Biliary tract carcinomas: from chemotherapy to targeted therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2013;85:136-148. [PMID: 22809696 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2012.06.006]

Practical review for diagnosis and clinical management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the biliary tract. Perihilar CCC (pCCC) is the most common CCC and is burdened by a complicated diagnostic iter and its anatomical location makes surgical approach burden by poor results. Besides its clinical presentation, a multimodal diagnostic approach should be carried on by a tertiary specialized center to avoid miss-diagnosis. Preoperative staging must consider the extent of liver resection to avoid post-surgical hepatic failure. During staging iter, magnetic resonance can obtain satisfactory cholangiographic images, while invasive techniques should be used if bile duct samples are needed. Consistently, to improve diagnostic potential, bile duct drainage is not necessary in jaundice, while it is indicated in refractory cholangitis or when liver hypertrophy is needed. Once resecability criteria are identified, the extent of liver resection is secondary to the longitudinal spread of CCC. While in the past type IV pCCC was not considered resectable, some authors reported good results after their treatment. Conversely, in selected unresectable cases, liver transplantation could be a valuable option. Adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care for resected patients, while neoadjuvant approach has growing evidences. If curative resection is not achieved, radiotherapy can be added to chemotherapy. This multistep curative iter must be carried on in specialized centers. Hence, the aim of this review is to highlight the main steps and pitfalls of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pCCC with a peculiar attention to type IV pCCC.

Increase of MAL-II Binding Alpha2,3-Sialylated Glycan Is Associated with 5-FU Resistance and Short Survival of Cholangiocarcinoma Patients

Background and objectives: Sialylation plays important roles in tumor progression. Our present study aimed to demonstrate the alteration of sialylation and its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Materials and Methods: The α2,3- and α2,6-sialylation in CCA tissue was analyzed by lectin-histochemistry using Maackia amurensis lectin-II (MAL-II) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA). CCA cell lines were treated with the pan-sialylation inhibitor 3Fax-peracetyl-Neu5Ac (3F-Sia) followed by proliferation and chemosensitivity assays. Results: MAL-II binding α2,3-Sialylated Glycan (MAL-SG) and SNA binding α2,6-Sialylated Glycan (SNA-SG) were both elevated in CCA compared with hyperplastic/dysplastic (HP/DP) and normal bile ducts (NBD). The positive staining for MAL-SG or SNA-SG were found in 82% (61/74) of the CCA cases. Higher expression of MAL-SG in CCA was associated with shorter survival of the patients. The median survival of patients with high and low MAL-SG were 167 and 308 days, respectively, with overall survival of 233 days, suggesting the involvement of MAL-SG in CCA progression. MAL-SG expression of CCA cell lines was markedly decreased after treatment with 3F-Sia for 48 to 72 h. While proliferation of CCA cells were not affected by 3F-Sia treatment, their susceptibility to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was significantly enhanced. These results suggest that sialylation is involved in the development of 5-FU resistance and the sialylation inhibitor 3F-Sia can be used as a chemosensitizer for CCA. Conclusions: Sialylation is critically involved in the development of chemoresistance of CCA, and sialylation inhibitors may be used as a chemosensitizer in CCA treatment.

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin versus gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin as first-line therapy for advanced biliary tract cancers: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) has shown modest activity and tolerable toxicity in a phase II trial for biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Meanwhile, gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) has been the reference arm in recent phase II and III trials for BTCs. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of XELOX versus GEMOX as first-line therapy for advanced BCTs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial, we randomly selected patients with metastatic BCTs to receive GEMOX (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1) or XELOX (capecitabine 1000 mg/m2, twice daily, on days 1-14 and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1) as first-line treatment, given every 3 weeks, totaling eight cycles. The primary end point was to prove the noninferiority of XELOX to GEMOX in terms of 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate.

RESULTS

In total, 114 patients randomly received GEMOX and 108 randomly received XELOX. The median PFS was 5.3 months for the GEMOX group and 5.8 months for the XELOX group. The 6-month PFS rate was 44.5% for the GEMOX group and 46.7% for the XELOX group. The 95% confidence interval of the 6-month PFS rate difference between both groups was -12% to 16%, meeting the criteria for noninferiority of XELOX to GEMOX. There was no difference in objective response (P=0.171) and median overall survival (P=0.131) between both groups. The most common grade three to four adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. No patient died of treatment-related causes. The XELOX group had significantly lower frequencies of hospital visits than the GEMOX group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

XELOX showed significant noninferiority to GEMOX in terms of 6-month PFS rate. Thus, XELOX could be an alternative first-line treatment of BCTs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01470443).

Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers are a group of rare heterogeneous malignant tumours. They include intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, gallbladder carcinomas, and ampullary carcinomas. Surgery remains the optimal modality of therapy leading to long-term survival for people diagnosed with resectable biliary tract carcinomas. Unfortunately, most people with biliary tract carcinomas are diagnosed with either unresectable locally-advanced or metastatic disease, and they are only suitable for palliative chemotherapy or supportive care.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of intravenous administration of gemcitabine monotherapy or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy versus placebo, or no intervention, or other treatments (excluding gemcitabine) in adults with advanced biliary tract carcinomas.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed electronic searches in the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science up to June 2017. We also checked reference lists of primary original studies and review articles manually, for further related articles (cross-references).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible studies include randomised clinical trials, irrespective of language or publication status, comparing intravenous administration of gemcitabine monotherapy or gemcitabine-based combination to placebo, to no intervention, or to treatments other than gemcitabine.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We assessed risks of bias of the included trials using definitions of predefined bias risk domains, and presented the review results incorporating the methodological quality of the trials using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven published randomised clinical trials with 600 participants. All included trials were at high risk of bias, and we rated the evidence as very low quality. Cointerventions were equally applied in three trials (gemcitabine plus S-1 (a combination of tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil) versus S-1 monotherapy; gemcitabine plus S-1 versus gemcitabine monotherapy versus S-1 monotherapy; and gemcitabine plus vandetanib versus gemcitabine plus placebo versus vandetanib monotherapy), while four trials compared gemcitabine plus cisplatin versus S-1 plus cisplatin; gemcitabine plus mitomycin C versus capecitabine plus mitomycin C; gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus chemoradiotherapy; and gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus folinic acid versus best supportive care. The seven trials were conducted in India, Japan, France, China, Austria, South Korea, and Italy. The median age of the participants in the seven trials was between 50 and 60 years, and the male/female ratios were comparable in most of the trials. Based on these seven trials, we established eight comparisons. We could not perform all planned analyses in all comparisons because of insufficient data.Gemcitabine versus vandetanibOne three-arm trial compared gemcitabine versus vandetanib versus both drugs in combination. It reported no data for mortality, health-related quality of life, or tumour progression outcomes. We rated the increased risk of serious adverse events, anaemia, and overall response rate as very low-certainty evidence.Gemcitabine plus cisplatin versus S-1 plus cisplatinFrom one trial of 96 participants, we found very low-certainty evidence that gemcitabine can lower the risk of mortality at one year when used with cisplatin versus S-1 plus cisplatin (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.98; P = 0.04; participants = 96). The trial did not report data for serious adverse events, quality of life, or tumour response outcomes. There is very low-certainty evidence that gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination leads to a higher risk of high-grade thrombocytopenia compared with S-1 plus cisplatin combination (RR 5.28, 95% CI 1.23 to 22.55; P = 0.02; participants = 96).Gemcitabine plus S-1 versus S-1From two trials enrolling 151 participants, we found no difference between the two groups in terms of risk of mortality at one year or risk of serious adverse events. Gemcitabine plus S-1 combination was associated with a higher overall response rate compared with S-1 alone (RR 2.46, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.75; P = 0.007; participants = 140; trials = 2; I² = 0%; very low certainty of evidence). Neither of the trials reported data for health-related quality of life or time to progression of the tumour.Gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus folinic acid versus best supportive careOne three-arm trial compared gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus folinic acid versus best supportive care. It reported no data for serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or tumour progression. We rated the evidence for mortality and for overall response rate as of very low certainty.Gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin plus radiotherapyOne trial of 34 participants compared gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin plus radiotherapy. It reported no data for quality of life, overall response rate, or tumour progression outcomes. We rated the evidence for mortality and serious adverse events as of very low certainty.Gemcitabine plus mitomycin C versus capecitabine plus mitomycin COne trial of 51 participants compared gemcitabine plus mitomycin C versus capecitabine plus mitomycin C. It reported no data for serious adverse events, quality of life, or tumour progression. We rated the evidence for mortality, overall response rate and thrombocytopenia as of very low certainty.We also identified three ongoing trials evaluating outcomes of interest for our review, which we can incorporate in future updates.For-profit bias: there was a high risk of for-profit bias in two trials (because of industry sponsorship) while there was a low risk of for-profit bias in another three trials, and unclear risk in two trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In adults with advanced biliary tract carcinomas, the effects of gemcitabine or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy are uncertain on mortality and overall response compared with a range of inactive or active controls. The very low certainty of evidence is due to risk of bias, lack of information in the analyses and hence large imprecision, and possible publication bias. The confidence intervals do not rule out meaningful benefits or lack of effect of gemcitabine in all comparisons but one on mortality where gemcitabine plus cisplatin is compared with S-1 plus cisplatin. Gemcitabine-based regimens showed an increase in non-serious adverse events (particularly haematological toxicities). Further randomised clinical trials are mandatory, to further explore the best therapeutic options for adults with advanced biliary tract carcinomas.

Emerging molecular target antagonists for the treatment of biliary tract cancer

INTRODUCTION

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers, characterized by low incidence but poor prognosis. Even after complete surgical resection for early stage, relapse is frequent and the lack of effective treatments contributes to the dismal prognosis. To date, the only standard treatment in first-line is cisplatin/gemcitabine combination, whereas no standard in 2nd-line has been defined. Hence, the current goal is to better understand the biology of BTCs, discovering new treatment methods and improving clinical outcomes. Areas covered: The development of next-generation-sequencing has unveiled the picture of the molecular signatures characterizing BTCs, leading to the identification of actionable mutations in biomarker-driven clinical trials. In this review we will cover the genetic landscape of BTC, focusing on the efficacy of existing treatments. Furthermore, we will discuss emerging molecular targets and evaluate the findings of pre-clinical studies. Finally, the encouraging results of clinical trials involving targeted therapies or immunotherapy will be reviewed. Expert opinion: FGFR fusion rearrangements and IDH1 or IDH2 mutations are the most promising targeted treatments under evaluation. In addition, innovative trial design will allow to offer a chance for tailored medicine to infrequent subgroups of BTCs patients based on their molecular features rather than their histology.

Preclinical activity of EGFR and MEK1/2 inhibitors in the treatment of biliary tract carcinoma

Biliary tract carcinomas (BTC) are malignant tumors with limited therapeutic options. Clinical experiences with anti-EGFR therapies have produced unsatisfactory results. The strategies of combined inhibition of EGFR and MEK1/2 could be a promising therapeutic option in BTC treatment. Preclinical activity of Panitumumab and Trametinib was tested in in vitro (EGI-1, MT-CHC01 and WITT cells) and in in vivo (xenograft) BTC models with different K-RAS mutational status. Trametinib reduced MAPK phosphorylation in wild type (WT) WITT cells and in both K-RAS mutated cells; in EGI-1 was also able to switch off EGFR activation. Panitumumab reduced the activation of its target only in EGI-1 cells, and of MAPK only in WITT cells. While Trametinib inhibited cell growth in K-RAS mutated cell lines, Panitumumab had no effect on proliferation independently by K-RAS status. The addition of Panitumumab to Trametinib did not significantly potentiate its anti-proliferative effect also in mutated cells. In vivo, Trametinib was able to significantly slow the tumor growth in K-RAS mutated xenograft models, but did not have effect on K-RAS WT cells; the addition of Panitumumab potentiated the Trametinib efficacy in MT-CHC01 and overcame the resistance to the anti-EGFR in WITT cells, in which the monotherapy was ineffective. Only in K-RAS mutated xenografts Trametinib alone or in combination with Panitumumab significantly decreased Ki67 positive cell fraction and CD31 angiogenesis markers. In conclusion, this preclinical study provides a rational to plan clinical trials assessing the efficacy of Trametinib in K-RAS mutated BTC patients and the combination with anti-EGFR in WT BTC patients.

Biliary cancer: Utility of next-generation sequencing for clinical management

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) typically present at an advanced stage, and systemic chemotherapy is often of limited benefit.

METHODS

Hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) was performed for 412 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (IHCCAs), 57 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (EHCCAs), and 85 gallbladder carcinomas (GBCAs). The mutational profile was correlated with the clinical outcome of standard and experimental therapies for 321 patients. Clinical variables, detected mutations, and administered therapies were correlated with overall survival (OS) in a Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The most frequent genetic aberrations (GAs) observed were tumor protein 53 (TP53; 27%), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B; 27%), KRAS (22%), AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A; 18%), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1; 16%) in IHCCA; KRAS (42%), TP53 (40%), CDKN2A/B (17%), and SMAD4 (21%) in EHCCA; and TP53 (59%), CDKN2A/B (19%), ARID1A (13%), and ERBB2 (16%) in GBCA. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR; 11%) and IDH mutations (20%) were mostly limited to IHCCA but appeared to be mutually exclusive. In the IHCCA group, TP53 and KRAS mutations were associated significantly with poor OS, whereas FGFR2 mutations were associated with improved OS (P = .001), a younger age at onset, and female sex. IDH1/2 mutations were not prognostic. In a multivariate model, the effects of TP53 and FGFR GAs remained significant (P < .05). Patients with FGFR GAs had superior OS with FGFR-targeted therapy versus standard regimens (P = .006). Targeted therapy in IHCCA was associated with a numerical OS improvement (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest clinically annotated data set of BTC cases with CGP and indicates the potential of CGP for improving outcomes. CGP should be strongly considered in the management of BTC patients. Cancer 2016;122:3838-3847. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

The correlation between LDH serum levels and clinical outcome in advanced biliary tract cancer patients treated with first line chemotherapy

LDH may represent an indirect marker of neo-angiogenesis and worse prognosis in many tumour types. We assessed the correlation between LDH and clinical outcome for biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients treated with first-line chemotherapy. Overall, 114 advanced BTC patients treated with first-line gemcitabine and cisplatin were included. Patients were divided into two groups (low vs. high LDH), according to pre-treatment LDH values. Patients were also classified according to pre- and post-treatment variation in LDH serum levels (increased vs. decreased). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 5.0 and 2.6 months respectively in patients with low and high pre-treatment LDH levels (p = 0.0042, HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.87). Median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 and 5.6 months (low vs. high LDH) (p = 0.324, HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.54–1.24). DCR was 71% vs. 43% (low vs. high LDH) (p = 0.002). In 38 patients with decreased LDH values after treatment, PFS and OS were respectively 6.2 and 12.1 months, whereas in 76 patients with post-treatment increased LDH levels, PFS and OS were respectively 3.0 and 5.1 months (PFS: p = 0.0009; HR = 0.49; 95% IC: 0.33–0.74; OS: p < 0.0001; HR = 0.42; 95% IC: 0.27–0.63). Our data seem to suggest that LDH serum level may predict clinical outcome in BTC patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

Clinical aspects and perspectives of erlotinib in the treatment of patients with biliary tract cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with non-resectable biliary tract cancer have a poor prognosis even if treated with systemic chemotherapy. One hope for improving treatment is through molecular biology and the characterization of specific cancer driving alterations followed by the design of targeted drugs. The epidermal growth factor receptor system is upregulated in many cancers and can be targeted by the protein kinase inhibitor erlotinib. Erlotinib has demonstrated a clinically applicable effect in pancreatic and lung cancer Areas covered: In this review, the author presents the published clinical data about erlotinib in biliary tract cancer. The data is interpreted with respect to its clinical value and in regards to its future development.

EXPERT OPINION

Erlotinib has low activity as a monotherapy, but has shown synergistic effects when combined with bevacizumab. The only phase III trial with erlotinib was negative, but suggested improved progression free survival in cholangiocarcinoma patients when added to gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. There is no clinical, radiological or molecular marker to guide therapy, but genomic profiling and basket or umbrella trials may be useful in identifying the subset of patients benefitting from erlotinib. Until this subgroup has been defined, erlotinib has no value to biliary tract cancer patients in the daily clinic.

Biliary Tract Cancer: Epidemiology, Radiotherapy, and Molecular Profiling

Biliary tract cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, arises from the biliary epithelium of the small ducts in the periphery of the liver (intrahepatic) and the main ducts of the hilum (extrahepatic), extending into the gallbladder. The incidence and epidemiology of biliary tract cancer are fluid and complex. It is shown that intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is on the rise in the Western world, and gallbladder cancer is on the decline. Radiation therapy has emerged as an important component of adjuvant therapy for resected disease and definitive therapy for locally advanced disease. The emerging sophisticated techniques of imaging tumors and conformal dose delivery are expanding the indications for radiotherapy in the management of bile duct tumors. As we understand more about the molecular pathways driving biliary tract cancers, targeted therapies are at the forefront of new therapeutic combinations. Understanding the gene expression profile and mutational burden in biliary tract cancer allows us to better discern the pathogenesis and identify promising new developmental therapeutic targets.

Capecitabine with/without mitomycin C: results of a randomized phase II trial of second-line therapy in advanced biliary tract adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Advanced biliary tract adenocarcinoma (BTA) is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Since no standard salvage chemotherapy regimen exists, we explored the activity of capecitabine alone or combined with mitomycin C.

METHODS

Patients aged 18-75 years and with KPS >50, with pathological diagnosis of BTA stratified based on site and stage of disease, were randomized to receive capecitabine 2000 mg/m(2) day 1-14 alone (ARM A) or in combination with mitomycin C 6 mg/m(2) day 1 (ARM B) as second-line therapy. Cycles were repeated in both arms every 3 weeks. Tumor assessment was performed every 2 months. The primary endpoint was the probability of being progression free at 6 months (PFS-6) from treatment start. According to the Fleming design, the study aimed to enroll 26 pts per arm. An exploratory endpoint was to assess thymidylate synthase (TS) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) expression, as biomarkers predictive for clinical outcomes of capecitabine treatment.

RESULTS

Between October 2011 and 2013, 57 metastatic pts were enrolled: ARM A/B 28/29. Accordingly, 55 (26/29) pts were assessable for the primary endpoint: 2 (8%) ARM A and 3 (10%) ARM B pts were PFS-6. Main G3-4 toxicities were: hand-foot syndrome and transaminitis in 4/0%, and thrombocytopenia, diarrhea and fatigue in 0/3% of pts. No statistically significant correlation was found between TS or TP expression and pts' outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Since capecitabine yielded a disappointing outcome and the addition of mitomycin C did not improve the results, new therapeutic strategies need to be explored to improve survival in this disease setting.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer: distinguishing molecular profiles to guide potential therapy

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy regimens for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GC) remain interchangeable; however, response rates are frequently suboptimal. Biomarkers from ICC and GC patients were interrogated to identify actionable differences with potential therapeutic implications.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2012, pathological specimens from 217 ICC and 28 GC patients referred to Caris Life Sciences were evaluated. Specific testing by immunohistochemical analysis for 17 different biomarkers was performed.

RESULTS

In the collective cohort (n = 245), actionable targets included: 95% low thymidylate synthase (TS), 82% low ribonucleotide reductase subunit M (RMM) 1 and 74% low excision repair cross complementation group (ERCC) 1, indicating potential susceptibility to fluoropyrimidines/capecitabine, gemcitabine and platinum agents, respectively. Additional targets included TOPO1 (53.3% high, Irinotecan), MGMT (50.3% low, temozolomide), TOP2A (33% high, anthracyclines) and PGP (30.1% low, taxanes). Subgroup analysis by tumour origin demonstrated a differential biomarker expression pattern with a higher frequency of ICC tumours showing low levels of TS (99% versus 72%, P < 0.01), and RRM1 (85% versus 64%, P = 0.02) when compared with GC. Conversely a greater frequency of GC demonstrated high levels of TOPO1 (76% versus 50%, P = 0.02) versus ICC, indicating a potential increased benefit from irinotecan.

DISCUSSION

Differences in the molecular profiles between ICC and GC provide evidence that the two are distinct diseases, requiring different treatment strategies to optimize a response.

NOX1 mediates chemoresistance via HIF1α/MDR1 pathway in gallbladder cancer

NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) plays a key role in tumorigenesis and metastasis through generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), an important intracellular signaling molecule. However, how it is expressed in gallbladder cancer (GBC) tissue sample and whether it associates with GBC chemoresistance have never been investigated. Our study analyzed the relationship between NOX1 expression and cisplatin-sensitivity both in vivo and in vitro. We found that reduced NOX1 expression promoted cisplatin efficiency in GBC-SD cells, whereas overexpression of which potentially inhibited the sensitivity of cisplatin in SGC-996 cells. Further study into the mechanism we found that increased NOX1 expression elevated intracellular ROS levels, which then activated HIF-1α/MDR1 pathway. These findings established NOX1 a novel accelerant of chemoresistance in GBC, and NOX1-targeted therapeutics might be exploited as a strategy for increasing the efficacy of cisplatin treatment.

Panitumumab in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin does not prolong survival in wild-type KRAS advanced biliary tract cancer: A randomized phase 2 trial (Vecti-BIL study)

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare and lethal disease with few therapeutic options. Preclinical data suggest that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway could be involved in its progression.

METHODS

This open-label, randomized phase 2 trial recruited chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced BTC displaying a wild-type (WT) KRAS status. Patients were randomized to gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) ) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) ) with (arm A) or without (arm B) panitumumab (6 mg/kg) for up to 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) analyzed in an intention-to-treat fashion.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients (45 in arm A and 44 in arm B) were enrolled between June 2010 and September 2013. After a median follow-up of 10.1 months, the median PFS was 5.3 months (95% confidence interval, 3.3-7.2 months) in arm A and 4.4 months (95% confidence interval, 2.6-6.2 months) in arm B (P = .27). No survival differences were observed: the median overall survival was 9.9 months in arm A and 10.2 months in arm B (P = .42). In a subgroup analysis, no differences in PFS according to the site of the primary tumor were observed; patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with panitumumab may have had a survival benefit in comparison with the control group (15.1 vs 11.8 months, P = .13). As for safety, skin toxicity was the main adverse event in arm A (80% of the patients). A higher incidence of diarrhea (55.5% vs 31.8%), mucositis (22.2% vs 13.6%), and constipation (24.4% vs 15.9%) was seen in arm A.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the marginal role of anti-EGFR therapy even for WT KRAS-selected BTC.

Genetic alteration regulated by microRNAs in biliary tract cancers

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) constitute a relatively rare but highly malignant class of tumors with poor prognosis including gallbladder cancer, intra- and extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Recently, accumulated evidences have demonstrated that deregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is closely associated with the development, invasion, metastasis and prognosis of different cancers including BTCs. MiRNAs comprise an endogenously expressed and highly evolutionarily conserved group of small, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs which negatively regulate target genes expression by means of combining with 3' untranslated region (UTR) of corresponding mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level with significant roles in various fundamental cellular procedures including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell cycle control and apoptosis. Recent studies have indicated that miRNAs could function as novel tumor-promoting genes or tumor suppressor genes to act as potential therapeutic targets in anticancer treatment because the genetic alteration regulated by miRNAs could result in tumorigenesis and tumor inhibition. Anomalous miRNAs expression patterns, acting as phenotypic signatures of distinct cancers, are promising to be used as diagnostic, prognostic, predictive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the current findings from the studies about potential genetic alteration regulated by miRNAs and their roles in BTCs.

Molecular Targets in Biliary Carcinogenesis and Implications for Therapy

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) encompass a group of invasive carcinomas, including cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic, perihilar, or extrahepatic), and gallbladder carcinoma. Approximately 90% of patients present with advanced, unresectable disease and have a poor prognosis. The latest recommendation is to treat advanced or metastatic disease with gemcitabine and cisplatin, although chemotherapy has recorded modest survival benefits. Comprehension of the molecular basis of biliary carcinogenesis has resulted in experimental trials of targeted therapies in BTCs, with promising results. This review addresses the emerging role of targeted therapy in the treatment of BTCs. Findings from preclinical studies were reviewed and correlated with the outcomes of clinical trials that were undertaken to translate the laboratory discoveries.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Biliary tract cancers are rare. Approximately 90% of patients present with advanced, unresectable disease and have a poor prognosis. Median overall and progression-free survival are 12 and 8 months, respectively. Because chemotherapy has recorded modest survival benefits, targeted therapies are being explored for personalized treatment of these cancers. A comprehensive review of targeted therapies in biliary tract cancers was undertaken to present emerging evidence from laboratory and/or molecular studies as they translate to clinical trials and outcomes. The latest evidence on this topic is presented to clinicians and practitioners to guide decisions on treatment of this disease.

Future directions in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises a heterogeneous group of cancers with pathologic features of biliary tract differentiation, and is best classified anatomically as intrahepatic CCA (ICC), perihilar (pCCA), or distal (dCCA) CCA. They represent a clinically and genetically diverse collection of cancers. Surgical resection represents the only curative modality for CCA, although there are encouraging data with liver transplantation for early stage pCCA. There is no established adjuvant therapy for CCA. Unfortunately, most patients with CCA will present with unresectable or metastatic disease with poor prognosis. Currently the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin remains the standard therapy for advanced CCA. No second line therapy has definitely demonstrated improved survival benefits. Development of molecularly targeted therapies in advanced CCA remains challenging. However, recent efforts with targeted and whole exome sequencing have defined the landscape of mutations underlying CCA, particularly ICC. The identification of novel molecular signatures in CCA coupled with molecularly targeted therapy development provides the potential for developing novel therapeutic options in this intractable disease.

Molecular Subgroup Analysis of Clinical Outcomes in a Phase 3 Study of Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin with or without Erlotinib in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the addition of erlotinib to gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) resulted in greater antitumor activity and might be a treatment option for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Molecular subgroup analysis of treatment outcomes in patients who had specimens available for analysis was undertaken. METHODS: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), KRAS, and PIK3CA mutations were evaluated using peptide nucleic acid–locked nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction clamp reactions. Survival and response rates (RRs) were analyzed according to the mutational status. Sixty-four patients (48.1%) were available for mutational analysis in the chemotherapy alone group and 61 (45.1%) in the chemotherapy plus erlotinib group. RESULTS: 1.6% (2/116) harbored an EGFR mutation (2 patients; exon 20), 9.6% (12/121) harbored a KRAS mutation (12 patients; exon 2), and 9.6% (12/118) harbored a PIK3CA mutation (10 patients, exon 9 and 2 patients, exon 20). The addition of erlotinib to GEMOX in patients with KRAS wild-type disease (n = 109) resulted in significant improvements in overall response compared with GEMOX alone (30.2% vs 12.5%, P = .024). In 95 patients with both wild-type KRAS and PIK3CA, there was evidence of a benefit associated with the addition of erlotinib to GEMOX with respect to RR as compared with GEMOX alone (P = .04). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that KRAS mutational status might be considered a predictive biomarker for the response to erlotinib in BTCs. Additionally, the mutation status of PIK3CA may be a determinant for adding erlotinib to chemotherapy in KRAS wild-type BTCs.

Anti-cancer effect and gene modulation of ET-743 in human biliary tract carcinoma preclinical models

Background

Standard chemotherapy in unresectable biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) patients is based on gemcitabine combined with platinum derivatives. However, primary or acquired resistance is inevitable and no second-line chemotherapy is demonstrated to be effective. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new alternative (chemo)therapy approaches.

Methods

We evaluated the mechanism of action of ET-743 in preclinical models of BTC. Six BTC cell lines (TFK-1, EGI-1, TGBC1, WITT, KMCH, HuH28), two primary cell cultures derived from BTC patients, the EGI-1 and a new established BTC patient-derived xenografts, were used as preclinical models to investigate the anti-tumor activity of ET-743 in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression profiling was also analyzed upon ET-743 treatment in in vivo models.

Results

We found that ET-743 inhibited cell growth of BTC cell lines and primary cultures (IC50 ranging from 0.37 to 3.08 nM) preferentially inducing apoptosis and activation of the complex DNA damage-repair proteins (p-ATM, p-p53 and p-Histone H2A.x) in vitro. In EGI-1 and patient-derived xenografts, ET-743 induced tumor growth delay and reduction of vasculogenesis. In vivo ET-743 induced a deregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion, stress-related response, and in pathways involved in cholangiocarcinogenesis, such as the IL-6, Sonic Hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ET-743 could represent an alternative chemotherapy for BTC treatment and encourage the development of clinical trials in BTC patients resistant to standard chemotherapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-918) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chemotherapy and targeted therapy in advanced biliary tract carcinoma: a pooled analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

In biliary tract cancer, gemcitabine platinum (GP) doublet palliative chemotherapy is the current standard treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze recent trials, even those small and nonrandomized, and identify superior new regimens.

METHODS

Trials published in English between January 2000 and January 2014 were analyzed, as well as ASCO abstracts from 2010 to 2013.

RESULTS

In total, 161 trials comprising 6,337 patients were analyzed. The pooled results of standard therapy GP (no fluoropyrimidine, F, or other drug) were as follows: the median response rate (RR), tumor control rate (TCR), time to tumor progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were 25.9 and 63.5%, and 5.3 and 9.5 months, respectively. GFP triplets as well as G-based chemotherapy plus targeted therapy were significantly superior to GP concerning tumor control (TCR, TTP) and OS, with no difference in RR.

CONCLUSION

Triplet combinations of GFP as well as G-based chemotherapy with (predominantly EGFR) targeted therapy are most effective concerning tumor control and survival.

Down-regulation of FoxM1 inhibits viability and invasion of gallbladder carcinoma cells, partially dependent on inducement of cellular senescence

AIM: To investigate the effect of knockdown of Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) on the proliferation and invasion capacities of human gallbladder carcinoma (GBC)-SD cells.

METHODS: Four FoxM1 shRNAs were transfected into GBC-SD cells with Lipofectamine 2000 to select the appropriate shRNA for down-regulation of FoxM1. A recombinant lentivirus for shFoxM1 (Lv-shFoxM1), which expresses FoxM1-specific shRNA, and a negative control carrying green fluorescent protein, which expresses a scrambled RNA, were constructed. After transfection with the recombinant adenovirus and screened with puromycin, RT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to evaluate the inhibition efficiency. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and cell migration and invasion were assessed using the Transwell system. Cells were suspended in serum-free medium and seeded into Transwell inserts either uncoated (for migration assay) or coated (for invasion assay) with growth factor-reduced Matrigel. To verify the involvement of FoxM1 in the senescence of tumor cells, staining of senescence β-galactosidase (SA β-gal), the widely used biomarker of cellular senescence, was also performed.

RESULTS: After successful transfection of four FoxM1 small interfering RNAs (shRNAs) with Lipofectamine 2000, the shF1822 was selected as the most appropriate shRNA according to its obvious inhibitory effect. The recombinant adenovirus was then constructed with the shF1822 and successfully transfected into the GBC-SD cells, resulting in the significant inhibition of FoxM1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, compared with the negative control (P < 0.05). After transfection, down-regulation of FoxM1 significantly inhibited cell viability according to the MTT assay (P < 0.05). In addition, Transwell migration and invasion assays also suggested the suppression of invasion ability of the transfected cells. SA β-gal staining showed that down-regulation of FoxM1 could induce more senescent GBC cells (P < 0.05), suggesting the possible involvement of the senescence process of the FoxM1-deficient cells in GBC.

CONCLUSION: FoxM1 is functionally involved in viability of GBC cells, partially dependent on the inducement of cellular senescence, and is a potential target for GBC therapy.

Multivariate prognostic factors analysis for second-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

The role of second-line chemotherapy (CT) is not established in advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). We investigated the outcome of aBTC patients treated with second-line CT and devised a prognostic model.

METHODS

Baseline clinical and laboratory data of 300 consecutive aBTC patients were collected and association with overall survival (OS) was investigated by multivariable Cox models.

RESULTS

The following parameters resulted independently associated with longer OS: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 (P<0.001; hazard ratio (HR), 0.348; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.215-0.562), CA19.9 lower than median (P=0.013; HR, 0.574; 95% CI 0.370-0.891), progression-free survival after first-line CT ≥ 6 months (P=0.027; HR, 0.633; 95% CI 0.422-0.949) and previous surgery on primary tumour (P=0.027; HR, 0.609; 95% CI 0.392-0.945). We grouped the 249 patients with complete data available into three categories according to the number of fulfilled risk factors: median OS times for good-risk (zero to one factors), intermediate-risk (two factors) and poor-risk (three to four factors) groups were 13.1, 6.6 and 3.7 months, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Easily available clinical and laboratory factors predict prognosis of aBTC patients undergoing second-line CT. This model allows individual patient-risk stratification and may help in treatment decision and trial design.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score accurately predicts survival in patients with biliary tract cancer not indicated for surgical resection

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with the survival in patients with various types of malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the GPS and NLR in patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) undergoing palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care (BSC). Fifty-two patients with newly diagnosed BTC were retrospectively evaluated. We investigated the correlation between the GPS, NLR, and the overall survival rates. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was calculated to compare the predictive ability of each score. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological variables associated with the overall survival. There were significant differences between the GPS groups regarding the neutrophil levels (p < 0.0001), Hb (p = 0.024), Alb (p < 0.0001) and CRP (p < 0.0001). A significant difference in the overall survival was found between the groups stratified based on the GPS, NLR (p < 0.001). The GPS had a higher AUC value (0.905) in comparison to the NLR (0.648). In the multivariate analysis, the sex (p = 0.002), CA19-9 (p < 0.0001) and the GPS (p < 0.0001) were found to be independently associated with the overall survival. Our results demonstrate that the GPS is an independent marker of the prognosis in patients with BTC undergoing palliative chemotherapy or BSC, and is superior to the NLR in terms of its prognostic ability.

AKT/mTOR substrate P70S6K is frequently phosphorylated in gallbladder cancer tissue and cell lines

Background

Gallbladder carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor and a public health problem in some parts of the world. It is characterized by a poor prognosis and its resistance to radio and chemotherapy. There is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is activated in about 50% of human malignancies, and its role in gallbladder carcinoma has previously been suggested. In the present study, we investigated the phosphorylation status of the mTOR substrate p70S6K in preneoplastic and neoplastic gallbladder tissues and evaluated the effect of three mTOR inhibitors on cell growth and migration in gallbladder carcinoma cell lines.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of phospho-p70S6K was analyzed in 181 gallbladder carcinoma cases, classified according to lesion type as dysplasia, early carcinoma, or advanced carcinoma. Protein expression of AKT/mTOR members was also evaluated in eight gallbladder carcinoma cell lines by Western blot analysis. We selected two gallbladder carcinoma cell lines (G415 and TGBC-2TKB) to evaluate the effect of rapamycin, RAD001, and AZD8055 on cell viability, cell migration, and protein expression.

Results

Our results showed that phospho-p70S6K is highly expressed in dysplasia (66.7%, 12/18), early cancer (84.6%, 22/26), and advanced cancer (88.3%, 121/137). No statistical correlation was observed between phospho-p70S6K status and any clinical or pathological features, including age, gender, ethnicity, wall infiltration level, or histological differentiation (P < 0.05). In vitro treatment with rapamycin, RAD001, and AZD8055 reduced cell growth, cell migration, and phospho-p70S6K expression significantly in G-415 and TGBC-2TKB cancer cells (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the upregulation of this signaling pathway in gallbladder carcinoma and provide a rationale for the potential use of mTOR inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for human gallbladder carcinoma.