract cancers in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

People with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have a 20% lifetime risk of biliary tract cancer (BTC). Using whole-exome sequencing, we characterized genomic alterations in tissue samples from BTC with underlying PSC.

METHODS

We extracted DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor and paired nontumor tissue from 52 resection or biopsy specimens from patients with PSC and BTC and performed whole-exome sequencing. Following copy number analysis, variant calling, and filtering, putative PSC-BTC-associated genes were assessed by pathway analyses and annotated to targeted cancer therapies.

RESULTS

We identified 53 candidate cancer genes with a total of 123 nonsynonymous alterations passing filtering thresholds in 2 or more samples. Of the identified genes, 19% had not previously been implicated in BTC, including CNGA3, KRT28, and EFCAB5. Another subset comprised genes previously implicated in hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer, such as ARID2, ELF3, and PTPRD. Finally, we identified a subset of genes implicated in a wide range of cancers such as the tumor suppressor genes TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and RNF43 and the oncogenes KRAS, ERBB2, and BRAF. Focal copy number variations were found in 51.9% of the samples. Alterations in potential actionable genes, including ERBB2, MDM2, and FGFR3 were identified and alterations in the RTK/RAS (p = 0.036), TP53 (p = 0.04), and PI3K (p = 0.043) pathways were significantly associated with reduced overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In this exome-wide characterization of PSC-associated BTC, we delineated both PSC-specific and universal cancer genes. Our findings provide opportunities for a better understanding of the development of BTC in PSC and could be used as a platform to develop personalized treatment approaches.

Integrative multiomics enhancer activity profiling identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities in cholangiocarcinoma of different etiologies

OBJECTIVES

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous malignancy with high mortality and dismal prognosis, and an urgent clinical need for new therapies. Knowledge of the CCA epigenome is largely limited to aberrant DNA methylation. Dysregulation of enhancer activities has been identified to affect carcinogenesis and leveraged for new therapies but is uninvestigated in CCA. Our aim is to identify potential therapeutic targets in different subtypes of CCA through enhancer profiling.

DESIGN

Integrative multiomics enhancer activity profiling of diverse CCA was performed. A panel of diverse CCA cell lines, patient-derived and cell line-derived xenografts were used to study identified enriched pathways and vulnerabilities. NanoString, multiplex immunohistochemistry staining and single-cell spatial transcriptomics were used to explore the immunogenicity of diverse CCA.

RESULTS

We identified three distinct groups, associated with different etiologies and unique pathways. Drug inhibitors of identified pathways reduced tumour growth in in vitro and in vivo models. The first group (ESTRO), with mostly fluke-positive CCAs, displayed activation in estrogen signalling and were sensitive to MTOR inhibitors. Another group (OXPHO), with mostly BAP1 and IDH-mutant CCAs, displayed activated oxidative phosphorylation pathways, and were sensitive to oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors. Immune-related pathways were activated in the final group (IMMUN), made up of an immunogenic CCA subtype and CCA with aristolochic acid (AA) mutational signatures. Intratumour differences in AA mutation load were correlated to intratumour variation of different immune cell populations.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidates the mechanisms underlying enhancer dysregulation and deepens understanding of different tumourigenesis processes in distinct CCA subtypes, with potential significant therapeutics and clinical benefits.

NGS of brush cytology samples improves the detection of high-grade dysplasia and cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A retrospective and prospective study

BACKGROUND

Biliary dysplasia, a precursor of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is a common complication of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Patients with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or early CCA who have received oncological treatment are candidates for liver transplantation. The preoperative diagnosis of CCA or HGD is challenging, and the sensitivity of biliary brush cytology (BC) is limited.

METHODS

By using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we retrospectively analyzed archived tissue samples (n=62) obtained from explanted liver tissue and CCA samples to identify oncogenic mutations that occur during primary sclerosing cholangitis carcinogenesis. BC samples were prospectively collected from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (n=97) referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography to measure the diagnostic utility of NGS combined with BC compared with traditional cytology alone.

RESULTS

Mutations in KRAS, GNAS, FLT3, RNF43, TP53, ATRX, and SMAD4 were detected in archived CCA or HGD samples. KRAS, GNAS, TP53, CDKN2A, FBXW7, BRAF, and ATM mutations were detected in prospectively collected brush samples from patients with histologically verified CCA or HGD. One patient with low-grade dysplasia in the explanted liver had KRAS and GNAS mutations in brush sample. No mutations were observed in brush samples or archived tissues in liver transplantation cases without biliary neoplasia. While KRAS mutations are common in biliary neoplasms, they were also observed in patients without biliary neoplasia during surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, NGS of BC samples increased the sensitivity of detecting biliary neoplasia compared with traditional cytology. Performing NGS on BC samples may help diagnose HGD or early CCA, benefiting the timing of liver transplantation.

Durvalumab Plus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: An Exploratory Analysis of Real-World Data

BACKGROUND

The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin (gem/cis) with the anti-PD-L1-antibody durvalumab was recently approved as first line therapy for biliary tract cancer (BTC) based on the results of the TOPAZ-1 trial.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to analyse the feasibility and efficacy of the triple combination therapy in patients with BTC in a real-world setting and in correspondence with the genetic alterations of the cancer.

METHODS

In this single-centre retrospective analysis, all patients with BTC and treated with durvalumab plus gem/cis from April 2022 to September 2023 were included. Survival and treatment response were investigated, within the context of the inclusion and exclusion criteria of TOPAZ-1 and in correspondence with genetic alterations of the cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 35 patients, of which 51% met the inclusion criteria of the TOPAZ-1 trial, were analysed. Patients treated within TOPAZ-1 criteria did not have a significantly different median overall survival and progression free survival than the rest of the patients (10.3 versus 9.7 months and 5.3 versus 5 months, respectively). The disease control rate of patients within the TOPAZ-1 criteria was 61.1%, in comparison to 58.8% in the rest of patients. A total of 51 grade 3 and 4 adverse events were observed without significant differences in the subgroups. No specific correlating patterns of genetic alterations with survival and response were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of advanced patients with BTC with durvalumab and gem/cis, even beyond the inclusion criteria of the TOPAZ-1 trial, shows promising safety.

Biliary stem cells in health and cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses evidence regarding progenitor populations of the biliary tree in the tissue regeneration and homeostasis, and the pathobiology of cholangiopathies and malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

In embryogenesis biliary multipotent progenitor subpopulation contributes cells not only to the pancreas and gall bladder but also to the liver. Cells equipped with a constellation of markers suggestive of the primitive endodermal phenotype exist in the peribiliary glands, the bile duct glands, of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. These cells are able to be isolated and cultured easily, which demonstrates the persistence of a stable phenotype during in vitro expansion, the ability to self-renew in vitro, and the ability to differentiate between hepatocyte and biliary and pancreatic islet fates.

SUMMARY

In normal human livers, stem/progenitors cells are mostly restricted in two distinct niches, which are the bile ductules/canals of Hering and the peribiliary glands (PBGs) present inside the wall of large intrahepatic bile ducts. The existence of a network of stem/progenitor cell niches within the liver and along the entire biliary tree inform a patho-biological-based translational approach to biliary diseases and cholangiocarcinoma since it poses the basis to understand biliary regeneration after extensive or chronic injuries and progression to fibrosis and cancer.

Evaluation of potential targets to enhance the sensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma cells to anticancer drugs

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal cancer originated in the biliary tree. Available treatments for CCA are scarcely effective, partly due to mechanisms of chemoresistance, such as aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and dysfunctional p53.

AIM

To evaluate the impact of enhancing the expression of negative regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (AXIN1, AXIN2, and GSK3B) and the tumor suppressor gene TP53.

METHODS

Gene expression in paired samples of CCA and adjacent non-tumor liver tissue was determined by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using lentiviral vectors, CCA cells were transduced with genes of interest to assess their impact on the resistome (TLDA), apoptosis (annexin V/propidium iodide), and decreased cell viability (MTT).

RESULTS

IHC revealed marked nuclear localization of β-catenin, consistent with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. In silico analysis with data from TCGA showed heterogeneous down-regulation of AXIN1, AXIN2, and GSK3B in CCA. Enhancing the expression of AXIN1, AXIN2, and GSK3B in CCA cells was not enough to block the activity of this signaling pathway or significantly modify resistance to 5-FU, gemcitabine, and platinated drugs. Consistent with impaired p53 function, CDKN1A was down-regulated in CCA. Forced TP53 expression induced p21 up-regulation and reduced cell proliferation. Moreover, the resistome was modified (FAS, BAX, TYMP, and CES2 up-regulation along with DHFR, RRM1, and BIRC5 down-regulation), which was accompanied by enhanced sensitivity to some antitumor drugs, mainly platinated drugs.

CONCLUSION

Enhancing TP53 expression, but not that of AXIN1, AXIN2, and GSK3B, in CCA cells may be a useful strategy to sensitize CCA to antitumor drugs.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis-Associated Cholangiocarcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Diagnostic and Surveillance Strategies

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common malignancy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), accounting for 2-8% of cases and being the leading cause of death in these patients. The majority of PSC-associated CCAs (PSC-CCA) develop within the first few years after PSC diagnosis. Older age and male sex, as well as concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or high-grade biliary stenosis, are some of the most relevant risk factors. A complex combination of molecular mechanisms involving inflammatory pathways, direct cytopathic damage, and epigenetic and genetic alterations are involved in cholangiocytes carcinogenesis. The insidious clinical presentation makes early detection difficult, and the integration of biochemical, radiological, and histological features does not always lead to a definitive diagnosis of PSC-CCA. Surveillance is mandatory, but current guideline strategies failed to improve early detection and consequently a higher patient survival rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), gene methylation, proteomic and metabolomic profile, and extracellular vesicle components are some of the novel biomarkers recently applied in PSC-CCA detection with promising results. The integration of these new molecular approaches in PSC diagnosis and monitoring could contribute to new diagnostic and surveillance strategies.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a condition exemplifying the crosstalk of the gut-liver axis

The close relationship between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provides a good opportunity to comprehend the gut-liver axis. The gut and the liver have reciprocal interactions, including how gut inflammation influences the liver through immune cells and the microbiota and how the microbiota in the gut modifies bile acids, which are produced and secreted from the liver. PSC-IBD shows distinct clinical findings from classical IBD. In addition, a distinct genetic predisposition and unique microbiota composition suggest that PSC-IBD is an independent disease entity. Understanding the pathogenesis of PSC-IBD helps to develop novel and effective therapeutic agents. Given the high risk of malignancies associated with PSC-IBD, it is critical to identify patients at high risk and implement appropriate surveillance and monitoring strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of PSC-IBD, which exemplifies the gut-liver axis.

EASL-ILCA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) develops inside the liver, between bile ductules and the second-order bile ducts. It is the second most frequent primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma, and its global incidence is increasing. It is associated with an alarming mortality rate owing to its silent presentation (often leading to late diagnosis), highly aggressive nature and resistance to treatment. Early diagnosis, molecular characterisation, accurate staging and personalised multidisciplinary treatments represent current challenges for researchers and physicians. Unfortunately, these challenges are beset by the high heterogeneity of iCCA at the clinical, genomic, epigenetic and molecular levels, very often precluding successful management. Nonetheless, in the last few years, progress has been made in molecular characterisation, surgical management, and targeted therapy. Recent advances together with the awareness that iCCA represents a distinct entity amongst the CCA family, led the ILCA and EASL governing boards to commission international experts to draft dedicated evidence-based guidelines for physicians involved in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic management of iCCA.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Promising Emerging Innovative Therapies and Their Impact on GLOBE Scores

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously referred to as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disorder leading to the destruction of intra-hepatic bile ducts. If untreated, progressive bile duct damage and cholestasis can lead to ductopenia and result in cirrhosis. Ursodiol, the first drug approved for PBC, has changed the natural history of this disease and improved patient outcomes. Subsequently, several new prediction models incorporating a response to ursodiol were developed. These include the GLOBE score, which was shown to predict long-term outcomes in patients with PBC. In 2016, obeticholic acid (OCA) became the second drug to be approved by the FDA, predominantly based on improvement in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. This trial has subsequently influenced the design of clinical trials. Several drugs are currently being evaluated as therapeutic options for PBC, with improvement in ALP being a main endpoint. In this review, we will discuss the impact of new therapies on GLOBE scores in patients with PBC.

Mutational Landscape of Cholangiocarcinoma According to Different Etiologies: A Review

Recent next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies on large cohorts of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients have clearly revealed the extreme intra- and inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity that characterizes this malignancy. The lack of a stereotyped molecular signature in CCA makes the identification of actionable therapeutic targets challenging, making it mandatory to have a better understanding of the origin of such heterogeneity in order to improve the clinical outcome of these patients. Compelling evidence has shown that the CCA genomic landscape significantly differs according to anatomical subtypes and the underlying etiology, highlighting the importance of conducting molecular studies in different populations of CCA patients. Currently, some risk factors have been recognized in CCA development, while others are emerging from recent epidemiological studies. Nevertheless, the role of each etiologic factor in driving CCA genetic heterogeneity still remains unclear, and available studies are limited. In an attempt to shed more light on this issue, here we review the current literature data on the mutational spectrum of this disease according to different etiologies.

Next-generation sequencing mutation analysis on biliary brush cytology for differentiation of benign and malignant strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Differentiation of benign and malignant biliary tract strictures on brush material remains highly challenging but is essential for adequate clinical management of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In this case-control study, biliary brush cytology samples from PSC patients with cholangiocarcinoma (PSC-CCA) were compared with samples from PSC patients without CCA (PSC-control subjects) using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

Cells on archived slides were dissected for DNA extraction. NGS was performed using a gene panel containing 242 hotspots in 14 genes. Repeated brush samples from the same patient were analyzed to study the consistency of NGS results. In PSC-CCA cases that underwent surgical resection, molecular aberrations in brush samples were compared with NGS data from subsequent resection specimens.

RESULTS

Forty patients (20 PSC-CCA and 20 PSC-control subjects) were included. The gene panel detected 22 mutations in 15 of 20 PSC-CCA brush samples, including mutations in TP53 (8 brush samples), K-ras (5), G-nas (3), ERBB2 (1), APC (1), PIK3CA (1), and SMAD4 (1). One G-nas and 3 K-ras mutations were found in 3 of 20 PSC-control brush samples. The sensitivity of the NGS panel was 75% (95% confidence interval, 62%-80%) and specificity 85% (95% confidence interval, 64%-95%). Repeated brush samples showed identical mutations in 6 of 9 cases. Three repeated brush samples demonstrated additional mutations as compared with the first brush sample. In 6 of 7 patients, mutations in brush samples were identical to mutations in subsequent resection specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

NGS mutation analysis of PSC brush cytology detects oncogenic mutations with high sensitivity and specificity and seems to constitute a valuable adjunct to cytologic assessment of brush samples.

Histological evaluation in biliary diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on recent developments of histopathology in the most common biliary disorders affecting adults. The reader is referred to other sources for the specialized topics on paediatric populations and post liver transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Fibrosis stage at diagnosis is an independent predictor of liver transplant-free survival in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Immunohistochemistry might have an important role in predicting response to treatment. New histological scoring systems with excellent correlation with long-term clinical outcomes are being developed in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Quantification of fibrosis with collagen proportionate area can improve risk stratification and could be particularly useful to assess treatment response in PSC.Gene sequencing on cytology and intrabiliary biopsy may improve risk stratification for cholangiocarcinoma. Genetic variants of ATP8B1, ABCB11 and ABCB4 are relatively common in adults with cholestatic liver disease. New causes of cholestatic liver injury have recently been described.

SUMMARY

Histology is often not necessary for the diagnosis of biliary disease, but can provide important information that may assist the clinician in patients' management. Histopathology remains crucial to confirm a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, and to identify the pattern of biliary injury in immune-mediated cholangiopathies and rarer pathological entities.

Optimizing Circulating Tumour DNA Use in the Perioperative Setting for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Screening, Minimal Residual Disease Detection and Treatment Response Monitoring

In this review, we present the current evidence and future perspectives on the use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the diagnosis, management and understanding the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) undergoing surgery. Liquid biopsies or ctDNA maybe utilized to: (1) determine the molecular profile of the tumour and therefore guide the selection of molecular targeted therapy in the neoadjuvant setting, (2) form a surveillance tool for the detection of minimal residual disease or cancer recurrence after surgery, and (3) diagnose and screen for early iCCA detection in high-risk populations. The potential for ctDNA can be tumour-informed or -uninformed depending on the goals of its use. Future studies will require ctDNA extraction technique validations, with standardizations of both the platforms and the timing of ctDNA collections.

Advanced endoscopy meets molecular diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma remains an aggressive and deadly malignancy that is often diagnosed late. Intrinsic tumour characteristics and the growth pattern of cancer cells contribute to the challenges of diagnosis and chemoresistance. However, establishing an early and accurate diagnosis, and in some instances identifying targetable changes, has the potential to impact survival. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic cholangiopathy prodromal to the development of a minority of cholangiocarcinomas, poses a particular diagnostic challenge. We present our diagnostic and theranostic approach to the initial evaluation of cholangiocarcinomas, focusing on extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. This involves a multipronged strategy incorporating advanced imaging, endoscopic methods, multiple approaches to tissue sampling, and molecular markers. We also provide an algorithm for the sequential use of these tools.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Molecular Abnormalities and Cells of Origin

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are a group of heterogeneous epithelial malignancies that can originate at the level of any location of the biliary tree. These tumors are relatively rare but associated with a high rate of mortality. CCAs are morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous and for their location can be distinguished as intracellular and extracellular, subdivided into perihilar and distal. Recent epidemiological, molecular, and cellular studies have supported that the consistent heterogeneity observed for CCAs may result from the convergence of various key elements mainly represented by risk factors, heterogeneity of the associated molecular abnormalities at genetic and epigenetic levels and by different potential cells of origin. These studies have consistently contributed to better defining the pathogenesis of CCAs and to identify in some instances new therapeutic targets. Although the therapeutic progress were still limited, these observations suggest that a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CCA in the future will help to develop more efficacious treatment strategies.

Genetic alterations during the neoplastic cascade towards cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Carcinogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is largely unexplored. Improved understanding of the molecular events involved may guide development of novel avenues for rational clinical management. We aimed to assess the genetic alterations during progression of the neoplastic cascade from biliary dysplasia towards CCA in PSC. Forty-four resection specimens or biopsies of PSC patients with biliary dysplasia (n = 2) and/or CCA (n = 42) were included. DNA was extracted from sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks with dysplasia (n = 23), CCA (n = 69), and nonneoplastic tissue (n = 28). A custom-made next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 28 genes was used for mutation and copy number variation (CNV) detection. In addition, CNVs of CDKN2A, EGFR, MCL1, and MYC were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Alterations in 16 low-grade dysplasia samples included loss of FGFR1 (19%), CDKN2A (13%), and SMAD4 (6%), amplification of FGFR3 (6%), EGFR (6%), and ERBB2 (6%), and mutations in SMAD4 (13%). High-grade dysplasia (n = 7) is characterized by MYC amplification (43%), and mutations in ERBB2 (71%) and TP53 (86%). TP53 mutations are the most common aberrations in PSC-CCA (30%), whereas mutations in KRAS (16%), GNAS (14%), and PIK3CA (9%) are also common. In conclusion, PSC-CCA exhibits a variety of genetic alterations during progression of the neoplastic cascade, with mainly CNVs being present early, whereas mutations in ERBB2, TP53, and KRAS appear later in the development of CCA. These findings are promising for the development of NGS-guided diagnostic strategies in PSC-CCA. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Unraveling the Complexity of Liver Disease One Cell at a Time

The human liver is a complex organ made up of multiple specialized cell types that carry out key physiological functions. An incomplete understanding of liver biology limits our ability to develop therapeutics to prevent chronic liver diseases, liver cancers, and death as a result of organ failure. Recently, single-cell modalities have expanded our understanding of the cellular phenotypic heterogeneity and intercellular cross-talk in liver health and disease. This review summarizes these findings and looks forward to highlighting new avenues for the application of single-cell genomics to unravel unknown pathogenic pathways and disease mechanisms for the development of new therapeutics targeting liver pathology. As these technologies mature, their integration into clinical data analysis will aid in patient stratification and in developing treatment plans for patients suffering from liver disease.

The genomic landscape of cholangiocarcinoma reveals the disruption of post-transcriptional modifiers

Molecular variation between geographical populations and subtypes indicate potential genomic heterogeneity and novel genomic features within CCA. Here, we analyze exome-sequencing data of 87 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and 261 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) cases from 3 Asian centers (including 43 pCCAs and 24 iCCAs from our center). iCCA tumours demonstrate a higher tumor mutation burden and copy number alteration burden (CNAB) than pCCA tumours, and high CNAB indicates a poorer pCCA prognosis. We identify 12 significantly mutated genes and 5 focal CNA regions, and demonstrate common mutations in post-transcriptional modification-related potential driver genes METTL14 and RBM10 in pCCA tumours. Finally we demonstrate the tumour-suppressive role of METTL14, a major RNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase (m6A), and illustrate that its loss-of-function mutation R298H may act through m6A modification on potential driver gene MACF1. Our results may be valuable for better understanding of how post-transcriptional modification can affect CCA development, and highlight both similarities and differences between pCCA and iCCA.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogenous group of cancers, with large genetic variation seen within subtypes. Here, the authors find 12 significantly mutated genes and 5 focal CNA regions were found in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and identified METTL14 to have a potential tumour suppressive role.

In Vivo Modeling of Patient Genetic Heterogeneity Identifies New Ways to Target Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive malignancy of the bile ducts within the liver characterized by high levels of genetic heterogeneity. In the context of such genetic variability, determining which oncogenic mutations drive ICC growth has been difficult, and developing modes of patient stratification and targeted therapies remains challenging. Here we model the interactions between rare mutations with more common driver genes and combine in silico analysis of patient data with highly multiplexed in vivo CRISPR-spCas9 screens to perform a functional in vivo study into the role genetic heterogeneity plays in driving ICC. Novel tumor suppressors were uncovered, which, when lost, cooperate with the RAS oncoprotein to drive ICC growth. Focusing on a set of driver mutations that interact with KRAS to initiate aggressive, sarcomatoid-type ICC revealed that tumor growth relies on Wnt and PI3K signaling. Pharmacologic coinhibition of Wnt and PI3K in vivo impeded ICC growth regardless of mutational profile. Therefore, Wnt and PI3K activity should be considered as a signature by which patients can be stratified for treatment independent of tumor genotype, and inhibitors of these pathways should be levied to treat ICC.

SIGNIFICANCE

This work shows that, despite significant genetic heterogeneity, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma relies on a limited number of signaling pathways to grow, suggesting common therapeutic vulnerabilities across patients.

Integrative analysis reveals early and distinct genetic and epigenetic changes in intraductal papillary and tubulopapillary cholangiocarcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

A detailed understanding of the molecular alterations in different forms of cholangiocarcinogenesis is crucial for a better understanding of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and may pave the way to early diagnosis and better treatment options.

DESIGN

We analysed a clinicopathologically well-characterised patient cohort (n=54) with high-grade intraductal papillary (IPNB) or tubulopapillary (ITPN) neoplastic precursor lesions of the biliary tract and correlated the results with an independent non-IPNB/ITPN associated CCA cohort (n=294). The triplet sample set of non-neoplastic biliary epithelium, precursor and invasive CCA was analysed by next generation sequencing, DNA copy number and genome-wide methylation profiling.

RESULTS

Patients with invasive CCA arising from IPNB/ITPN had better prognosis than patients with CCA not associated with IPNB/ITPN. ITPN was localised mostly intrahepatic, whereas IPNB was mostly of extrahepatic origin. IPNB/ITPN were equally associated with small-duct and large-duct type intrahepatic CCA. IPNB exhibited mutational profiles of extrahepatic CCA, while ITPN had significantly fewer mutations. Most mutations were shared between precursor lesions and corresponding invasive CCA but ROBO2 mutations occurred exclusively in invasive CCA and CTNNB1 mutations were mainly present in precursor lesions. In addition, IPNB and ITPN differed in their DNA methylation profiles and analyses of latent methylation components suggested that IPNB and ITPN may have different cells-of-origin.

CONCLUSION

Integrative analysis revealed that IPNB and ITPN harbour distinct early genetic alterations, IPNB are enriched in mutations typical for extrahepatic CCA, whereas ITPN exhibited few genetic alterations and showed distinct epigenetic profiles. In conclusion, IPNB/ITPN may represent a distinctive, intermediate form of intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinogenesis.

Driver mutations of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma shape clinically relevant genomic clusters with distinct molecular features and therapeutic vulnerabilities

Purpose: To establish a clinically applicable genomic clustering system, we investigated the interactive landscape of driver mutations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods: The genomic data of 1481 ICCs from diverse populations was analyzed to investigate the pair-wise co-occurrences or mutual exclusivities among recurrent driver mutations. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were compared among different clusters. Gene expression and DNA methylation profiling datasets were analyzed to investigate the molecular distinctions among mutational clusters. ICC cell lines with different gene mutation backgrounds were used to evaluate the cluster specific biological behaviors and drug sensitivities.

Results: Statistically significant mutation-pairs were identified across 21 combinations of genes. Seven most recurrent driver mutations (TP53, KRAS, SMAD4, IDH1/2, FGFR2-fus and BAP1) showed pair-wise co-occurrences or mutual exclusivities and could aggregate into three genetic clusters: Cluster1: represented by tripartite interaction of KRAS, TP53 and SMAD4 mutations, exhibited large bile duct histological phenotype with high CA19-9 level and dismal prognosis; Cluster2: co-association of IDH/BAP1 or FGFR2-fus/BAP1 mutation, was characterized by small bile duct phenotype, low CA19-9 level and optimal prognosis; Cluster3: mutation-free ICC cases with intermediate clinicopathological features. These clusters showed distinct molecular traits, biological behaviors and responses to therapeutic drugs. Finally, we identified S100P and KRT17 as “cluster-specific”, “lineage-dictating” and “prognosis-related” biomarkers, which in combination with CA19-9 could well stratify Cluster3 ICCs into two biologically and clinically distinct subtypes.

Conclusions: This clinically applicable clustering system can be instructive to ICC prognostic stratification, molecular classification, and therapeutic optimization.

Novel therapeutic targets for cholestatic and fatty liver disease

Cholestatic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) share several key pathophysiological mechanisms which can be targeted by novel therapeutic concepts that are currently developed for both areas. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcriptional regulators of key metabolic processes including hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, energy expenditure and bile acid (BA) homoeostasis, as well as inflammation, fibrosis and cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cholestatic as well as fatty liver disease, placing NRs at the forefront of novel therapeutic approaches. This includes BA and fatty acid activated NRs such as farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, respectively, for which high affinity therapeutic ligands targeting specific or multiple isoforms have been developed. Moreover, novel liver-specific ligands for thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 complete the spectrum of currently available NR-targeted drugs. Apart from FXR ligands, BA signalling can be targeted by mimetics of FXR-activated fibroblast growth factor 19, modulation of their enterohepatic circulation through uptake inhibitors in hepatocytes and enterocytes, as well as novel BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting (instead of enterohepatic circulation). Other therapeutic approaches more directly target inflammation and/or fibrosis as critical events of disease progression. Combination strategies synergistically targeting metabolic disturbances, inflammation and fibrosis may be ultimately necessary for successful treatment of these complex and multifactorial disorders.

Next-generation sequencing in the evaluation of biliary strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a well-described risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Early detection of CCA in these patients is of great importance because it expands options for therapeutic interventions, including liver transplantation. Current diagnostic tests for the evaluation of biliary strictures are limited to biliary brushing (BB) cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become an important diagnostic tool in oncology and may be a useful tool for diagnosing CCA on BBs. It is not clear how NGS performs when it is added to BB cytology and FISH in patients with PSC.

METHODS

This study reports the authors' experience with NGS performed as a prospective cotest with cytology and FISH on BBs obtained from 60 patients with PSC followed at Massachusetts General Hospital. A duct with malignancy was defined as a high-risk (HR) stricture with either high-grade dysplasia or CCA.

RESULTS

NGS was better than FISH and cytology in detecting HR strictures, which showed multiple genetic mutations in all cases. NGS provided specific mutational information, and NGS results were reproducible in longitudinal samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding NGS to BB cytology and FISH in the evaluation of biliary strictures for patients with PSC may provide additional information that could help to inform clinical management.

The Evolving Role of FGFR2 Inhibitors in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Targeting

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an anatomically and biologically distinct entity with a rising incidence and a poor prognosis on conventional treatments. Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is a potentially curative option in resectable cases, while palliative-intent chemotherapy is the standard-of-care in the advanced setting. Technological advances through massive parallel sequencing have enabled a deeper understanding of disease biology with the identification of several druggable molecular vulnerabilities in nearly 50% of cases. Among them, gene fusions involving the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) are the most therapeutically exploited so far with a number of Phase II clinical trials investigating FGFR2 inhibitors showing unprecedented efficacy results in this molecular subgroup. Over the last year, these efforts have culminated in the US FDA-approval of pemigatinib and infigratinib, the first two oral selective FGFR2 targeted agents for previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic iCCA driven by FGFR2 fusion or rearrangements. While first-line Phase III trials are currently underway to test these targeted approach against standard-of-care chemotherapy, translational studies are trying to better understand primary and secondary resistance mechanisms in order to optimize FGFR2 blockade in iCCA. In this article, we extensively reviewed the current evidence on the biological rationale, as well as preclinical and clinical development of FGFR inhibitors in iCCA.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis-Associated Cholangiocarcinoma Demonstrates High Intertumor and Intratumor Heterogeneity

INTRODUCTION

Intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity may explain the diagnostic challenge and limited efficacy of chemotherapy for primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (PSC-CCA). In this study, tumor heterogeneity was assessed through p53 and p16 protein expression analysis and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of TP53 and CDKN2A genetic alterations in PSC-associated CCA.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from resection material of patients with PSC-CCA or patients with PSC diagnosed with biliary dysplasia were selected. Sections with CCA and foci with dysplastic epithelium were identified by 2 independent gastrointestinal pathologists. Immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and p16 protein expression and NGS of TP53 and CDKN2A genetic alterations were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 49 CCA and 21 dysplasia samples were identified in the resection specimens of 26 patients. P53 protein expression showed loss of expression, wild type, and overexpression in 14%, 63%, and 23% CCA and in 19%, 62%, and 19% dysplasia samples, respectively. P16 protein expression showed negative, heterogeneous, and positive results in 31%, 57%, and 12% CCA and in 33%, 53%, and 14% dysplasia samples, respectively. NGS showed high intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of TP53 mutations and CDKN2A loss. Nearly 70% of the samples with a TP53 missense mutation demonstrated p53 overexpression, whereas all samples with a TP53 nonsense mutation demonstrated loss of p53 protein expression.

DISCUSSION

PSC-associated CCA is characterized by high intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity of both p53/p16 protein expression and genetic alterations in TP53/CDKN2A, indicating that these tumors consist of multiple subclones with substantially different genetic makeup. The high intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity in PSC-CCA should be acknowledged during the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Molecular Characterization of Biliary Tract Cancer Predicts Chemotherapy and Programmed Death 1/Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Blockade Responses

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) exhibits diverse molecular characteristics. However, reliable biomarkers that predict therapeutic responses are yet to be discovered. We aimed to identify the molecular features of treatment responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in BTCs.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We enrolled 121 advanced BTC patients (68 cholangiocarcinomas [33 intrahepatic, 35 extrahepatic], 41 gallbladder cancers, and 12 Ampulla of Vater cancers) whose specimens were analyzed by clinical sequencing platforms. All patients received first-line palliative chemotherapy; 48 patients underwent programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade therapy after failed chemotherapy. Molecular and histopathological characterization was performed using targeted sequencing and immunohistochemical staining to investigate treatment response-associated biomarkers. Genomic analysis revealed a broad spectrum of mutational profiles according to anatomical location. Favorable responses to chemotherapy were observed in the small-duct type compared with the large-duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with frequent mutations in BRCA1-associated protein-1/isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 and KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase/SMAD family member 4 genes, respectively. The molecular features were further analyzed in BTCs, and transforming growth factor beta and DNA damage response pathway-altered tumors exhibited poor and favorable chemotherapy responses, respectively. In PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-treated patients, KRAS alteration and chromosomal instability tumors were associated with resistance to immunotherapy. The majority of patients (95.0%) with these resistance factors show no clinical benefit to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and low tumor mutational burdens. Low tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density in tumors with these resistance factors indicated immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments, whereas high intratumoral TIL density was associated with a favorable immunotherapy response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes predictive molecular features of chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses in advanced BTCs using clinical sequencing platforms. Our result provides an intuitive framework to guide the treatment of advanced BTCs benefiting from therapeutic agents based on the tumors' molecular features.

Novel biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma: how can it enhance diagnosis, prognostication, and investigational drugs? Part-1

INTRODUCTION

The development of novel biomarkers for cancer has exploded over the last decade with advances in novel technologies. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a cancer of the bile ducts, has a dearth of strong disease and pathophysiology biomarkers, making early detection and prognostication a difficult task.

AREAS COVERED

In this comprehensive review, we discuss the spectrum of biomarkers for CCA diagnosis and prognostication. We elaborate on novel biomarker discovery through a comprehensive multi-omics approach. We also cover, how certain biomarkers may also serve as unique and potent targets for therapeutic development.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the relatively poor diagnostic and prognostic performance of existing biomarkers for CCA, there is a vast range of novel biomarkers with exquisite diagnostic and prognostic performance for CCA in the pipeline. Moreover, these biomarkers may serve as potential targets for precision medicine. Existing strategies to target unique biomolecular classes are discussed, within the context of an overall 'omics' focused profiling strategy. Omics profiling will simultaneously allow for enhanced biomarker development and identification of unique subtypes of cholangiocarcinoma and how they are influenced by an individual's unique context. In this manner, patient management strategy and clinical trial design can be optimized to the individual.

Molecular-driven treatment for biliary tract cancer: the promising turning point

INTRODUCTION

In the past, targeted therapies have not shown positive results as they have been used without adequate molecular selection of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC). This has led to an expansion of research on characteristics and molecular selection to identify new effective strategies in this setting. Improved knowledge of the molecular biology of these neoplasms has highlighted their extraordinary heterogeneity and has made it possible to identify targetable gene alterations, including fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 gene fusions, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. The FDA recently approved ivosidenib and pemigatinib for the treatment of BTCs.

AREAS COVERED

We review data in the literature regarding targeted therapies for the treatment of BTCs, as well as on the prospects deriving from the extraordinary molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms.

EXPERT OPINION

At present, it is essential to evaluate the expression of the genetic alterations expressed by these neoplasms to offer patients an increasingly personalized therapeutic approach. Studies are needed to better define the limits and potentials of targeted therapies and their role in the therapeutic algorithm to improve the poor prognosis of these patients.

The Role of microRNAs in Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), an aggressive malignancy, is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is associated with dismal 5-year postoperative survival rates, generating an urgent need for prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are associated with cancer regulation, including modulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, autophagy, therapy resistance, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Several miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in CCA and are associated with CCA-related risk factors. Accumulating studies have indicated that the expression of altered miRNAs could act as oncogenic or suppressor miRNAs in the development and progression of CCA and contribute to clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, miRNAs and their target genes also contribute to targeted therapy development and aid in the determination of drug resistance mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CCA, their potential use as biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis, and their utilization as novel therapeutic targets in CCA.

Clinicopathological Significance of Syndecan-1 in Cholangiocarcinoma: A Study Based on Immunohistochemistry and Public Sequencing Data

Background: Syndecan-1 (CD138; SDC1) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has been attributed a key role in cancer progression in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. We therefore aimed to investigate the role of syndecan-1 in cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: We analyzed syndecan-1 expression in a large, clinicopathologically well-characterized collective of 154 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 221 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, and 95 gallbladder carcinomas as well as respective normal tissues and precursor lesions by immunohistochemistry with digital image analysis and correlated with recurrence-free survival and prognostic markers. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of cancer genes in the cholangiocarcinoma cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Results: During cholangiocarcinogenesis, syndecan-1-expression decreased when compared to normal bile ducts and biliary intraepithelial neoplasia; however, syndecan-1 levels were found to be elevated in lymph node metastases. In the TCGA cohort, high mRNA SDC1 levels were associated with poor prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, in our large cohort, the immunohistochemical syndecan-1 expression did not significantly correlate with recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: Syndecan-1 was found to be downregulated during cholangiocarcinogenesis, yet we could not show significant effects on prognosis on protein level. Further analyses are needed to further depict its specific role.

Molecular Landscape and Therapeutic Strategies in Cholangiocarcinoma: An Integrated Translational Approach towards Precision Medicine

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are heterogeneous biliary tract malignancies with dismal prognosis, mainly due to tumor aggressiveness, late diagnosis, and poor response to current therapeutic options. High-throughput technologies have been used as a fundamental tool in unveiling CCA molecular landscape, and several molecular classifications have been proposed, leading to various targeted therapy trials. In this review, we aim to analyze the critical issues concerning the status of precision medicine in CCA, discussing molecular signatures and clusters, related to both anatomical classification and different etiopathogenesis, and the latest therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, we propose an integrated approach comprising the CCA molecular mechanism, pathobiology, clinical and histological findings, and treatment perspectives for the ultimate purpose of improving the methods of patient allocations in clinical trials and the response to personalized therapies.

Present and future role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, inflammatory cholestatic liver disease that causes biliary strictures which can lead to secondary complications. About 30-50% of PSC patients develop dominant strictures (DS) in the biliary tree, which are both the cause of jaundice and bacterial cholangitis as well as predilection spots for development of neoplastic development. Cancer is the most common cause of death in PSC. A central concern is to distinguish malignant from benign strictures, which eventually is done by invasive methods to obtain a brush cytology or biopsy sample, in most cases via endoscopic retrograde cholangiography-pancreatography (ERCP). Since medical therapies, like ursodesoxycholic acid or immunosuppressive drugs have no proven effect, therapeutic ERCP has become the primary management strategy to improve symptoms and in some patients may slow down disease progression. This article aims at outlining the current and emerging methods in ERCP in PSC patients.

Optimal tissue sampling during ERCP and emerging molecular techniques for the differentiation of benign and malignant biliary strictures

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma have poor survival since the majority of patients are diagnosed at a stage precluding surgical resection, due to locally irresectable tumors and/or metastases. Optimization of diagnostic strategies, with a principal role for tissue diagnosis, is essential to detect cancers at an earlier stage amenable to curative treatment. Current barriers for a tissue diagnosis include both insufficient tissue sampling and a difficult cyto- or histopathological assessment. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, optimal brush sampling includes obtaining more than one brush within an individual patient to increase its diagnostic value. Currently, no significant increase of the diagnostic accuracy for the new cytology brush devices aiming to enhance the cellularity of brushings versus standard biliary brush devices has been demonstrated. Peroral cholangioscopy with bile duct biopsies appears to be a valuable tool in the diagnostic work-up of indeterminate biliary strictures, and may overcome current technical difficulties of fluoroscopic-guided biopsies. Over the past years, molecular techniques to detect chromosomal instability, mutations and methylation profiling of tumors have revolutionized, and implementation of these techniques on biliary tissue during diagnostic work-up of biliary strictures may be awaited in the near future. Fluorescence in situ hybridization has already been implemented in routine diagnostic evaluation of biliary strictures in several centers. Next-generation sequencing is promising for standard diagnostic care in biliary strictures, and recent studies have shown adequate detection of prevalent genomic alterations in KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, PIK3CA, and GNAS on biliary brush material. Detection of DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes and microRNAs may evolve over the coming years to a valuable diagnostic tool for cholangiocarcinoma. This review summarizes optimal strategies for biliary tissue sampling during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and focuses on the evolving molecular techniques on biliary tissue to improve the differentiation of benign and malignant biliary strictures.

Biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancers, including intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma as well as gallbladder cancer, are low-incidence malignancies in most high-income countries, but represent a major health problem in endemic areas; moreover, the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is rising globally. Surgery is the cornerstone of cure; the optimal approach depends on the anatomical site of the primary tumour and the best outcomes are achieved through management by specialist multidisciplinary teams. Unfortunately, most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Most studies in advanced disease have pooled the various subtypes of biliary tract cancer by necessity to achieve adequate sample sizes; however, differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, natural history, surgical therapy, response to treatment, and prognosis have long been recognised. Additionally, the identification of distinct patient subgroups harbouring unique molecular alterations with corresponding targeted therapies (such as isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 mutations and fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 fusions in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, among others) is changing the treatment paradigm. In this Seminar we present an update of the causes, diagnosis, molecular classification, and treatment of biliary tract cancer.

The impact of primary sclerosing cholangitis or inflammatory bowel disease on cholangiocarcinoma phenotype, therapy, and survival

Background and Aim

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), confers the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Isolated IBD may be an independent risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. We sought to compare cholangiocarcinoma phenotype and outcomes between patients with PSC, IBD, and neither.

Methods

Patients with malignancy were separated into cohorts by the presence of PSC and IBD. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, therapeutic regimens, and survival were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad and R‐Studio.

Results

Of 946 patients, 22 had PSC, and 18 had isolated IBD. PSC and IBD patients were younger than controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.01). Cholangiocarcinoma prevalence was estimated at 0.01% for IBD patients, 0.6% for PSC patients, and 0.002% for all other patients. All cohorts most often presented at stage 4. PSC patients presented more often at stage 3 (P = 0.04) and with perihilar disease (P = 0.001). Patients with PSC or IBD received less chemotherapy (P = 0.004, 0.01). Median overall survivals were 15 months (PSC), 11 months (IBD), and 10 months (controls) (P = 0.79). Patients with intrahepatic tumors had longer survival (P < 0.001). Curative intent resection improved survival in all cohorts (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified resection as a predictor of improved survival. Extrahepatic, perihilar, gallbladder, and unspecified biliary tumors were predictors of death.

Conclusions

Cholangiocarcinoma presents at a late stage and portends dismal survival regardless of PSC or IBD status. Survival was dependent on tumor location and surgical resection. These data suggest that efforts should focus on developing protocols that are able to detect and treat cholangiocarcinoma in high‐risk populations (PSC) at an early stage.

[Cholangiocarcinoma-diagnosis, classification, and molecular alterations]

BACKGROUND

The entity cholangiocarcinoma comprises various malignant epithelial neoplasms of different morphology, etiology, and pathogenesis.

AIM

In this review, the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, classification, and molecular alterations of intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are summarized.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review is based on the currently available literature and personal knowledge.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Cholangiocarcinomas are morphologically and molecularly diverse neoplasms that can develop ubiquitously in the biliary tract. Since there is a significant histological and immunohistochemical overlap with frequent liver metastases, a definite diagnosis can often only be rendered in the clinical context. Cholangiocarcinomas are subclassified into intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar (pCCA), and distal (dCCA) tumors according to macro-anatomical criteria. Recent studies show that there are distinctive molecular differences in particular between iCCA and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA, including pCCA and dCCA). In addition, morphologically well-characterized precursor lesions have been identified, which in various frequencies can be assigned not only to the anatomical classification, but also to certain etiologies. An exact classification is therefore essential, especially with regard to the development of innovative, targeted therapeutic approaches.

Prognostic value of peri-nuclear Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in subjects with primary sclerosing cholangitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of peri-nuclear Anti- Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (p-ANCA) in subjects with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and in particular whether it is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the last 9 years,64 patientswere admitted to our Hospital with PSC: 34 males, mean age 53 years, range 17-90. All the patients had a cholestatic pattern of elevated serum enzymes. The diagnosis was made in most cases with magnetic resonance and in small percentages with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or liver biopsy. In 33 patients with PSC, colonoscopy and p-ANCA assays were possible.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients showed p-ANCA positivity: 8 had ulcerative colitis (UC), with associated colon cancer (CC) in 3 cases, 3 had Crohn's disease (CD), 2 had no inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Twenty patients were p-ANCA negative: only 1 with indeterminate IBD, while 19 had no IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD, or especially UC, is present in85% of patients with CSP and p-ANCA positivity, whereas 95% of patients with PSC who test negative for p- ANCA do not have IBD.