Transarterial chemoembolization versus supportive therapy in the palliative treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Significant response to pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in Epstein-Barr-virus-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is poor, and there remains an urgent need to develop efficient systemic therapy. The efficacy of Pembrolizumab immunotherapy combined with lenvatinibin in iCCA is still unclear. The role of Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) as a biomarker in iCCA for response to immunotherapy needs further exploration.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 60-year-old female with EBV-associated advanced iCCA (EBVaiCCA) who progressed after first-line therapy. She accomplished an available response to the combination therapy of pembrolizumab with lenvatinib, with overall survival of 20 months.

CONCLUSIONS

As far as we know, this is the first case report about the application of Pembrolizumab with lenvatinib for EBVaiCCA patients. This case indicates that the combination of immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy provides a glimmer of hope for advanced EBVaiCCA patients.

Percutaneous liver-directed therapies of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a hepatobiliary malignancy which can manifest anywhere along the biliary tree. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the liver within or beyond the second order bile ducts. The prognosis for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is poor, even when successfully resected there is a very high rate of local recurrence. The available systemic therapies are currently limited and have high rates of toxicity. Percutaneous and transarterial liver-directed therapies can be used to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with results comparable to current standard of care systemic therapies in some circumstances. This manuscript will review these the techniques and efficacy of percutaneous and transarterial liver-directed therapies for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Interventional Radiology Locoregional Therapies for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of curative treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), but this option is only available to a small percentage of patients. For patients with unresectable iCCA, systemic therapy with gemcitabine and platinum-based agents represents the mainstay of treatment; however, the armamentarium has grown to include targeted molecular therapies (e.g., FGFR2 inhibitors), use of adjuvant therapy, liver transplantation in select cases, immunotherapy, and locoregional liver-directed therapies. Despite advances, iCCA remains a challenge due to the advanced stage of many patients at diagnosis. Furthermore, given the improving options for systemic therapy and the fact that the majority of iCCA patients succumb to disease progression in the liver, the role of locoregional therapies has increased. This review will focus on the expanding role of interventional radiology and liver-directed therapies in the treatment of iCCA.

Liver-Directed Therapy Combined with Systemic Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions

In the past several decades, major advances in both systemic and locoregional therapies have been made for many cancer patients. This has led to modern cancer treatment algorithms frequently calling for active interventions by multiple subspecialists at the same time. One of the areas where this can be clearly seen is the concomitant use of locoregional and systemic therapies in patients with primary or secondary cancers of the liver. These combined algorithms have gained favor over the last decade and are largely focused on the allure of the combined ability to control systemic disease while at the same time addressing refractory/resistant clonal populations. While the general concept has gained favor and is likely to only increase in popularity with the continued establishment of viable immunotherapy treatments, for many patients questions remain. Lingering concerns over the increase in toxicity when combining treatment methods, patient selection, and sequencing remain for multiple cancer patient populations. While further work remains, some of these questions have been addressed in the literature. This article reviews the available data on three commonly treated primary and secondary cancers of the liver, namely, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, strengths and weaknesses are reviewed and future directions are discussed.

A Systematised Literature Review of Real-World Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Unresectable Advanced or Metastatic Biliary Tract Cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers are rare aggressive malignancies typically diagnosed when the disease is metastatic or unresectable, precluding curative treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify treatment guidelines, real-world treatment patterns, and outcomes for unresectable advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancers in adult patients.

METHODS

Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were systematically searched between 1 January, 2000 and 25 November, 2021, and supplemented by hand searches. Eligible records were (1) treatment guidelines and (2) observational studies reporting real-world treatment outcomes, for unresectable advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancers. Only studies performed in the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Canada and South Korea were extracted, to moderate the number of records for synthesis while maintaining representation of a wide range of biliary tract cancer incidences.

RESULTS

A total of 66 relevant unique full-text records were extracted, including 16 treatment guidelines and 50 observational studies. Among guidelines, chemotherapies were most strongly recommended at first line (1L); the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GEMCIS) was recommended as the standard of care in 1L. Recommendations for systemic chemotherapy in the second line (2L) conflicted because of uncertainties around survival benefit. Guidelines on further lines of treatment included a range of locoregional modalities and stenting or best supportive care without providing clear recommendations because of data paucity. Fifty observational studies reporting real-world treatment outcomes were extracted, of which 25 (50%) and 9 (18%) reported outcomes in 1L and 2L, respectively; 22 (44%) reported outcomes for treatments described as 'palliative'. In 1L, outcomes for systemic chemotherapy were most frequently described (23/25 studies), and GEMCIS was the most common systemic chemotherapy used (10/23 studies) in line with guidelines. Median overall survival with 1L systemic chemotherapy was < 12 months in most studies (16/23; range 4.7-22.3 months). Most 2L studies (10/11) described outcomes for systemic chemotherapy, most commonly for fluoropyrimidine-based regimen (5/10 studies). Median overall survival with 2L systemic chemotherapy was < 12 months in 5/10 studies (range 4.9-21.5 months). Median progression-free survival was reported more rarely than median overall survival. Some studies with small sample sizes or specifically selected patient populations (e.g. higher performance status, or patients who had already responded to treatment) achieved higher median overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

At the time of this review, treatment options for unresectable advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancers confer poor real-world survival. For over a decade, GEMCIS remained the 1L standard of care, highlighting the lack of therapeutic innovation in this indication and the urgent unmet need for novel treatments with improved outcomes in this aggressive condition. Additional observational studies are needed to further understand the effectiveness of currently available treatments, as well as newly available therapies including the addition of immunotherapy in the evolving treatment landscape.

Safety and Efficacy of Hepatic Artery Embolization in Heavily Treated Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Analysis of Clinicopathological and Radiographic Parameters Associated with Better Overall Survival

The safety and efficacy of hepatic artery embolization (HAE) in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) was evaluated. Initial treatment response, local tumor progression-free survival (L-PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in 34 IHC patients treated with HAE. A univariate survival analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis to identify independent factors were carried out. Objective response (OR) at 1-month was 79.4%. Median OS and L-PFS from the time of HAE was 13 (CI = 95%, 7.4-18.5) and 4 months (CI = 95%, 2.09-5.9), respectively. Tumor burden < 25% and increased tumor vascularity on preprocedure imaging and surgical resection prior to embolization were associated with longer OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that tumor burden < 25% and hypervascular tumors were independent risk factors. Mean post-HAE hospital stay was 4 days. Grade 3 complication rate was 8.5%. In heavily treated patients with IHC, after exhausting all chemotherapy and other locoregional options, HAE as a rescue treatment option appeared to be safe with a mean OS of 13 months. Tumor burden < 25%, increased target tumor vascularity on pre-procedure imaging, and OR on 1 month follow-up images were associated with better OS. Further studies with a control group are required to confirm the effectiveness of HAE in IHC.

Transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib with or without a PD-1 inhibitor for advanced and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective real-world study

OBJECTIVES

Most patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. We report the combined potency of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), lenvatinib and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in patients with advanced and metastatic ICC.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 32 patients with advanced or metastatic ICC between January 2017 and August 2021. Eligible patients had received gemcitabine-based TACE combined with lenvatinib with or without PD-1 inhibitor in any line of treatment. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors associated with OS were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients received a combination of TACE and lenvatinib (TL group) and 14 patients received TACE and lenvatinib plus aPD-1 inhibitor (TLP group). The median follow-up time was 19.8 months (range 1.8-37.8). The median OS was 25.3 months (95% CI 18.5-32.1) and the median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI 4.9-9.7). Partial response was achieved in 10 patients (31.3%), and stable disease in 13 (40.6 %) with disease control rate of 71.9%. The median OS was comparable in the TL and TLP groups (22.4 vs 27.3 months, respectively; hazard ratio: 1.245, 95% CI 0.4245-3.653; p = 0.687). The regression analysis revealed that, regardless of treatment group, a favorable independent prognostic factor for OS was HBV/HCV infection (HR: 0.063, 95% CI 0.009-0.463; p = 0.007). There were no treatment-related deaths and 81.3% of study participants experienced adverse events (AEs), the majority of which were of moderate severity (71.8% Grade 1-2).

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine-based TACE plus lenvatinib with or without aPD-1 inhibitor was well tolerated and provided promising therapeutic outcomes for patients with advanced and metastatic ICC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Monotherapy with TACE, or Lenvatinib, or PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited efficacy over standard first-line chemotherapy in advanced and metastatic ICC. This work suggested the combined potency of these treatments and well-tolerance.

Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 Glass Microspheres as a First-Line Treatment for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-A Prospective Feasibility Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization as first-line treatment for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study enrolled patients who had never received chemotherapy, liver embolization, and radiation therapy. The tumors were solitary in 16 patients, multiple in 8 patients, unilobar in 14 patients, and bilobar in 10 patients. Patients underwent transarterial radioembolization with 90Y-labeled glass microspheres. The primary end point was hepatic progression-free survival (HPFS). Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), tumor response, and toxicity.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (age, 72.3 years ± 9.3; 12 women) were included in the study. The median delivered radiation dose was 135.5 Gy (interquartile range, 77.6 Gy). The median HPFS was 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.9-7.0 months). Analysis failed to identify any prognostic factor associated with HPFS. Imaging response at 3 months showed 56% disease control, and the best radiographic response was 71% disease control. The median OS from the radioembolization treatment was 19.4 months (95% CI, 5.0-33.7). Patients with solitary ICC had significantly longer median OS than patients with multifocal ICC: 25.9 months (95% CI, 20.8-31.0 months) versus 10.7 months (95% CI, 8.0-13.4 months) (P = .02). Patients with progression on the 3-month imaging follow-up had significantly shorter median OS than patients who had stable disease at 3 months: 10.7 months (95% CI, 0.7-20.7 months) versus 37.3 months (95% CI, 16.5-58.1 months) (P = .003). Two (8%) Grade 3 toxicities were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line treatment of ICC with radioembolization showed promising OS and minimal toxicity, especially in patients with solitary tumor. Radioembolization may be considered as a first-line treatment option for unresectable ICC.

Locoregional Treatment in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Which Treatment for Which Patient?

For unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC), different locoregional treatments (LRT) could be proposed to patients, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or transarterial treatments, depending on patient and tumor characteristics and local expertise. These different techniques of LRT have not been compared in a randomized clinical trial; most of the relevant studies are retrospective and not comparative. The aim of this narrative review is to help clinicians in their everyday practice discuss the pros and cons of each LRT, depending on the individual characteristics of their patients.

Significant response to transarterial chemoembolization combined with PD-1 inhibitor and apatinib for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A case report and literature review

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly aggressive malignancy rising from the biliary tree with poor prognosis. We report the feasibility and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with PD-1 inhibitor and apatinib for the treatment of a patient with unresectable ICC. A 70-year-old female presented with intermittent right upper abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and vomiting after eating for more than one month. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed multiple intrahepatic lesions, retroperitoneal lymph node, and left lung metastasis. Based on the patient's medical history and pathology, the diagnosis was confirmed as locally advanced unresectable ICC. Multimodal therapy was applied to the ICC. The therapy comprised TACE every three months, and a combination regimen of the PD-1 inhibitor camrelizumab and the antiangiogenic agent apatinib. The patient underwent microwave ablation for a lesion on the left lung that had not responded to systemic therapies. Enhanced CT scan after every 2-3 months was performed. After several sessions, the primary lesion reduced dramatically in size. At 20 months from diagnosis, the patient was alive, in good condition, and stable. The patient experienced no critical complications and toxicity associated with the administered therapies. This case suggests that treatment with TACE combined with systemic therapy of camrelizumab combined with apatinib may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with inoperable ICC.

Recent Advances in Image-Guided Locoregional Therapies for Primary Liver Tumors

Primary liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. with incidences predicted to rise over the next several decades. Locoregional therapies, such as radiofrequency or microwave ablation, are described as image-guided percutaneous procedures, which offer either a curative intent for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma or bridging/downstaging for surgical resection or transplantation. Catheter-driven locoregional therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization and radioembolization, induce tumor hypoxia, can be palliative, and improve survival for early-to-intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma and unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the antineoplastic mechanisms underpinning locoregional therapies, different treatment approaches, and the current state of the literature for the efficacy of locoregional therapies for primary liver cancer. We also discuss emerging advancements, such as the adjuvant use of immunotherapies and molecular targeting agents with locoregional therapy, for the treatment of primary liver cancer.

A Paradigm Shift in Primary Liver Cancer Therapy Utilizing Genomics, Molecular Biomarkers, and Artificial Intelligence

Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Conventional therapies offer limited survival benefit despite improvements in locoregional liver-directed therapies, which highlights the underlying complexity of liver cancers. This review explores the latest research in primary liver cancer therapies, focusing on developments in genomics, molecular biomarkers, and artificial intelligence. Attention is also given to ongoing research and future directions of immunotherapy and locoregional therapies of primary liver cancers.

Interventional Treatment Strategies in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Perspectives for Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma

cHCC-CCA is an uncommon type of liver cancer that exhibits clinical and pathological characteristics of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), which are the two main forms of primary liver cancer. The similarity to HCC and CCA makes therapeutical strategies challenging. The poor prognosis of CCA in general, as well as for cHCC-CCA, is mainly attributable to the fact that diagnosis is often at an advanced stage of disease. During the last decade, locoregional therapies usually performed by interventional radiologists and its established role in HCC treatment have gained an increasing role in CCA treatment as well. These comprise a wide range of options from tumor ablation procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), computed tomography high-dose rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT), and cryoablation to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), including the option of intra-arterial administration of radioactive spheres (transarterial radioembolization-TARE), and much attention has focused on the potential of individual concepts in recent years. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current radiologic interventions for CCA (excluding options for eCCA), to review and appraise the existing literature on the topic, and to provide an outlook on whether such interventions may have a role as treatment for cHCC-CCA in the future.

Advances in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: An overview of the current and future therapeutic landscape for clinicians

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver tumor and remains a fatal malignancy in the majority of patients. Approximately 20%-30% of patients are eligible for resection, which is considered the only potentially curative treatment; and, after resection, a median survival of 53 months has been reported when sequenced with adjuvant capecitabine. For the 70%-80% of patients who present with locally unresectable or distant metastatic disease, systemic therapy may delay progression, but survival remains limited to approximately 1 year. For the past decade, doublet chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin has been considered the most effective first-line regimen, but results from the recent use of triplet regimens and even immunotherapy may shift the paradigm. More effective treatment strategies, including those that combine systemic therapy with locoregional therapies like radioembolization or hepatic artery infusion, have also been developed. Molecular therapies, including those that target fibroblast growth factor receptor and isocitrate dehydrogenase, have recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval for a defined role as second-line treatment for up to 40% of patients harboring these actionable genomic alterations, and whether they should be considered in the first-line setting is under investigation. Furthermore, as the oncology field seeks to expand indications for immunotherapy, recent data demonstrated that combining durvalumab with standard cytotoxic therapy improved survival in patients with ICC. This review focuses on the current and future strategies for ICC treatment, including a summary of the primary literature for each treatment modality and an algorithm that can be used to drive a personalized and multidisciplinary approach for patients with this challenging malignancy.

Conventional and drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and pooled analysis

PURPOSE

Patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have poor survival. Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) and drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) are two treatment options for ICC, and this systematic review describes the efficacy of each of these modalities for unresectable ICC to guide clinical practice.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases regarding transhepatic arterial chemoembolization for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias. Tumor response, disease control, and 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rate were pooled for estimation.

RESULTS

The number of initial search results was 1035, and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study after the screening. A total of 23 study cohorts and 1091 patients were provided. The pooled objective response rate (ORR) for c-TACE and DEB-TACE treating ICC was 29.4% (95% CI 11.6-50.8%) and 51.2% (95% CI 30.6-71.7%), respectively; disease control rate (DCR) was 72.8% (95% CI 55.6-87.3%) and 88.7% (95% CI 78.8-96.2%), respectively. The pooled survival rate at 1 year, 2 year, and 3 year was 49.7% (95% CI 39.1-60.3%), 24.0% (95% CI 12.6-37.3%), and 23.5% (95% CI 11.1-38.7%) for c-TACE; 58.6% (95% CI 44.2-72.3%), 26.7% (95% CI 18.1-36.3%), and 16.2% (95% CI 6.0-29.4%) for DEB-TACE.

CONCLUSION

The descriptive analysis suggested that DEB-TACE treatment for ICC may have better tumor response and disease control rates than c-TACE treatment, but the impact on overall survival was not demonstrated significantly by DEB-TACE treatment.

Locoregional Approaches in Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare hepatic malignant tumor with poor prognosis due to late detection and anatomic factors limiting the applicability of surgical resection. Without surgical resection, palliation is the most common approach. In non-surgical cases contained within the liver, locoregional therapies provide the best chance for increased survival and disease control. The most common methods, transarterial chemoembolization and transarterial radioembolization, target tumors by embolizing their blood supply and limiting the tumor's ability to metabolize. Other treatments induce direct damage via thermal ablation to tumor tissue to mediate their anti-tumor efficacy. Recent studies have begun to explore roles for these therapies outside their previous role of palliation. This review will outline the mechanisms of each of these treatments, along with their effects on overall survival, while comparing these to non-locoregional therapies.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features predict the prognosis of percutaneous microwave ablation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic effect of pre-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA).

METHODS

A total of ICC 29 patients (average age 56.34 ± 9.78 years old, 33~75 years old) underwent MWA from March 2012 to December 2020, with a total of 58 lesions (0.5-8.1 cm, mean diameter, 2.68 ± 1.59 cm), and their pre-operative CEUS images and clinical data were collected and reviewed. Survival rate, local progression rate, intra- and extrahepatic metastasis rate were evaluated. Uni- and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the survival of ICC patients with pre-operative CEUS features.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time after MWA was 18.43 months (4.17-93.13 months). 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 64.4%, 48.1% and 48.1%; 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month local progress and extrahepatic metastasis rates were 0.0%, 4.0%, 17.7%, 17.7%, 17.7%, 17.7%, 17.7% and 3.4%, 21.5%, 32.7%, 45.6%, 55.2%, 55.2% and 77.6%, respectively. Uni- and multivariate analysis showed that post-operative extrahepatic metastasis was an important factor for long-term survival of ICC patients after MWA (p = 0.006, 0.01), and Rim-enhancement feature of pre-operative CEUS was identified as an independent predictor of post-operative extrahepatic metastasis and long-term survival (p = 0.02, 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Rim-enhancement feature of pre-operative CEUS is a predictor high post-operative extrahepatic metastasis and poor prognosis through distant microvascular metastasis after MWA of ICC patients.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study determined the important CEUS features of ICC and analyzed their impact on the prognosis of ICC patients after MWA, providing scientific guidance for better clinical treatment in the future.

Transarterial yrittrium-90 radioembolization for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the overall efficacy and survival profile of Yrittrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was completed using a random effects model. Studies describing the use of Y-90 for unresectable ICC were included. Disease control rate (DCR), downstaged to resectable rate, CA19-9 response rate, pooled overall median survival (OS), pooled median progression free survival (PFS), and mean reported survival rates ranging from 3 to 36 months (mo) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies detailing a total of 921 patients were included. The overall DCR was 82.3% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 76.7% to 87.8%, I² = 81%). In 11% of cases, patients were downstaged to being surgically resectable (CI: 6.1% to 15.9%, I² = 78%). The CA19-9 response rate was 67.2% (CI: 54.5% to 79,8%, I² = 60%). From point of radioembolization, PFS was 7.8 months (CI: 4.2 mo to 11.3 mo, I² = 94%), and overall median survival was 12.7 months (CI: 10.6 mo to 14.8 mo, I² = 62%). Lastly, the overall mean reported survival proportions were at 3 mo (84% survival, SD: 10%), 6 mo (69%, SD:16%), 12 mo (47%, SD: 19%), 18 mo (31%, SD: 21%), 24 mo (30%, SD 19%), 30 mo (21% (SD: 27%), and at 36 mo (5%, SD 7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Radioembolization with Y-90 for unresectable ICC remains beneficial for both disease control and survival. Data from ongoing projects will continue to help optimize treatment and patient selection resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Successful control of a large intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated by transarterial chemo-embolization; a single case report

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is hardly diagnosed in early stages as the symptoms are non-specific. Due to an advanced stages at the time of first diagnosis, the therapeutic options for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma are mostly limited to systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but good local control or preferable prognostic effects are hardly obtained. The transarterial chemoembolization had not been a standard of care because of hepatic functional damages caused by lipiodol and gelatin sponge. A newly developed spherical embolic material causes limited hepatic damages might be an option for these patients. It makes it possible to repeat the procedure in a short period. Eventually, better prognosis can be expected using a spherical embolic material. We report a case of a 15 cm locally advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated by chemoembolization using a drug-eluting spherical embolic material and achieved good local tumor control without liver damage. The patient survived longer than 4 years without additional or concomitant treatments.

Image-Guided Local Treatment for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-Role of Interventional Radiology

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with an increasing incidence in recent years. Prognosis is poor and most patients are not eligible for resection at the time of initial diagnosis due to the anatomic location, inadequate hepatic reserve, limiting comorbidities or metastatic disease. Several locoregional therapies from the field of interventional radiology exist for patients who are not amenable for surgery, or in case of local recurrence as a single treatment modality or combined with systemic treatment. To date, evidence is limited, with most conclusions drawn from single-center studies with small patient cohorts, often treated in the salvage situation or for local recurrence after initial resection. Nevertheless, the results are promising and suggest a survival benefit in selected patients. This narrative review focuses on the use of different locoregional treatment options for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Response evaluation of locoregional therapies in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matched study

AIM

To evaluate the response of locoregional therapy (LRT) on combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) and compare their outcomes with propensity matched hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 to July 2020, 13 patients with cHCC-CC (11 men, two women, median age 56 years) and 15 IHC patients (10 men, five women, median age 60 years) were compared with 101 HCC patients (79 men, 22 women, median age 60 years) after LRT. All tumours were proven histologically. Among the 13 cHCC-CC patients, 11 received transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), one received microwave ablation (MWA) and one received TACE with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Of 15 IHC patients, eight received TACE, five received RFA, and one received MWA, and one received TACE with RFA. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done with conditional logistic regression adjusted for age, type of LRT, tumour specific features and Child-Pugh score.

RESULTS

After LRT, on univariate analysis an objective response was seen in 30% of cHCC-CC and 53% of IHC patients. PSM analysis demonstrated shorter progression-free survival (PFS; cHCC-CC versus HCC: 1.5 versus 7.5 months; IHC versus HCC: 6 versus 14 months, p<0.05), overall survival (OS; cHCC-CC versus HCC: 12 versus 28 months; IHC versus HCC: 18 versus 34 months, p<0.005), and poor objective response (cHCC-CC versus HCC: 25% versus 91%; IHC versus HCC: 58% versus 88%, p<0.05) in cHCC-CC and IHC patients versus HCC patients. Hypovascular tumour, macrovascular invasion, and infiltrative appearance were independent prognostic factors for OS in IHC patients.

CONCLUSION

cHCC-CC and IHC are aggressive tumours with a poor objective response, greater distant progression of the disease and shorter PFS and OS post LRT as compared to HCC.

Current State of Multidisciplinary Treatment in Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignancy, and its incidence seems to be increasing over the last years. Given the high rate of irresectability at the time of initial diagnosis, new treatment approaches are important to achieve better patient outcomes. Our review provides an overview of current multimodal therapy options across different specialties of gastroenterology/oncology, surgery, and interventional radiology.

SUMMARY

CCA is subdivided into clinically and molecularly distinct phenotypes. Surgical treatment currently is the only potentially curative therapy, but unfortunately, the majority of all patients are not eligible for resection at the time of initial diagnosis due to anatomic location, inadequate hepatic reserve, metastatic disease, or limiting comorbidities. However, multimodal treatment options are available to prolong survival, relieve symptoms, and maintain life quality.

KEY MESSAGES

The treatment of CCA is complex and requires close interdisciplinary collaboration and individualized treatment planning to ensure optimal patient care at specialized centers. Molecular profiling of patients and inclusion into clinical trials is highly recommended.

Metastatic disease to the liver: Locoregional therapy strategies and outcomes

Secondary cancers of the liver are more than twenty times more common than primary tumors and are incurable in most cases. While surgical resection and systemic chemotherapy are often the first-line therapy for metastatic liver disease, a majority of patients present with bilobar disease not amenable to curative local resection. Furthermore, by the time metastasis to the liver has developed, many tumors demonstrate a degree of resistance to systemic chemotherapy. Fortunately, catheter-directed and percutaneous locoregional approaches have evolved as major treatment modalities for unresectable metastatic disease. These novel techniques can be used for diverse applications ranging from curative intent for small localized tumors, downstaging of large tumors for resection, or locoregional control and palliation of advanced disease. Their use has been associated with increased tumor response, increased disease-free and overall survival, and decreased morbidity and mortality in a broad range of metastatic disease. This review explores recent advances in liver-directed therapies for metastatic liver disease from primary colorectal, neuroendocrine, breast, and lung cancer, as well as uveal melanoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and sarcoma. Therapies discussed include bland transarterial embolization, chemoembolization, radioembolization, and ablative therapies, with a focus on current treatment approaches, outcomes of locoregional therapy, and future directions in each type of metastatic disease.

Update on the association of hepatitis B with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Is there new evidence?

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a subgroup of cholangiocarcinoma that accounts for about 10%-20% of the total cases. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most important predisposing factors leading to the formation of iCCA. It has been recently estimated based on abundant epidemiological data that the association between HBV infection and iCCA is strong with an odds ratio of about 4.5. The HBV-associated mechanisms that lead to iCCA are under intense investigation. The diagnosis of iCCA in the context of chronic liver disease is challenging and often requires histological confirmation to distinguish from hepatocellular carcinoma. It is currently unclear whether antiviral treatment for HBV can decrease the incidence of iCCA. In terms of management, surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment. There is a need for effective treatment modalities beyond resection in both first- and second-line treatment. In this review, we summarize the epidemiological evidence that links the two entities, discuss the pathogenesis of HBV-associated iCCA, and present the available data on the diagnosis and management of this cancer.

Current Surgical Management of Peri-Hilar and Intra-Hepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for approximately 10% of all hepatobiliary tumors and represents 3% of all new-diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (i-CCA) accounts for 10% of all cases, perihilar (h-CCA) cholangiocarcinoma represents two-thirds of the cases, while distal cholangiocarcinoma accounts for the remaining quarter. Originally described by Klatskin in 1965, h-CCA represents one of the most challenging tumors for hepatobiliary surgeons, mainly because of the anatomical vascular relationships of the biliary confluence at the hepatic hilum. Surgery is the only curative option, with the goal of a radical, margin-negative (R0) tumor resection. Continuous efforts have been made by hepatobiliary surgeons in order to achieve R0 resections, leading to the progressive development of aggressive approaches that include extended hepatectomies, associating liver partition, and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, pre-operative portal vein embolization, and vascular resections. i-CCA is an aggressive biliary cancer that arises from the biliary epithelium proximal to the second-degree bile ducts. The incidence of i-CCA is dramatically increasing worldwide, and surgical resection is the only potentially curative therapy. An aggressive surgical approach, including extended liver resection and vascular reconstruction, and a greater application of systemic therapy and locoregional treatments could lead to an increase in the resection rate and the overall survival in selected i-CCA patients. Improvements achieved over the last two decades and the encouraging results recently reported have led to liver transplantation now being considered an appropriate indication for CCA patients.

Interventional Treatment for Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common type of primary liver malignancy. The latest classification includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with the latter one further categorized into perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma. Although surgical resection is the preferred treatment for CCA, less than half of the patients are actually eligible for radical surgical resection. Interventional treatment, such as intra-arterial therapies, ablation, and brachytherapy (iodine-125 seed implantation), has become an acceptable palliative treatment for patients with unresectable CCA. For these patients, interventional treatment is helpful for locoregional control, symptom relief, and improving quality of life. Herein, in a timely and topical manner, we will review these advances and highlight future directions of research in this article.

The Addition of Transarterial Chemoembolization to Palliative Chemotherapy Extends Survival in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Incidence and mortality of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) have been increasing continuously. Recent studies suggest that the combination of palliative chemotherapy (pCTX) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) improves overall survival (OS). This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients treated with TACE and pCTX in unresectable iCCA at our tertiary care center. A group of 14 patients was treated with both pCTX and TACE. The non-randomized control group of 59 patients received pCTX alone. Patients received a median of two pCTX lines in both groups. Those treated with TACE underwent a median number of 3.5 sessions. Median OS from the time of unresectability was 26.2 months in the pCTX + TACE group versus 13.1 months in the pCTX group (p = 0.008). Controlling for albumin, bilirubin, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status, and UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) stage, the addition of TACE still conferred an OS benefit of 12.95 months (p = 0.014). A propensity score matching analysis yielded an OS benefit of 14 months from the time of unresectability for the pCTX + TACE group (p = 0.020). The addition of TACE to pCTX may provide an OS benefit for patients with unresectable iCCA. Thus, patients with liver-dominant iCCA undergoing standard-of-care pCTX should be considered for additional treatment with TACE.

Role of 3D quantitative tumor analysis for predicting overall survival after conventional chemoembolization of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

This study was designed to assess 3D vs. 1D and 2D quantitative tumor analysis for prediction of overall survival (OS) in patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) who underwent conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE). 73 ICC patients who underwent cTACE were included in this retrospective analysis between Oct 2001 and Feb 2015. The overall and enhancing tumor diameters and the maximum cross-sectional and enhancing tumor areas were measured on baseline images. 3D quantitative tumor analysis was used to assess total tumor volume (TTV), enhancing tumor volume (ETV), and enhancing tumor burden (ETB) (ratio between ETV and liver volume). Patients were divided into low (LTB) and high tumor burden (HTB) groups. There was a significant separation between survival curves of the LTB and HTB groups using enhancing tumor diameter (p = 0.003), enhancing tumor area (p = 0.03), TTV (p = 0.03), and ETV (p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed a hazard ratio of 0.46 (95%CI: 0.27–0.78, p = 0.004) for enhancing tumor diameter, 0.56 (95% CI 0.33–0.96, p = 0.04) for enhancing tumor area, 0.58 (95%CI: 0.34–0.98, p = 0.04) for TTV, and 0.52 (95%CI: 0.30–0.91, p = 0.02) for ETV. TTV and ETV, as well as the largest enhancing tumor diameter and maximum enhancing tumor area, reliably predict the OS of patients with ICC after cTACE and could identify ICC patients who are most likely to benefit from cTACE.

Survival Comparisons of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy With mFOLFOX and Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients With Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis and 40%-60% of patients present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) have recently been used in unresectable ICC. The aim of this study was to compare the survival differences of unresectable ICC patients after TACE and HAIC treatment.

Methods

Between March 2011 and October 2019, a total of 126 patients with unresectable ICC, as evident from biopsies and imaging, and who had received TACE or HAIC were enrolled in this study. Baseline characteristics and survival differences were compared between the TACE and HAIC treatment groups.

Results

ICC Patients had significantly higher survival rates after the HAIC treatment, compared with those after TACE treatment [1-year overall survival (OS) rates: 60.2% vs. 42.9%, 2-year OS rates: 38.7% vs. 29.4%, P=0.028; 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates: 15.0% vs. 20.0%, 2-year PFS rates: 0% vs. 0%, P=0.641; 1-year only intrahepatic PFS (OIPFS) rates: 35.0% vs. 24.4%, 2-year OIPFS rates: 13.1% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.026]. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HAIC was a significant and independent factor for OS and OIPFS in the study cohort.

Conclusions

HAIC is superior to TACE for treatment of unresectable ICC. A new tumor response evaluation procedure for HAIC treatment in unresectable ICC patients is needed to provide better therapeutic strategies. A randomized clinical trial comparing the survival benefits of HAIC and TACE is therefore being considered.

Transarterial Chemoembolization and Radioembolization for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-a Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis, when unresectable; therefore, intra-arterial therapies (IAT) such as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) have been employed. With the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyse published studies to understand if one IAT can be superior to the alternative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed for articles published until 1 March 2020 relevant to IAT for ICC. Overall survival was the primary end point. Occurrence of clinical adverse events and tumour overall response were secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 31 articles (of 793, n.1695 patients) were selected for data extraction, 13 were on TACE (906 patients) and 18 were on TARE (789 patients). Clinical and tumour characteristics showed moderate heterogeneity between the two groups. The median survival after TACE was 14.2 months while after TARE was 13.5 months (95%C.I.: 11.4-16.1). The survival difference was small (d = 0.112) at 1 year and negligible at 2 years (d = 0.028) and at 3 years (d = 0.049). The radiological objective response after TACE was 20.6% and after TARE was 19.3% (d = 0.032). Clinical adverse events occurred in 58.5% after TACE, more frequently than after TARE (43.0%, d = 0.314).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, IATs are promising treatments for improving outcomes for patients with unresectable ICC. To date, TACE and TARE provide similar good outcomes, except for adverse events. Therefore, the decision about techniques is determined by ability to utilize these resources and patient specific factors (liver function or lesion dimension).

Progress toward improving outcomes in patients with cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose of review:

To provide an update on latest advances in treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Recent findings:

Incidence of cholangiocarcinoma has been increasing over the past decade. A better understanding of the genetic landscape of cholangiocarcinoma and its risk factors resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment option expansion to targeted therapy with FGFR inhibitors, and liver transplantation for early perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and early intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. IDH1/2 inhibition for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is an emerging targeted therapy approach. Data supports benefits of adjuvant therapy for a subset of patients undergoing surgical resection. Approaches combining different treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy appear promising.

Summary:

Earlier diagnosis and genetic characterization provided additional treatment options for patients with previously incurable cholangiocarcinoma. A precision medicine approach with a focus on actionable genetic alterations and combination of treatment modalities are actively being explored and will further improve outcomes in our patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary malignancy of the liver. This review will focus on the mass-forming intrahepatic type of this disease and discuss the role of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology in managing this difficult disease. A global understanding to the management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) can help the interventional radiologist understand the role of locoregional therapies such as ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and radioembolization in the management of ICC.

Pathogenesis of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) encompasses a group of malignancies that can arise at any point in the biliary tree. Although considered a rare cancer, the incidence of CCA is increasing globally. The silent and asymptomatic nature of these tumors, particularly in their early stages, in combination with their high aggressiveness, intra- and intertumor heterogeneity, and chemoresistance, significantly compromises the efficacy of current therapeutic options, contributing to a dismal prognosis. During the last few years, increasing efforts have been made to unveil the etiologies and pathogenesis of these tumors and to develop more effective therapies. In this review, we summarize current findings in the field of CCA, mainly focusing on the mechanisms of pathogenesis, cells of origin, genomic and epigenetic abnormalities, molecular alterations, chemoresistance, and therapies.

Neoadjuvant treatment strategies for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver malignancy and is increasing in incidence. Long-term outcomes are optimized when patients undergo margin-negative resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients present with locally advanced, unresectable disease. Furthermore, recurrence rates are high even among patients who undergo surgical resection. The delivery of systemic and/or liver-directed therapies prior to surgery may increase the proportion of patients who are eligible for surgery and reduce recurrence rates by prioritizing early systemic therapy for this aggressive cancer. Nevertheless, the available evidence for neoadjuvant therapy in ICC is currently limited yet recent advances in liver directed therapies, chemotherapy regimens, and targeted therapies have generated increasing interest its role. In this article, we review the rationale for, current evidence for, and ongoing research efforts in the use of neoadjuvant therapy for ICC.

Efficacy and Safety of Apatinib in Treatment of Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: An Observational Study

Purpose

Unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib for patients with unresectable ICC.

Patients and Methods

A total of 10 patients with unresectable ICC were enrolled for this single-center observational study between March 2, 2016, and August 27, 2019. Subjects received 500 mg apatinib on a daily basis. Tumor response was assessed by 1.1 response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The drug-related adverse effects were also monitored.

Results

Based on the follow-up computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging after treatment, 4 (40.0%), 4 (40.0%), and 2 (20.0%) patients achieved a partial response, stable disease, and progression of the disease, respectively. The response rate and disease control rate were 40.0% and 80.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 4.5 months (95% confidence interval: 3.157~5.843 months); the median OS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval: 4.744~8.256 months). Furthermore, 3-, 6-, and 9-month OS rates were 77.5%, 61.7%, and 15.0%, respectively. The most common hematologic grade 3 adverse event was neutropenia (10%); the most common nonhematologic grade 3 adverse events were hypertension (20.0%) and hand-foot syndromes (20.0%). No treatment-related grade 4 or 5 adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

Apatinib revealed to have antitumour activity in unresectable ICC patients, with manageable toxicities, and thus might be used as a new treatment option for patients with unresectable ICC.

Prognosis for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with postoperative adjuvant transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization

OBJECTIVE

We used meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

We performed the meta-analysis using the R 3.12 software and the quality evaluation of data using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The main outcomes were recorded as 1-year overall survival (OS), 3-year OS, 5-year OS, and hazard ratio (HR) of TACE treatment or non-TACE treatment. The heterogeneity test was performed using the Q-test based on chi-square and I² statistics. Egger's test was used to test the publication bias. The odds ratio or HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to represent the effect index.

RESULTS

Nine controlled clinical trials involving 1724 participants were included in this study; patients came mainly from China, Italy, South Korea, and Germany. In the OS meta-analysis, the 1-year and 3-year OS showed significant heterogeneity, but not the 5-year OS. TACE increased the 1-year OS (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.10-6.46) of the patients with ICC, but the 3- and 5-year OS rates were not significantly increased. The results had no publication bias, but the stability was weak. The HR had significant heterogeneity (I² = 0%, P= 0.54). TACE significantly decreased the HR of ICC patients (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73). The results had no publication bias, and the stability was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with TACE is effective for patients with ICC. Regular updating and further research and analysis still need to be carried out.

Primary Liver Cancers: Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The incidence of liver cancers has continued to increase over the past few decades and mortality related to liver cancer has increased by more than 2% annually since 2007. This article reviews the essential workup and treatment options necessary for general surgeons as they treat patients with primary liver cancers.

The effect of adjuvant therapy for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUD

Resection is still the only potentially curative treatment for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), but the prognosis remains far from satisfactory. However, the benefit of adjuvant therapy (AT) remains controversial, although it has been conducted prevalently. Hence, a meta-analysis was warranted to evaluate the effect of AT for patients with ICC after resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PubMed, MedLine, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science were used to identify potentially eligible studies from Jan.1st 1990 to Aug. 31st 2019, investigating the effect of AT for patients with ICC after resection. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the effect size.

RESULTS

22 studies with 10181 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 832 patients in the chemotherapy group, 309 patients in the transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) group, 1192 patients in the radiotherapy group, 235 patients in the chemoradiotherapy group, and 6424 patients in the non-AT group. The pooled HR for the OS rate and RFS rate in the AT group were 0.63 (95%CI 0.52~0.74), 0.74 (95%CI 0.58~0.90), compared with the non-AT group. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled HR for the OS rate in the AT group compared with non-AT group were as follows: chemotherapy group was 0.57 (95%CI = 0.44~0.70), TACE group was 0.56 (95%CI = 0.31~0.82), radiotherapy group was 0.71 (95%CI = 0.39~1.03), chemoradiotherapy group was 0.73 (95%CI = 0.57~0.89), positive resection margin group was 0.60 (95%CI = 0.51~0.69), and lymph node metastasis (LNM) group was 0.67 (95%CI = 0.57~0.76).

CONCLUSION

With the current data, we concluded that AT such as chemotherapy, TACE and chemoradiotherapy could benefit patients with ICC after resection, especially those with positive resection margin and LNM, but the conclusion needed to be furtherly confirmed.

Postoperative adjuvant therapy following radical resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study

Background and Aims

The prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection is far from satisfactory; however, the clinical value of adjuvant therapy (AT) remains controversial. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of AT and identify potential patients who would be benefited from AT.

Methods

Data from ICC patients who underwent radical resection were retrospectively collected from 12 hepatobiliary centers in China between December 2012 and December 2015. Patients were divided into AT and non‐AT groups based on whether AT was administered or not. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method before and after 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the established staging systems.

Results

A total of 412 patients were enrolled in this study, and 77 patients (18.9%) received AT, including 32 (7.8%) patients who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), 21 (5.1%) patients who received chemotherapy, 10 (2.4%) patients who received radiotherapy, and 14 (3.4%) patients who received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The median OS and DFS were both longer in the AT group than in the non‐AT group (43.0 months vs 21.0 months, P = .015; 16.0 months vs 11.0 months, P = .045, respectively), and the advantage of AT was confirmed for both the OS and DFS (P = .023; P = .046, respectively) after 1:2 PSM. Furthermore, based on the established nomogram, only “middle‐risk” patients receiving AT cherished a longer median OS (43.0 months vs 20.0 months, P = .033). In subgroup analyses that were stratified by different AT strategies, patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy had a longer median OS (37.0 months vs 21.0 months, P = .039), while patients receiving postoperative TACE had a longer median DFS (50.0 months vs 11.0 months, P = .007).

Conclusion

With the current data, we conclude that AT benefits ICC patients following radical resection, especially those “middle‐risk” patients, as evaluated by the established nomogram. However, exactly which patients are the most suitable for AT requires further study and validation.

[Personalized treatment of cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA)]

Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) is one of the primary liver tumors and overall represents a rare malignancy; however, in recent years the incidence, particularly of intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) has increased worldwide. Due to the high mortality, CCAs cause a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths also in Germany. Because the diagnosis is often made in advanced stages of the disease, in many cases a surgical approach with curative intention is not possible. For locally advanced or metastatic CCA the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin currently remains the only approved systemic treatment. As the average survival time is only approximately 12 months even under first-line treatment with gemcitabine/cisplatin, research is focused on developing new molecularly targeted and immunological treatment options. Various studies are currently being carried out to investigate approval options for targeted treatment, which could be considered for genetically altered tumors, e.g. in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) fusion and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. Additionally, initial clinical data on immune checkpoint inhibitors are available for CCA. Due to the complex selection and partially limited applicability of current treatment options in patients with CCA, an early collaboration with a gastroenterology and oncology center with the possibility of supervision by a tumor board consisting of gastroenterological oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and radio-oncologists or in advanced stages by a molecular tumor board is essential.

Management implications of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance in untreated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is associated with a poor prognosis with surgical resection offering the best chance for long-term survival and potential cure. However, in up to 36% of patients who undergo surgery, more extensive disease is found at time of operation requiring cancellation of surgery. PET/MR is a novel hybrid technology that might improve local and whole-body staging in ICC patients, potentially influencing clinical management. This study was aimed to investigate the possible management implications of PET/MR, relative to conventional imaging, in patients affected by untreated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the clinicopathologic features of 37 patients with iCCC, who underwent PET/MR between September 2015 and August 2018, was performed to investigate the management implications that PET/MR had exerted on the affected patients, relative to conventional imaging.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients enrolled, median age 63.5 years, 20 (54%) were female. The same day PET/CT was performed in 26 patients. All patients were iCCC-treatment-naïve. Conventional imaging obtained as part of routine clinical care demonstrated early-stage resectable disease for 15 patients and advanced stage disease beyond the scope of surgical resection for 22. PET/MR modified the clinical management of 11/37 (29.7%) patients: for 5 patients (13.5%), the operation was cancelled due to identification of additional disease, while 4 "inoperable" patients (10.8%) underwent an operation. An additional 2 patients (5.4%) had a significant change in their operative plan based on PET/MR.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with standard imaging, PET/MR significantly influenced the treatment plan in 29.7% of patients with iCCC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

2018P001334.

Chemoembolization with Degradable Starch Microspheres for Treatment of Patients with Primary or Recurrent Unresectable, Locally Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate efficacy and complication rates of TACE with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with or without prior major liver resection (MLR).

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-center study on 21 patients (age 63 ± 15 years) with either unresectable ICC progressive under systemic chemotherapy or unresectable intrahepatic tumor recurrence after prior MLR. Patients were treated by multi-agent (cisplatin/doxorubicin/mitomycin C) DSM-TACE between August 2012 and July 2016, repeated 3 times at 4-week intervals. Imaging response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1. Overall survival (OS) and complication rates, stratified by history of MLR, were investigated.

RESULTS

Patients underwent a total 64 DSM-TACE sessions. Two patients (without MLR) were lost to follow-up after one uneventful DSM-TACE session. One patient underwent living-donor-liver transplantation after one DSM-TACE-session yielding partial remission. Of the remaining 18 patients, imaging response according to RECIST 1.1 was: complete remission in 2/18 (11.1%); PR in 9/18 (50%), and stable disease in 7/18 (38.9%), yielding an objective response rate of 61.1% and a disease control rate of 100%. Median OS of patients with objective response was significantly longer (18.0 months) than that of survival of patients with stable disease (4.8 months) (p = 0.001). Median OS of patients with MLR (12.5 months) was similar to that of patients without MLR (13.2 months). Of 21 patients, 2 (9.5%) developed post-interventional hepatobiliary abscesses, and one of these patients died due to subsequent sepsis.

CONCLUSION

DSM-TACE is an effective treatment for unresectable and otherwise therapy-refractory intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, even in those patients with intrahepatic disease recurrence after prior MLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Inoperable Biliary Tract and Primary Liver Tumors: Palliative Treatment Options

Primary liver tumors are most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Although surgical resection offers a chance for cure, these tumors generally present at a late, inoperable stage, necessitating an understanding of noncurative and palliative treatment options. These options include ablative therapies, including radiofrequency ablation; intra-arterial therapies, including transcatheter chemoembolization; biliary decompression; radiotherapy; systemic therapies, including traditional chemotherapeutic agents; and molecular therapies, such as sorafenib. Selection of nonoperative treatment depends on patient and tumor factors as well as institutional resources and expertise.

Inflammatory markers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Effects of advanced liver disease

BACKGROUND

To investigate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) as prognostic biomarkers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with a focus on viral hepatitis and liver status.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients from the institutional cancer registry with ICC from 2005 to 2016 were stratified by treatment group. Baseline inflammatory markers were dichotomized at the median. Overall survival (OS) was assessed via Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. Multiple patient, liver, and tumor factors were included in the multivariable analysis (MVA).

RESULTS

About 131 patients (median age 65 years, 52% male, 76% Caucasian) had a median OS of 13.0 months. Resection/interventional oncology with/without systemic therapy had improved survival vs systemic therapy alone in Child-Pugh A patients (P < 0.01). In Child-Pugh B/C patients, this survival difference became nonsignificant (P = 0.22). Increased NLR and SII were associated with decreased survival (P < 0.01), while dichotomized PLR was not (P = 0.3). On MVA, increased NLR remained an independent prognostic factor (HR 1.6, P < 0.05). In Child-Pugh class A (n = 94), low-NLR had higher OS vs high-NLR (25.4 vs 12.2 months, P < 0.01). In Child-Pugh class B/C (n = 28), NLR did not have a significant effect on median OS (low- vs high-NLR: 6.7 vs 2.9 months, P = 0.2). Child-Pugh class acted as an effect modifier on MVA for NLR (P = 0.0124).

CONCLUSIONS

The NLR has a stronger impact as a prognostic marker in ICC over the PLR and SII. This survival effect is decreased in advanced liver disease.

Regional Chemotherapy for Biliary Tract Tumors and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are associated with a grim prognosis. The development of highly effective systemic therapies for these tumors has been challenging; however, numerous locoregional treatment alternatives have emerged, including transarterial hepatic embolization (TAE), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAI), radioembolization, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Although there is potential for long-term disease control for these therapies, the evidence to guide adequate patient selection and choose among different treatment alternatives is still limited. This review focuses on the rationale and data supporting TAE, TACE, DEB-TACE, and HAI in hepatobiliary cancers.

Clinical efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin-based transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with radiotherapy in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Radical surgical resection is regarded as the best treatment for hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, 60%-70% of patients have lost the chance of surgery at the time of diagnosis. Simple biliary stent or drainage tube placement may fail in a short time due to tumor invasion or overgrowth, bile accumulation, or biofilm formation. Effective palliative treatments to extend the effective drainage time are of great significance for improving the quality of life of patients and changing the prognosis of patients.

AIM

To investigate the clinical efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin-based transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiotherapy in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients clinically diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma from June 2014 to January 2017 at the Liaoning Provincial Cancer Hospital. Patients were evaluated by specialists, and those who were not suitable for surgery or unwilling to undergo surgery and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. There were a total of 72 patients (34 males and 38 females) with an average age of 59.9 years (range, 40-72 years). According to percutaneous transhepatic biliary angiography and the patients’ wishes, stent implantation or biliary drainage tube implantation was used to relieve biliary obstruction. The patients were divided into either a control group or a combined treatment group according to their follow-up treatment. The control group consisted of a total of 35 patients who received simple biliary drainage tube placement and biliary stent implantation (7 patients with bilateral stents and 6 with a unilateral stent) and 22 patients receiving biliary drainage tube placement alone. The combined treatment group received TACE and extracorporeal radiotherapy after biliary drainage or biliary stent implantation and consisted of a total of 37 patients, including 21 patients receiving combined treatment after biliary stent placement (14 patients with bilateral stents and 7 with a unilateral stent) and 16 undergoing combined therapy after implanting the biliary drainage tube. In the combination treatment group, the TACE chemotherapy regimen employed gemcitabine and cisplatin, and the embolic agent was iodized oil. A particular dose was determined according to the patient's body surface area and the tumor staining indicated by DSA. In vitro radiotherapy was performed with intensity-modulated radiotherapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy at an average dose of 48.3 Gy. Both groups were followed from stent implantation or drainage tube implantation until the patient quitted or died. The median length of follow-up observation was 13 mo. The differences in overall survival time and the effect of different jaundice reducing methods (single stent, double stent, or biliary drainage) on the patency time and survival time of biliary stents were compared between the two groups; the related factors affecting overall survival time were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median survival time of the control group was 10.5 mo; the median survival time of patients with biliary stent implantation and those with percutaneous biliary drainage was 9.6 mo and 11.4 mo, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between them. The median survival time of the combined treatment group was 20.0 mo, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Among patients in the combined treatment group, the median survival time of patients who underwent biliary stent implantation and those who accepted percutaneous biliary drainage before the combination therapy was 19.5 mo and 20.1 mo, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. In the combination treatment group, the mean time of median stent patency was 15.6 mo, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (7.0 mo; P < 0.05). The independent factors affecting survival time included age, whether to receive combination therapy, percutaneous biliary drainage tube implantation, and Bismuth-Corlette classification as type IV.

CONCLUSION

Gemcitabine and cisplatin-based TACE combined with radiotherapy can prolong the survival of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Independent predictors of survival include selection of combination therapy, Bismuth-Corlette classification as type IV, selection of percutaneous biliary drainage tube implantation, and age.

Medical treatment for cholangiocarcinoma

Most of the patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) present with advanced (inoperable or metastatic) disease, and relapse rates are high in those undergoing potentially curative resection. Previous treatment nihilism of patients with advanced disease has been replaced by active clinical research with the advent of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and a much greater effort at understanding molecular mechanisms underpinning CCA. Three RCTs have recently been reported evaluating adjuvant chemotherapy following curative resection; only one of these has the potential to change practice. The BILCAP study failed to meet its primary endpoint by intention-to-treat analysis; however, a survival benefit was seen in a preplanned sensitivity analysis (predominantly adjusting for lymph nodes status). This, along with the numerical difference in median overall survival has led to the uptake of adjuvant capecitabine by many clinicians. In patients with advanced disease, the only level 1 data available supports the use of cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced disease; there is no established second-line chemotherapy. Previous forays into targeted therapy have proven unfruitful (namely targeting the epithelial growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways). An increasing number of genomic subtypes are being defined; for some of these on-target therapeutic options are under active investigation. The most developed are studies targeting IDH-1 (isocitrate dehydrogenase) mutations and FGFR-2 (fibroblast growth factor receptor) fusions, with promising early results. Several other pathways are under evaluation, along with early studies targeting the immune environment; these are too premature to change practice to date. These emerging treatments are discussed.