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Li Z, Nguyen Canh H, Takahashi K, Le Thanh D, Nguyen Thi Q, Yang R, Yoshimura K, Sato Y, Nguyen Thi K, Nakata H, Ikeda H, Kozaka K, Kobayashi S, Yagi S, Harada K. Histopathological growth pattern and vessel co-option in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Med Mol Morphol 2024; 57:200-217. [PMID: 38960952 PMCID: PMC11343874 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-024-00392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) exhibits different blood imaging features and prognosis depending on histology. To clarity histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) and vascularization processes of iCCA, we collected 145 surgical specimens and histologically classified them into large bile duct (LBD) (20 cases), small bile duct (SBD) (54), cholangiolocarcinoma (CLC) (35), combined SBD-CLC (cSBD-CLC) (26), and ductal plate malformation (DPM) (10) (sub)types. According to the invasive pattern at the interface between tumor and adjacent background liver, HGPs were classified into desmoplastic, pushing, and replacing HGPs. Desmoplastic HGP predominated in LBD type (55.5%), while replacing HGP was common in CLC (82.9%) and cSBD-CLC (84.6%) subtypes. Desmoplastic HGP reflected angiogenesis, while replacing HGP showed vessel co-option in addition to angiogenesis. By evaluating microvessel density (MVD) using vascular markers, ELTD1 identified vessel co-option and angiogenesis, and ELTD1-positive MVD at invasive margin in replacing HGP was significantly higher than those in desmoplastic and pushing HGPs. REDD1, an angiogenesis-related marker, demonstrated preferably higher MVD in the tumor center than in other areas. iCCA (sub)types and HGPs were closely related to vessel co-option and immune-related factors (lymphatic vessels, lymphocytes, and neutrophils). In conclusion, HGPs and vascular mechanisms characterize iCCA (sub)types and vessel co-option linked to the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hiep Nguyen Canh
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kenta Takahashi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Dong Le Thanh
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Quynh Nguyen Thi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kaori Yoshimura
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Khuyen Nguyen Thi
- Center of Pathology and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kozaka
- Department of Radiology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Radiology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yagi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
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Fiz F, Rossi N, Langella S, Conci S, Serenari M, Ardito F, Cucchetti A, Gallo T, Zamboni GA, Mosconi C, Boldrini L, Mirarchi M, Cirillo S, Ruzzenente A, Pecorella I, Russolillo N, Borzi M, Vara G, Mele C, Ercolani G, Giuliante F, Cescon M, Guglielmi A, Ferrero A, Sollini M, Chiti A, Torzilli G, Ieva F, Viganò L. Radiomics of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Peritumoral Tissue Predicts Postoperative Survival: Development of a CT-Based Clinical-Radiomic Model. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:5604-5614. [PMID: 38797789 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many tumors, radiomics provided a relevant prognostic contribution. This study tested whether the computed tomography (CT)-based textural features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and peritumoral tissue improve the prediction of survival after resection compared with the standard clinical indices. METHODS All consecutive patients affected by ICC who underwent hepatectomy at six high-volume centers (2009-2019) were considered for the study. The arterial and portal phases of CT performed fewer than 60 days before surgery were analyzed. A manual segmentation of the tumor was performed (Tumor-VOI). A 5-mm volume expansion then was applied to identify the peritumoral tissue (Margin-VOI). RESULTS The study enrolled 215 patients. After a median follow-up period of 28 months, the overall survival (OS) rate was 57.0%, and the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 34.9% at 3 years. The clinical predictive model of OS had a C-index of 0.681. The addition of radiomic features led to a progressive improvement of performances (C-index of 0.71, including the portal Tumor-VOI, C-index of 0.752 including the portal Tumor- and Margin-VOI, C-index of 0.764, including all VOIs of the portal and arterial phases). The latter model combined clinical variables (CA19-9 and tumor pattern), tumor indices (density, homogeneity), margin data (kurtosis, compacity, shape), and GLRLM indices. The model had performance equivalent to that of the postoperative clinical model including the pathology data (C-index of 0.765). The same results were observed for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The radiomics of ICC and peritumoral tissue extracted from preoperative CT improves the prediction of survival. Both the portal and arterial phases should be considered. Radiomic and clinical data are complementary and achieve a preoperative estimation of prognosis equivalent to that achieved in the postoperative setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiz
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Ente Ospedaliero "Ospedali Galliera", Genoa, Italy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Noemi Rossi
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Langella
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Conci
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Serenari
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ardito
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Teresa Gallo
- Department of Radiology, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia A Zamboni
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Mosconi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Boldrini
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cirillo
- Department of Radiology, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Ruzzenente
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pecorella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Russolillo
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Borzi
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulio Vara
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alfredo Guglielmi
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrero
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Sollini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ieva
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- CHDS - Center for Health Data Science, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Viganò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- Hepatobiliary Unit, Department of Minimally Invasive General and Oncologic Surgery, Humanitas Gavazzeni University Hospital, Bergamo, Italy.
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Mashiko T, Carreras J, Ogasawara T, Masuoka Y, Ei S, Takahashi S, Nomura T, Mori M, Koyanagi K, Yamamoto S, Nakamura N, Nakagohri T. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with arterial phase hyperenhancement and specialized tumor microenvironment associated with good prognosis after radical resection: A single-center retrospective study. Surgery 2024; 176:259-266. [PMID: 38796389 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This single-center retrospective study aimed to clarify the clinical and pathologic background of mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. METHODS A total of 53 patients with mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were selected from 2007 to 2021 and analyzed based on several parameters, including the preoperative computed tomography pattern (enhancement in the arterial phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography), clinical data, and tumor microenvironment evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The hyperenhancement (n = 13) and hypoenhancement (n = 40) groups were defined using the 50% cutoff of tumors with higher attenuation than the liver parenchyma. RESULTS The hyperenhancement group was characterized by a better overall survival than the hypoenhancement group (5-year survival: 86% vs 27%, respectively; P < .001) and by a higher infiltration of peritumoral (92% vs 58%; P = .020) and intratumoral CD3-positive T lymphocytes (85% vs 35%; P = .002). Conversely, the hypoenhancement group was characterized by a higher infiltration versus peritumoral CD163-positive tumor-associated macrophages (60% vs 8%; P = .001), peritumoral pentraxin 3-positive tumor-associated macrophages (50% vs 15%; P = .024), and intratumoral α-smooth muscle actin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (15% vs 68%; P = .001). A multiple regression analysis was performed to predict overall survival from the microenvironment, and the independent poor predictor factors were low intratumoral CD3-positive T lymphocytes (hazard ratio = 2.75), high peritumoral (hazard ratio = 2.38), and intratumoral CD163-positive tumor-associated macrophages (hazard ratio = 2.81) (all P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION Compared with hypovascular, hypervascular mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas have better tumor immunity and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Mashiko
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Joaquim Carreras
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Toshihito Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Masuoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Shigenori Ei
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takakiyo Nomura
- Department of Radiology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kazuo Koyanagi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Naoya Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Toshio Nakagohri
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
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Vaz da Silva DG, de Ribeiro HSDC, Dos Santos GO, Lindote MVN, Torres SM, Diniz AL, de Godoy AL, de Farias IC, Felismino TC, da Costa Junior WL, Coimbra FJF. Dense tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer are related to improved overall survival. J Surg Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38946284 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represent a host-tumor interaction, frequently signifying an augmented immunological response. Nonetheless, implications with survival outcomes in patients with colorectal carcinoma liver metastasis (CRLM) warrant rigorous validation. The objective was to demonstrate the association between TILs and survival in patients with CRLM. METHOD In a retrospective evaluation conducted in a single institution, we assessed all patients who underwent hepatectomy due to CRLM between 2014 and 2018. Comprehensive medical documentation reviews were executed. TILs were assessed by a liver pathologist, blinded to the clinical information, in all surgical slides. RESULTS This retrospective cohort included 112 patients. Median overall survival (OS) was 58 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was 12 months for the entire cohort. Comparison between groups showed a median OS of 81 months in the dense TILs group and 40 months in the weak/absent group (p = 0.001), and DFS was 14 months versus 9 months (p = 0.041). Multivariable analysis showed that TILs were an independent predictor of OS (HR 1.95; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Dense TILs are a pivotal prognostic indicator, correlating with enhanced OS. Including TILs information in histopathological evaluations should refine the clinical decision-making process for this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Silvio Mello Torres
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, A. C. Camargo Cancer, CenterSão Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Luiz de Godoy
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, A. C. Camargo Cancer, CenterSão Paulo, Brazil
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Wirta EV, Szeto S, Koppatz H, Nordin A, Mäkisalo H, Arola J, Sirén J, Ahtiainen M, Böhm J, Mecklin JP, Sallinen V, Seppälä TT. High immune cell infiltration predicts improved survival in cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1333926. [PMID: 38751812 PMCID: PMC11094285 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1333926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antitumoral immune response has a crucial role in constraining cancer. However, previous studies on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and aggressive cancer, have reported contradictory findings on the prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes. We aimed to clarify the effect of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and PD-1/PD-L1 expression on CCA prognosis. Methods CD3+, CD8+, and PD-1+ lymphocyte densities, as well as PD-L1 expression rate were analyzed from stained tissue microarray samples from the tumor center and invasive margin of 47 cholangiocarcinomas. The association of CD3+ and CD8+ based Immune cell score (ICS) and its components with overall survival was evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, TNM stage, radicality of surgery, tumor location, and PD-L1 expression on immune cells. Results Low ICS was a strong independent prognostic factor for worse overall survival (Hazard ratio 9.27, 95% confidence interval 2.72-31.64, P<0.001). Among the ICS components, high CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration at the tumor center had the most evident impact on patient outcome. PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on immune cells did not have a significant impact on overall survival alone; however, PD-L1 positivity seemed to impair survival for ICSlow subgroup. Conclusion Identifying patient subgroups that could benefit from immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade may help improve treatment strategies for this aggressive cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the immune contexture in cholangiocarcinoma, as ICS serves as a strong independent prognostic and selective factor for patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkki-Ville Wirta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Säde Szeto
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Koppatz
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arno Nordin
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Mäkisalo
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Arola
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Sirén
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maarit Ahtiainen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jan Böhm
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jukka-Pekka Mecklin
- Department of Education and Science, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ville Sallinen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Toni T. Seppälä
- Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Khosla D, Misra S, Chu PL, Guan P, Nada R, Gupta R, Kaewnarin K, Ko TK, Heng HL, Srinivasalu VK, Kapoor R, Singh D, Klanrit P, Sampattavanich S, Tan J, Kongpetch S, Jusakul A, Teh BT, Chan JY, Hong JH. Cholangiocarcinoma: Recent Advances in Molecular Pathobiology and Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:801. [PMID: 38398194 PMCID: PMC10887007 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) pose a complex challenge in oncology due to diverse etiologies, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the risk factors, molecular pathology, and current therapeutic options for CCA and explores the emerging strategies encompassing targeted therapies, immunotherapy, novel compounds from natural sources, and modulation of gut microbiota. CCA are driven by an intricate landscape of genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation, and post-transcriptional modification, which differs based on geography (e.g., for liver fluke versus non-liver fluke-driven CCA) and exposure to environmental carcinogens (e.g., exposure to aristolochic acid). Liquid biopsy, including circulating cell-free DNA, is a potential diagnostic tool for CCA, which warrants further investigations. Currently, surgical resection is the primary curative treatment for CCA despite the technical challenges. Adjuvant chemotherapy, including cisplatin and gemcitabine, is standard for advanced, unresectable, or recurrent CCA. Second-line therapy options, such as FOLFOX (oxaliplatin and 5-FU), and the significance of radiation therapy in adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and palliative settings are also discussed. This review underscores the need for personalized therapies and demonstrates the shift towards precision medicine in CCA treatment. The development of targeted therapies, including FDA-approved drugs inhibiting FGFR2 gene fusions and IDH1 mutations, is of major research focus. Investigations into immune checkpoint inhibitors have also revealed potential clinical benefits, although improvements in survival remain elusive, especially across patient demographics. Novel compounds from natural sources exhibit anti-CCA activity, while microbiota dysbiosis emerges as a potential contributor to CCA progression, necessitating further exploration of their direct impact and mechanisms through in-depth research and clinical studies. In the future, extensive translational research efforts are imperative to bridge existing gaps and optimize therapeutic strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes for this complex malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Khosla
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shagun Misra
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Pek Lim Chu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Peiyong Guan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Ritambhra Nada
- Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rajesh Gupta
- Department of GI Surgery, HPB, and Liver Transplantation, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Khwanta Kaewnarin
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Tun Kiat Ko
- Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Hong Lee Heng
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Science, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Vijay Kumar Srinivasalu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, NH Health City Campus, Bommasandra, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Rakesh Kapoor
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Deepika Singh
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Poramate Klanrit
- Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Somponnat Sampattavanich
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Jing Tan
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Science, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Sarinya Kongpetch
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Apinya Jusakul
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Bin Tean Teh
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Science, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Jason Yongsheng Chan
- Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Jing Han Hong
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Lin LW, Ke K, Chen R, Yang WZ, Huang N, Wu ZZ. Safety and efficacy of biliary stenting combined with iodine-125 seed strand followed by hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy plus lenvatinib with PD-1 inhibitor for the treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with malignant obstructive jaundice. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1286771. [PMID: 38288113 PMCID: PMC10822914 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of biliary stenting implantation with iodine-125 seed strand (SI) followed by hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) plus lenvatinib (Len) with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor for patients diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) and malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods In this single-center retrospective study, the data of ECC patients with MOJ from March 2015 to January 2023 was assessed. Using probability score matching (PSM), the selection bias of patients was reduced. Primary study outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The OS and PFS were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated with the log-rank test. Results A total of 104 patients were enrolled finally, including 52 patients treated with interventional therapy (SI+HAIC) plus Len with PD-1 inhibitor (SI+HAIC+Len+P group) and 52 patients treated with interventional therapy (SI+HAIC) plus lenvatinib (SI+HAIC+Len group). 26 pairs of patients were matched after PSM analysis. After PSM analysis, the median OS and PFS in the SI+HAIC+Len+P group were significantly longer compared to those in the SI+HAIC+Len group (OS:16.6 vs. 12.3 months, P = 0.001; PFS:12.6 vs 8.5 months, P = 0.004). The DCR was significantly different between groups (P = 0.039), while ORR not (P = 0.548). The addition of PD-1 inhibitor was generally well tolerated without treatment-associated mortality. Conclusion Interventional therapy (SI+HAIC) plus Len with PD-1 inhibitor was effective for ECC patients accompanied by MOJ with a manageable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ning Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Zhong Wu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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8
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Cai P, Wu Z, Yang X, Wang N, Yang Y. The prognostic value of Forkhead box P3 regulatory T cells in biliary tract cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36608. [PMID: 38115302 PMCID: PMC10727656 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the value of tumor-infiltrating Forkhead box P3(FoxP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in evaluating the prognosis of biliary tract cancer. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched using 2 computers: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The vocabulary and syntax were adapted according to the database. Two researchers independently selected the studies, collected information, and assessed the risk of bias. The Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17.0, and HR and its corresponding 95% CI were used to evaluate the correlation between FoxP3+ Tregs and the overall survival of patients with biliary tract cancer. In addition, the quality of the included studies was evaluated. RESULTS Ten articles were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that patients with high FoxP3+ Tregs infiltration had worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.34,95% CI 1.16 to 1.71; P < .001). Subgroup analysis of gallbladder carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma showed that the high infiltration of FoxP3+ Tregs was significantly correlated with the OS of the former (HR = 1.55,95% CI 1.11 to 2.00; P < .001), but not with the OS of the latter (HR = 1.00,95% CI 0.62 to 1.38; P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis reveals that high infiltration of FoxP3 + Tregs is significantly associated with reduced overall survival in gallbladder carcinoma, endorsing their use as a prognostic biomarker for this subtype. In contrast, no significant prognostic correlation was identified for FoxP3+ Tregs in cholangiocarcinoma, indicating the need for subtype-specific evaluation of their prognostic relevance in biliary tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Cai
- Department of General Surgery, the First People’s Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongli Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the First People’s Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xingjian Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First People’s Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First People’s Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First People’s Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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9
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Tomlinson JL, Valle JW, Ilyas SI. Immunobiology of cholangiocarcinoma. J Hepatol 2023; 79:867-875. [PMID: 37201670 PMCID: PMC10524996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent literature has significantly advanced our knowledge and understanding of the tumour immune microenvironment of cholangiocarcinoma. Detailed characterisation of the immune landscape has defined new patient subtypes. While not utilised in clinical practice yet, these novel classifications will help inform decisions regarding immunotherapeutic approaches. Suppressive immune cells, such as tumour-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, form a barrier that shields tumour cells from immune surveillance. The presence of this immunosuppressive barrier in combination with a variety of immune escape mechanisms employed by tumour cells leads to poor tumour immunogenicity. Broad strategies to re-equip the immune system include blockade of suppressive immune cell recruitment to priming cytotoxic effector cells against tumour antigens. While immunotherapeutic strategies are gaining traction for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, there is a long road of discovery ahead in order to make meaningful contributions to patient therapy and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan W Valle
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester & Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sumera I Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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10
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Fiz F, Rossi N, Langella S, Ruzzenente A, Serenari M, Ardito F, Cucchetti A, Gallo T, Zamboni G, Mosconi C, Boldrini L, Mirarchi M, Cirillo S, De Bellis M, Pecorella I, Russolillo N, Borzi M, Vara G, Mele C, Ercolani G, Giuliante F, Ravaioli M, Guglielmi A, Ferrero A, Sollini M, Chiti A, Torzilli G, Ieva F, Viganò L. Radiomic Analysis of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Non-Invasive Prediction of Pathology Data: A Multicenter Study to Develop a Clinical-Radiomic Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4204. [PMID: 37686480 PMCID: PMC10486795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard imaging cannot assess the pathology details of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We investigated whether CT-based radiomics may improve the prediction of tumor characteristics. All consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for ICC (2009-2019) in six high-volume centers were evaluated for inclusion. On the preoperative CT, we segmented the ICC (Tumor-VOI, i.e., volume-of-interest) and a 5-mm parenchyma rim around the tumor (Margin-VOI). We considered two types of pathology data: tumor grading (G) and microvascular invasion (MVI). The predictive models were internally validated. Overall, 244 patients were analyzed: 82 (34%) had G3 tumors and 139 (57%) had MVI. For G3 prediction, the clinical model had an AUC = 0.69 and an Accuracy = 0.68 at internal cross-validation. The addition of radiomic features extracted from the portal phase of CT improved the model performance (Clinical data+Tumor-VOI: AUC = 0.73/Accuracy = 0.72; +Tumor-/Margin-VOI: AUC = 0.77/Accuracy = 0.77). Also for MVI prediction, the addition of portal phase radiomics improved the model performance (Clinical data: AUC = 0.75/Accuracy = 0.70; +Tumor-VOI: AUC = 0.82/Accuracy = 0.73; +Tumor-/Margin-VOI: AUC = 0.82/Accuracy = 0.75). The permutation tests confirmed that a combined clinical-radiomic model outperforms a purely clinical one (p < 0.05). The addition of the textural features extracted from the arterial phase had no impact. In conclusion, the radiomic features of the tumor and peritumoral tissue extracted from the portal phase of preoperative CT improve the prediction of ICC grading and MVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy; (F.F.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Noemi Rossi
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (F.I.)
| | - Serena Langella
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy; (S.L.); (N.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea Ruzzenente
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.R.); (M.D.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Matteo Serenari
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (G.E.)
| | - Francesco Ardito
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (C.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (G.E.)
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Teresa Gallo
- Department of Radiology, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy; (T.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Giulia Zamboni
- Department of Radiology, University of Verona, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Cristina Mosconi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Luca Boldrini
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariateresa Mirarchi
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Stefano Cirillo
- Department of Radiology, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy; (T.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Mario De Bellis
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.R.); (M.D.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Ilaria Pecorella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Nadia Russolillo
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy; (S.L.); (N.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Martina Borzi
- Department of Radiology, University of Verona, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Giulio Vara
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Caterina Mele
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (C.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (G.E.)
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (C.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Matteo Ravaioli
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (G.E.)
| | - Alfredo Guglielmi
- Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.R.); (M.D.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessandro Ferrero
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy; (S.L.); (N.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Martina Sollini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy; (F.F.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy; (F.F.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (G.T.)
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Ieva
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (F.I.)
- CHDS—Center for Health Data Science, Human Technopole, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Viganò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (G.T.)
- Hepatobiliary Unit, Department of Minimally Invasive General & Oncologic Surgery, Humanitas Gavazzeni University Hospital, 24125 Bergamo, Italy
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11
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Lu X, Green BL, Xie C, Liu C, Chen X. Preclinical and clinical studies of immunotherapy for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100723. [PMID: 37229173 PMCID: PMC10205436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare primary liver cancer associated with high mortality and few systemic treatment options. The behaviour of the immune system has come into focus as a potential treatment modality for many cancer types, but immunotherapy has yet to dramatically alter the treatment paradigm for CCA as it has for other diseases. Herein, we review recent studies describing the relevance of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) in CCA. Various non-parenchymal cell types are critically important in controlling CCA progression, prognosis, and response to systemic therapy. Knowledge of the behaviour of these leukocytes could help generate hypotheses to guide the development of potential immune-directed therapies. Recently, an immunotherapy-containing combination was approved for the treatment of advanced-stage CCA. However, despite level 1 evidence demonstrating the improved efficacy of this therapy, survival remained suboptimal. In the current manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the TIME in CCA, preclinical studies of immunotherapies against CCA, as well as ongoing clinical trials applying immunotherapies for the treatment of CCA. Particular emphasis is placed on microsatellite unstable tumours, a rare CCA subtype that demonstrates heightened sensitivity to approved immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss the challenges involved in applying immunotherapies to the treatment of CCA and the importance of understanding the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjun Lu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Benjamin L. Green
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Changqing Xie
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
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12
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Costa G, Cavinato L, Fiz F, Sollini M, Chiti A, Torzilli G, Ieva F, Viganò L. Mapping Tumor Heterogeneity via Local Entropy Assessment: Making Biomarkers Visible. J Digit Imaging 2023; 36:1038-1048. [PMID: 36849835 PMCID: PMC10287605 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-023-00799-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced imaging and analysis improve prediction of pathology data and outcomes in several tumors, with entropy-based measures being among the most promising biomarkers. However, entropy is often perceived as statistical data lacking clinical significance. We aimed to generate a voxel-by-voxel visual map of local tumor entropy, thus allowing to (1) make entropy explainable and accessible to clinicians; (2) disclose and quantitively characterize any intra-tumoral entropy heterogeneity; (3) evaluate associations between entropy and pathology data. We analyzed the portal phase of preoperative CT of 20 patients undergoing liver surgery for colorectal metastases. A three-dimensional core kernel (5 × 5 × 5 voxels) was created and used to compute the local entropy value for each voxel of the tumor. The map was encoded with a color palette. We performed two analyses: (a) qualitative assessment of tumors' detectability and pattern of entropy distribution; (b) quantitative analysis of the entropy values distribution. The latter data were compared with standard Hounsfield data as predictors of post-chemotherapy tumor regression grade (TRG). Entropy maps were successfully built for all tumors. Metastases were qualitatively hyper-entropic compared to surrounding parenchyma. In four cases hyper-entropic areas exceeded the tumor margin visible at CT. We identified four "entropic" patterns: homogeneous, inhomogeneous, peripheral rim, and mixed. At quantitative analysis, entropy-derived data (percentiles/mean/median/root mean square) predicted TRG (p < 0.05) better than Hounsfield-derived ones (p = n.s.). We present a standardized imaging technique to visualize tumor heterogeneity built on a voxel-by-voxel entropy assessment. The association of local entropy with pathology data supports its role as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Costa
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lara Cavinato
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Sollini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ieva
- MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- CHDS - Center for Health Data Science, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Viganò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- Hepatobiliary Unit, Department of Minimally Invasive General & Oncologic Surgery, Humanitas Gavazzeni University Hospital, Via M. Gavazzeni 21, 24125, Bergamo, Italy.
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13
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Milardi G, Lleo A. Tumor-Infiltrating B Lymphocytes: Promising Immunotherapeutic Targets for Primary Liver Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2182. [PMID: 37046842 PMCID: PMC10093314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the fourth most lethal primary cancers worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies, including immune cell targeting therapies. The heterogeneity of liver cancer is partially explained by the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where adaptive and innate immune system cells are the main components. Pioneering studies of primary liver cancers revealed that tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their dynamic interaction with cancer cells significantly impacted carcinogenesis, playing an important role in cancer immune evasion and responses to immunotherapy treatment. In particular, B cells may play a prominent role and have a controversial function in the TME. In this work, we highlight the effect of B lymphocytes as tumor infiltrates in relation to primary liver cancers and their potential prognostic value. We also present the key pathways underlying B-cell interactions within the TME, as well as the way that a comprehensive characterization of B-cell biology can be exploited to develop novel immune-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Milardi
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Labaratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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14
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Brummel K, Eerkens AL, de Bruyn M, Nijman HW. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes: from prognosis to treatment selection. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:451-458. [PMID: 36564565 PMCID: PMC9938191 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02119-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered crucial in anti-tumour immunity. Accordingly, the presence of TILs contains prognostic and predictive value. In 2011, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic value of TILs across cancer types. Since then, the advent of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has renewed interest in the analysis of TILs. In this review, we first describe how our understanding of the prognostic value of TIL has changed over the last decade. New insights on novel TIL subsets are discussed and give a broader view on the prognostic effect of TILs in cancer. Apart from prognostic value, evidence on the predictive significance of TILs in the immune therapy era are discussed, as well as new techniques, such as machine learning that strive to incorporate these predictive capacities within clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Brummel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke L Eerkens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco de Bruyn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans W Nijman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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15
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Functional Investigation of the Tumoural Heterogeneity of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by In Vivo PET-CT Navigation: A Proof-of-Concept Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185451. [PMID: 36143097 PMCID: PMC9501620 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoural heterogeneity (IH) is a major determinant of resistance to therapy and outcomes but remains poorly translated into clinical practice. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) often presents as large heterogeneous masses at imaging. The present study proposed an innovative in vivo technique to functionally assess the IH of ICC. Preoperative 18F-FDG PET-CT and intraoperative ultrasonography were merged to perform the intraoperative navigation of functional tumour heterogeneity. The tumour areas with the highest and the lowest metabolism (SUV) at PET-CT were selected, identified during surgery, and sampled. Three consecutive patients underwent the procedure. The areas with the highest uptake at PET-CT had higher proliferation index (KI67) values and higher immune infiltration compared to areas with the lowest uptake. One of the patients showed a heterogeneous presence of FGFR2 translocation within the samples. Tumour heterogeneity at PET-CT may drive biopsy to sample the most informative ICC areas. Even more relevant, these preliminary data show the possibility of achieving a non-invasive evaluation of IH in ICC, paving the way for an imaging-based precision-medicine approach.
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16
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Brown ZJ, Patwardhan S, Bean J, Pawlik TM. Molecular diagnostics and biomarkers in cholangiocarcinoma. Surg Oncol 2022; 44:101851. [PMID: 36126350 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2022.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Regardless of anatomic origin, cholangiocarcinoma is generally an aggressive malignancy with a relatively high case fatality. Surgical resection with curative intent remains the best opportunity to achieve meaningful long-term survival. Most patients present, however, with advanced disease and less than 20% of patients are candidates for surgical resection. Unfortunately, even patients who undergo resection have a 5-year survival that ranges from 20 to 40%. Biomarkers are indicators of normal, pathologic, or biologic responses to an intervention and can range from a characteristic (i.e., blood pressure reading which can detect hypertension) to specific genetic mutations or proteins (i.e., carcinoembryonic antigen level). Novel biomarkers and improved molecular diagnostics represent an attractive opportunity to improve detection as well as to identify novel therapeutic targets for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. We herein review the latest advances in molecular diagnostics and biomarkers related to the early detection and treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Brown
- Department of Surgery, The State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Satyajit Patwardhan
- Dept of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Global Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Joal Bean
- Department of Surgery, The State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Carloni R, Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Federico AD, De Luca R, Guven DC, Yalcin S, Brandi G. Targeting tumor microenvironment for cholangiocarcinoma: Opportunities for precision medicine. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101514. [PMID: 35977458 PMCID: PMC9396390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CCA has a dismal prognosis, and it is usually diagnosed in advanced stage for which available treatments have limited efficacy. CCA TME presents an abundant desmoplastic stroma and exhibits a high heterogeneity. TME plays a central role in cancer development and in the resistance to treatments. Treatments targeting the TME in association with cytotoxic agents could represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
Systemic treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and targeted therapies) have limited efficacy for patients with locally advanced – unresectable – and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), with an overall survival of less than a year. Tumor microenvironment (TME) represents the ecosystem surrounding the tumor which comprises immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and a wide range of soluble factors. CCA TME is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic stroma, exhibits a high heterogeneity and it plays a central role in cancer onset and progression. There is growing evidence suggesting that it is possible to target TME in association with other treatment modalities, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy or targeted therapies, paving the way to possible combination strategies with a synergistic effect. Herein, we describe the components of CCA TME – such as cancer-associated fibroblasts and other cells of pivotal importance - with their most relevant interactions, focusing on the preclinical rationale for the development of effective anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Carloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello", I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Federico
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Luca
- Department of Surgical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori " Giovanni Paolo ", Bari, Italy
| | - Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
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18
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Haag F, Manikkam A, Kraft D, Bär C, Wilke V, Nowak AJ, Bertrand J, Omari J, Pech M, Gylstorff S, Relja B. Selective Internal Radiotherapy Changes the Immune Profiles of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Immune Origin in Patients with Inoperable Cholangiocarcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:2309. [PMID: 35954154 PMCID: PMC9367375 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) is rising worldwide. As there are no specific early symptoms or specific markers of CCA, it is often diagnosed in later inoperable stages. Accumulating evidence underlines the importance of radiation therapy in the induction of antitumor immunity. The surface protein composition on extracellular vesicles (EVs) relates to originating cells and thus may play a role in vesicle function. We assessed immune profiles of EVs and their immune origin in patients with inoperable CCA prior and after selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). A total of 47 CCA patients receiving SIRT and 12 healthy volunteers (HV) were included. Blood was withdrawn before therapy (pre T) and after T. EVs were purified from plasma by cluster of differentiation (CD)9-, CD63-, and CD81-immunobead isolation. To detect differently abundant surface markers, dynamic range and EVs input quality were assessed. A total of 37 EVs surface markers were measured by flow cytometry and correlated either with the administered activity dose (MBq) or with the interval until death (month). EVs phenotyping identified lymphocytes, B cells, NK cells, platelets, endothelial cells, leukocyte activation, B cell activation, T and B cell adhesion markers, stem/progenitor cells, and antigen-presenting cells (APC) as EVs-parenteral cells. CD4 and CD8 significantly declined, while other markers significantly increased in CCA patients pre T vs. HV. Platelets-deriving EVs significantly decreased, normalizing to levels of HV but still significantly increasing vs. HV post SIRT. B cells-deriving EVs significantly increased pre T vs. HV, positively correlating with administered activity dose. MHCII and CD40 EVs significantly increased pre SIRT and negatively correlated with administered activity dose, while EVs from antigen presenting cells and CD49e pre SIRT positively correlated with survival time after therapy. Increased levels of CD24 and CD44 in cancer pre T were significantly decreased post T. Among the heterogeneity of EVs that was demonstrated, in particular, B cells-deriving, MHCII, and CD40 positive or APC-deriving EVs need to be further studied for their diagnostic or prognostic relevance in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Haag
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anjana Manikkam
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Kraft
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Caroline Bär
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Vanessa Wilke
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Aleksander J. Nowak
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Bertrand
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Jazan Omari
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Maciej Pech
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Severin Gylstorff
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Borna Relja
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.H.); (A.M.); (D.K.); (C.B.); (V.W.); (A.J.N.); (J.O.); (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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19
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Pham L, Kyritsi K, Zhou T, Ceci L, Baiocchi L, Kennedy L, Chakraborty S, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G, Sato K. The Functional Roles of Immune Cells in Primary Liver Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:826-836. [PMID: 35337836 PMCID: PMC9194651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Incidence of liver cancer has been increasing in recent years, and the 5-year survival is <20%. HCC and CCA are often accompanied with a dense stroma coupled with infiltrated immune cells, which is referred to as the tumor microenvironment. Populations of specific immune cells, such as high density of CD163+ macrophages and low density of CD8+ T cells, are associated with prognosis and survival rates in both HCC and CCA. Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can be a therapeutic target for liver cancer treatments. Previous studies have introduced immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors, pulsed dendritic cells, or transduced T cells, to enhance cytotoxicity of immune cells and inhibit tumor growth. This review summarizes current understanding of the roles of immune cells in primary liver cancer covering HCC and CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen, Texas
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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20
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Tsunokake J, Fujishima F, Watanabe H, Sato I, Miura K, Sakamoto K, Suzuki H, Sawai T, Itakura Y, Hoshi T, Kunimitsu A, Yamauchi T, Akaishi R, Ozawa Y, Fukutomi T, Okamoto H, Sato C, Taniyama Y, Kamei T, Sasano H. Tumor Microenvironment in Mixed Neuroendocrine Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Interaction between Tumors and Immune Cells, and Potential Effects of Neuroendocrine Differentiation on the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2152. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/cancers14092152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is considered to play a pivotal role in various human malignancies. Neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine neoplasms are considered to have different tumor microenvironments. However, owing to differences in the systemic and/or local immune statuses, tumor microenvironments in different patients may be difficult to compare. Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs), although rare, could be useful for exploring the effects of neuroendocrine differentiation on the tumor microenvironment, because both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components are present in the same tumor. Here, we examined 33 cases of histologically confirmed MiNENs and evaluated the influence of neuroendocrine differentiation on the tumor microenvironment by comparing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and other relevant factors in the two components the same tumor. The immunoreactivity of those examined above was evaluated quantitatively. The values of vasohibin-1-positive density (p < 0.0001) and immunoreactivity (p < 0.0001) (representing the neoangiogenesis status) were significantly higher in neuroendocrine as compared to non-neuroendocrine areas of the same tumors. In addition, the Foxp3/CD8 (p = 0.0717) and the PD-1/CD8 ratios (p = 0.0176) (representing tumor immunity suppression) tend to increase in neuroendocrine carcinomas. Immunoreactivity of CD163, a marker of M2-like macrophages, was also higher in the neuroendocrine areas. Our findings indicate that neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine tumors differ from each other with respect to the characteristics of both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.
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21
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Tsunokake J, Fujishima F, Watanabe H, Sato I, Miura K, Sakamoto K, Suzuki H, Sawai T, Itakura Y, Hoshi T, Kunimitsu A, Yamauchi T, Akaishi R, Ozawa Y, Fukutomi T, Okamoto H, Sato C, Taniyama Y, Kamei T, Sasano H. Tumor Microenvironment in Mixed Neuroendocrine Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Interaction between Tumors and Immune Cells, and Potential Effects of Neuroendocrine Differentiation on the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092152. [PMID: 35565281 PMCID: PMC9100554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is considered to play a pivotal role in various human malignancies. Neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine neoplasms are considered to have different tumor microenvironments. However, owing to differences in the systemic and/or local immune statuses, tumor microenvironments in different patients may be difficult to compare. Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs), although rare, could be useful for exploring the effects of neuroendocrine differentiation on the tumor microenvironment, because both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components are present in the same tumor. Here, we examined 33 cases of histologically confirmed MiNENs and evaluated the influence of neuroendocrine differentiation on the tumor microenvironment by comparing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and other relevant factors in the two components the same tumor. The immunoreactivity of those examined above was evaluated quantitatively. The values of vasohibin-1-positive density (p < 0.0001) and immunoreactivity (p < 0.0001) (representing the neoangiogenesis status) were significantly higher in neuroendocrine as compared to non-neuroendocrine areas of the same tumors. In addition, the Foxp3/CD8 (p = 0.0717) and the PD-1/CD8 ratios (p = 0.0176) (representing tumor immunity suppression) tend to increase in neuroendocrine carcinomas. Immunoreactivity of CD163, a marker of M2-like macrophages, was also higher in the neuroendocrine areas. Our findings indicate that neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine tumors differ from each other with respect to the characteristics of both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Tsunokake
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (F.F.); (H.W.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7440
| | - Fumiyoshi Fujishima
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (F.F.); (H.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Hirofumi Watanabe
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (F.F.); (H.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Ikuro Sato
- Department of Pathology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori 981-1293, Japan;
| | - Koh Miura
- Department of Surgery, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori 981-1293, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiro Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Osaki Citizen Hospital, Osaki 989-6183, Japan;
| | - Hiroyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, Sendai Medical Center, Sendai 983-8520, Japan;
| | - Takashi Sawai
- Department of Pathology, Sendai Open Hospital, Sendai 983-0824, Japan;
| | - Yuko Itakura
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Ishinomaki 986-8522, Japan;
| | - Tatsuya Hoshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kesennuma Citizen Hospital, Kesennuma 988-0181, Japan;
| | - Atsushi Kunimitsu
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (F.F.); (H.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Takuro Yamauchi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Ryujiro Akaishi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Yohei Ozawa
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Toshiaki Fukutomi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Hiroshi Okamoto
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Chiaki Sato
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Yusuke Taniyama
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Takashi Kamei
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.K.); (T.Y.); (R.A.); (Y.O.); (T.F.); (H.O.); (C.S.); (Y.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (F.F.); (H.W.); (H.S.)
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22
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Liu D, Heij LR, Czigany Z, Dahl E, Lang SA, Ulmer TF, Luedde T, Neumann UP, Bednarsch J. The role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in cholangiocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:127. [PMID: 35392957 PMCID: PMC8988317 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer and associated with a dismal prognosis due to the lack of an efficient systemic therapy. In contrast to other cancers, new immunotherapies have demonstrated unsatisfactory results in clinical trials, underlining the importance of a deeper understanding of the special tumor microenvironment of CCA and the role of immune cells interacting with the tumor. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are an important component of the adaptive immune system and the foundation of current immunotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this systemic review is to summarize the current literature focusing on the proportions and distribution, molecular pathogenesis, prognostic significance of TILs and their role in immunotherapy for CCA patients. In CCA, CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes represent the majority of TILs and are mostly sequestered around the cancer cells. CD20+ B lymphocytes and Natural Killer (NK) cells are less frequent. In contrast, Foxp3+ cells (regulatory T cells, Tregs) are observed to infiltrate into the tumor. In the immune microenvironment of CCA, cancer cells and stromal cells such as TAMs, TANs, MSDCs and CAFs inhibit the immune protection function of TILs by secreting factors like IL-10 and TGF-β. With respect to molecular pathogenesis, the Wnt/-catenin, TGF-signaling routes, aPKC-i/P-Sp1/Snail Signaling, B7-H1/PD-1Pathway and Fas/FasL signaling pathways are connected to the malignant potential and contributed to tumor immune evasion by increasing TIL apoptosis. Distinct subtypes of TILs show different prognostic implications for the long-term outcome in CCA. Although there are occasionally conflicting results, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and CD20+ B cells are positively correlated with the oncological prognosis of CCA, while a high number of Tregs is very likely associated with worse overall survival. TILs also play a major role in immunotherapy for CCA. In summary, the presence of TILs may represent an important marker for the prognosis and a potential target for novel therapy, but more clinical and translational data is needed to fully unravel the importance of TILs in the treatment of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lara Rosaline Heij
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Edgar Dahl
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Arke Lang
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Florian Ulmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulf Peter Neumann
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany. .,Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Bednarsch
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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23
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Fiz F, Masci C, Costa G, Sollini M, Chiti A, Ieva F, Torzilli G, Viganò L. PET/CT-based radiomics of mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma improves prediction of pathology data and survival. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3387-3400. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Yuan Y, Yang F, Wang Y, Guo Y. Factors associated with liver cancer prognosis after hepatectomy: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27378. [PMID: 34678864 PMCID: PMC8542119 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This article was to investigate risk factors influencing liver cancer prognosis after hepatectomy.Patients undergoing hepatectomy after being diagnosed with liver cancer in Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University were collected in the retrospective cohort study between January 2012 and December 2017, and divided into disease progression and non-progression groups based on their prognostic status. Univariate analysis was performed on the patients' baseline and laboratory test data, with multivariate logistic regression further conducted to investigate the independent risk factors for liver cancer progression after hepatectomy.Among the 288 subjects, 159 had adverse outcomes (death or cancer recurrence). Hepatitis B and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin as well as low level of lymphocyte (LYM) were found to be associated with disease progression in the univariate analysis, and were introduced into the multivariate logistic regression. The results indicated that patients with high ALP level (odds ratio [OR] = 1.004, 95%CI: 1.002-1.007, P = .003) and with a history of hepatitis B (OR = 2.182, 95%CI: 1.165-4.086, P = .015) had a higher risk of liver cancer progression compared with those of lower ALP level and those without hepatitis B respectively, whereas the elevated level of LYM (OR = 0.710, 95%CI: 0.516-0.978, P = .034) had favorable progression.The elevated ALP level and a history of hepatitis B may increase the risk of death or cancer recurrence, whereas high LYM level may decrease poor progression among liver cancer patients after hepatectomy. More importance should be attached to the improvement of the liver function and treatment of hepatitis B to enable a better outcome for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Haicang Hospital, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Fangnian Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Yusong Guo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
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Fiz F, Costa G, Gennaro N, la Bella L, Boichuk A, Sollini M, Politi LS, Balzarini L, Torzilli G, Chiti A, Viganò L. Contrast Administration Impacts CT-Based Radiomics of Colorectal Liver Metastases and Non-Tumoral Liver Parenchyma Revealing the "Radiological" Tumour Microenvironment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11071162. [PMID: 34202253 PMCID: PMC8305553 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of the contrast medium on the radiomic textural features (TF) extracted from the CT scan is unclear. We investigated the modification of TFs of colorectal liver metastases (CLM), peritumoral tissue, and liver parenchyma. One hundred and sixty-two patients with 409 CLMs undergoing resection (2017–2020) into a single institution were considered. We analyzed the following volumes of interest (VOIs): The CLM (Tumor-VOI); a 5-mm parenchyma rim around the CLM (Margin-VOI); and a 2-mL sample of parenchyma distant from CLM (Liver-VOI). Forty-five TFs were extracted from each VOI (LIFEx®®). Contrast enhancement affected most TFs of the Tumor-VOI (71%) and Margin-VOI (62%), and part of those of the Liver-VOI (44%, p = 0.010). After contrast administration, entropy increased and energy decreased in the Tumor-VOI (0.93 ± 0.10 vs. 0.85 ± 0.14 in pre-contrast; 0.14 ± 0.03 vs. 0.18 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and Margin-VOI (0.89 ± 0.11 vs. 0.85 ± 0.12; 0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.04, p < 0.001), while remaining stable in the Liver-VOI. Comparing the VOIs, pre-contrast Tumor and Margin-VOI had similar entropy and energy (0.85/0.18 for both), while Liver-VOI had lower values (0.76/0.21, p < 0.001). In the portal phase, a gradient was observed (entropy: Tumor > Margin > Liver; energy: Tumor < Margin < Liver, p < 0.001). Contrast enhancement affected TFs of CLM, while it did not modify entropy and energy of parenchyma. TFs of the peritumoral tissue had modifications similar to the Tumor-VOI despite its radiological aspect being equal to non-tumoral parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiz
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (L.V.); Tel.: +39-02-8224-7361 (L.V.)
| | - Guido Costa
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.T.)
| | - Nicolò Gennaro
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (L.S.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Ludovico la Bella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Boichuk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Martina Sollini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Letterio S. Politi
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (L.S.P.); (L.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Balzarini
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (L.S.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Viganò
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20089 Milan, Italy; (L.l.B.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (L.V.); Tel.: +39-02-8224-7361 (L.V.)
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Yugawa K, Itoh S, Yoshizumi T, Morinaga A, Iseda N, Toshima T, Harada N, Kohashi K, Oda Y, Mori M. Lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio as a prognostic marker associated with the tumor immune microenvironment in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 26:1901-1910. [PMID: 34117554 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-01962-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in immune cell and inflammation-associated protein levels, either independently or in combination, are commonly used as prognostic factors for various cancers. The ratio of lymphocyte count to C-reactive protein concentration (lymphocyte-CRP ratio; LCR) is a recently identified prognostic marker for several cancers. Here, we examined the prognostic value of LCR and its relationship to various aspects of the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients who underwent surgical resection for ICC between 1998 and 2018. Patients were dichotomized into high- and low-LCR status groups, and the relationships between LCR status, prognosis, and other clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and FOXP3s+ lymphocytes and tumor expression of CD34 and programmed death-ligand 1 were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of resected tumors. RESULTS A total of 78 ICC patients were enrolled and assigned to the high (n = 44)- and low (n = 34)-LCR groups. Compared with the high-LCR group, patients in the low-LCR group had a significantly higher serum CA19-9 level (median 20.6 vs. 77.3 U/mL, P = 0.0017) and larger tumor size (median 3.5 vs. 5.5 cm, P = 0.0018). LCR correlated significantly with tumor microvessel density (r = 0.369, P = 0.0009) and CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration (r = 0.377, P = 0.0007) but not with FOXP3+ T lymphocyte infiltration or tumor PD-L1 expression. Low-LCR status was significantly associated with worse overall survival by multivariate analysis (P = 0.0348). CONCLUSIONS Low-LCR status may reflect a poor anti-tumor immune response and predict worse outcomes in ICC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyohei Yugawa
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shinji Itoh
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akinari Morinaga
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Norifumi Iseda
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeo Toshima
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Noboru Harada
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kohashi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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Lang SA, Bednarsch J, Joechle K, Amygdalos I, Czigany Z, Heij L, Ulmer TF, Neumann UP. Prognostic biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA): state of the art. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:497-510. [PMID: 33970740 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1912591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:Although advances in understanding the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have been made, surgery is the only curative therapy option and the overall prognosis of patients suffering from the disease remains poor. Therefore, estimation of prognosis based on known and novel biomarkers is essential for therapy guidance of CCA in both, curative and palliative settings.Areas covered:An extensive literature search on biomarkers for CCA with special emphasis on prognosis was performed. Based on this, prognostic biomarkers from serum, tumor tissue and other compartments that are currently in use or under evaluation for CCA were summarized in this review. Furthermore, an overview of new biomarkers was provided including those determined from extracellular vesicles (EVs), metabolites and nucleic acids. Finally, prognostic markers associated with potential new therapy options for the treatment of CCA were summed up.Expert opinion:So far, an optimal prognostic biomarker for CCA has not been described. However, based on the increasing knowledge about the molecular basis of CCA but also due to novel, innovative technologies, a plethora of novel prognostic biomarkers is currently under evaluation and will be available for CCA in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven A Lang
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Bednarsch
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katharina Joechle
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Iakovos Amygdalos
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lara Heij
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom F Ulmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ulf P Neumann
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Prognostic impact of tumor microvessels in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: association with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:798-807. [PMID: 33077921 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-00702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microvessel density (MVD) is a prognostic factor for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are also key components of the tumor microenvironment that play important roles in ICC progression. This study aimed to clarify the relationships between the MVD and immune status and prognosis in patients with ICC. Immunohistochemical staining for cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was performed. The relationships between the MVD and clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Additionally, the correlations between the MVD, CD8+ and Foxp3+ TIL counts, and PD-L1 expression were evaluated. One hundred ICC patients were classified into high (n = 50) and low (n = 50) MVD groups. The serum platelet and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels were higher in the low MVD group than in the high MVD group (P = 0.017 and P = 0.008, respectively). The low MVD group showed a significantly larger tumor size (P = 0.016), more frequent microvascular invasion (P = 0.001), and a higher rate of intrahepatic (P = 0.023) and lymph node (P < 0.001) metastasis than the high MVD group. Moreover, the MVD showed a high positive correlation with CD8+ TILs (r = 0.754, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation with Foxp3+ TILs (r = -0.302, P = 0.003). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between the MVD and PD-L1 expression in cancer cells (P = 0.817). Patients with low MVDs had a significantly worse prognosis than those with high MVDs. Furthermore, multivariable analyses revealed that a low MVD influenced recurrence-free survival. A decreased intratumoral MVD might predict ICC patient outcomes. Tumor microvessels might be associated with ICC progression, possibly by altering TIL recruitment.
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Louis C, Edeline J, Coulouarn C. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in cholangiocarcinoma: implications for therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:153-162. [PMID: 33502260 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1882998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, deadly cancer that is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic stroma. Late diagnoses and limited available effective treatments are major problems with this malignancy. Targeting of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy.Areas covered: In this review, we describe the role of the various compartments of the TME in CCA and focus on the preclinical rationale for the development of innovative therapies. Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search covering the last decade (2010-2020).Expert opinion: Low efficacy of surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy emphasizes the need for new therapeutic strategies and companion biomarkers. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the stroma is yielding a critical functional characterization of TME in CCA and is paving the way for immunotherapies and cancer-associated fibroblast and extracellular matrix-oriented treatments. We believe that the development of treatments targeting the components of the TME will produce the best results if in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Biomarkers should be developed to define the patient population of interest for each combination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Louis
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Julien Edeline
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
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Sirica AE, Strazzabosco M, Cadamuro M. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Morpho-molecular pathology, tumor reactive microenvironment, and malignant progression. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:321-387. [PMID: 33579427 PMCID: PMC8800451 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a relatively rare, but highly lethal and biologically complex primary biliary epithelial cancer arising within liver. After hepatocellular carcinoma, iCCA is the second most common primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 10-20% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Over the last 10-20 years, iCCA has become the focus of increasing concern largely due to its rising incidence and high mortality rates in various parts of the world, including the United States. The challenges posed by iCCA are daunting and despite recent progress in the standard of care and management options for iCCA, the prognosis for this cancer continues to be dismal. In an effort to provide a framework for advancing our understanding of iCCA malignant aggressiveness and therapy resistance, this review will highlight key etiological, biological, molecular, and microenvironmental factors hindering more effective management of this hepatobiliary cancer. Particular focus will be on critically reviewing the cell origins and morpho-molecular heterogeneity of iCCAs, providing mechanistic insights into high risk fibroinflammatory cholangiopathies associated with iCCA development, and notably discussing the deleterious role played by the tumor reactive desmoplastic stroma in regulating iCCA malignant progression, lymphangiogenesis, and tumor immunobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse E Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Tian L, Ma J, Ma L, Zheng B, Liu L, Song D, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Gao Q, Song K, Wang X. PD-1/PD-L1 expression profiles within intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma predict clinical outcome. World J Surg Oncol 2020; 18:303. [PMID: 33228682 PMCID: PMC7686719 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-020-02082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Immunotherapy targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway has been observed to be efficient in several solid tumors. We aim to investigate the prognostic significance of PD-1/PD-L1 expression profile in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Materials and methods We investigated the expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CD8+ T cells, and CD68+ macrophages in paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 322 ICC patients using tyramide signal amplification (TSA)-based multiplexed immunohistochemistry. Results We found that high proportion of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ PD-1High within CD8+ PD-1+ T cells significantly correlated with advanced TNM stage (P = 0.035). ICC patients with high proportion of CD8+ PD-1High in CD8+ PD-1+ had worse postoperative survival than low proportion patients (P = 0.0037), which was an independently prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.025,). The density of CD68+ PD-L1+ significantly and positively correlated with the density of CD8+ PD-1High (P < 0.0001, r = 0.5927). The proportion of CD68+ PD-L1+ within CD68+ ICC was the risk factor for OS and TTR but not an independently factor for prognosis. The CD68+ PD-L1+ macrophages and CD8+ PD-1High T cells may cooperatively play a role in inhibiting anti-tumor immunity. Conclusion CD68+ PD-L1+ macrophages and CD8+ PD-1High T cells predict unfavorable prognosis, which could also bring new progress about immune target therapy in ICC research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-020-02082-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Tian
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaqiang Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital (South), Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200083, China
| | - Bohao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Longzi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Danjun Song
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kang Song
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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32
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Donadon M, Marchesi F, Rimassa L, Torzilli G. Immunotherapy in hepatobiliary tumors: search for the missing pieces of the puzzle. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2020; 9:86-88. [PMID: 32142066 PMCID: PMC7026800 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.10.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Marchesi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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33
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Response to: "Liver Resection and Role of Extended Cytology and Histology". J Gastrointest Surg 2019; 23:1285-1286. [PMID: 30887295 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-019-04192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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