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Yue S, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:1089-1111. [PMID: 39066855 PMCID: PMC11329538 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01243-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies that arise from the epithelium of the biliary tract. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable BTC, the survival advantage provided by systemic chemotherapy was limited. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has significantly improved the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. There is an increasing number of studies evaluating the application of immunotherapy in BTC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. The limited response to ICIs monotherapy in unselected patients prompted investigators to explore different combination therapy strategies. Early clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccination and adoptive cell therapy have shown encouraging clinical results. However, there still has been a long way to go via validation of therapeutic efficacy and exploration of strategies to increase the efficacy. Identifying biomarkers that predict the response to immunotherapy will allow a more accurate selection of candidates. This review will provide an up-to-date overview of the current clinical data on the role of immunotherapy, summarize the promising biomarkers predictive of the response to ICIs and discuss the perspective for future research direction of immunotherapy in advanced BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Yue
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunpu Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Oyasiji T, Zhang J, Kuvshinoff B, Iyer R, Hochwald SN. Molecular Targets in Biliary Carcinogenesis and Implications for Therapy. Oncologist 2015; 20:742-51. [PMID: 26025932 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolutope Oyasiji
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jianliang Zhang
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Boris Kuvshinoff
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Renuka Iyer
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Steven N Hochwald
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Ulahannan SV, Rahma OE, Duffy AG, Makarova-Rusher OV, Kurtoglu M, Liewehr DJ, Steinberg SM, Greten TF. Identification of active chemotherapy regimens in advanced biliary tract carcinoma: a review of chemotherapy trials in the past two decades. Hepat Oncol 2015; 2:39-50. [PMID: 25685318 PMCID: PMC4326054 DOI: 10.2217/hep.14.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract carcinoma is a rare malignancy. We performed a comprehensive analysis of published prospective clinical trials in advanced biliary tract carcinoma in an attempt to identify active regimens in this setting. We searched PubMed and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium, European Society of Medical Oncology and European Cancer Organization conferences for clinical trials in this disease. We found 83 trials. The effect of gemcitabine on overall survival benefit showed a strong trend (p = 0.014) and an improvement in progression-free survival (p = 0.003). Gemcitabine-based regimens containing 5-fluorouracil showed a trend toward an improved overall survival (p = 0.047) relative to platinum agents. Our findings support gemcitabine as the chemotherapy backbone for the treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Gemcitabine plus 5-fluorouracil combinations warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna V Ulahannan
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic & GI-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Osama E Rahma
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Austin G Duffy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic & GI-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Oxana V Makarova-Rusher
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic & GI-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Metin Kurtoglu
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic & GI-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David J Liewehr
- Biostatistics & Data Management Section, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics & Data Management Section, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic & GI-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Fiteni F, Nguyen T, Vernerey D, Paillard MJ, Kim S, Demarchi M, Fein F, Borg C, Bonnetain F, Pivot X. Cisplatin/gemcitabine or oxaliplatin/gemcitabine in the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer: a systematic review. Cancer Med 2014; 3:1502-11. [PMID: 25111859 PMCID: PMC4298376 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin/gemcitabine association has been a standard of care for first-line regimen in advanced biliary tract cancer nevertheless oxaliplatin/gemcitabine regimen is frequently preferred. Because comparative effectiveness in clinical outcomes of cisplatin- versus oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy is not available, a systematic review of studies assessing cisplatin/gemcitabine or oxaliplatin/gemcitabine chemotherapies in advanced biliary tract cancer was performed. Published studies evaluating cisplatin/gemcitabine or oxaliplatin/gemcitabine in advanced biliary tract cancer were included. Each study was weighted according to the number of patients included. The primary objective was to assess weighted median of medians overall survival (mOS) reported for both regimens. Secondary goals were to assess weighted median of medians progression-free survival (mPFS) and toxic effects were pooled and compared within each arm. Thirty-three studies involving 1470 patients were analyzed. In total, 771 and 699 patients were treated by cisplatin/gemcitabine and oxaliplatin/gemcitabine, respectively. Weighted median of mOS was 9.7 months in cisplatin group and 9.5 months in oxaliplatin group. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was significantly associated with more grade 3 and 4 asthenia, diarrhea, liver toxicity, and hematological toxicity. Sensitivity analysis including only the studies with the standard regimen of cisplatin (25-35 mg/m(2) administered on days 1 and 8) showed that the weighted median of mOS increased from 9.7 to 11.7 months but Gem/CDDP regimen remained more toxic than Gemox regimen. These results suggest that the Gem/CDDP regimen with cisplatin (25-35 mg/m(2)) administered on days 1 and 8 is associated with survival advantage than Gemox regimen but with addition of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Fiteni
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- Methodology and Quality of Life in Oncology Unit, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
| | - Thierry Nguyen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
| | - Dewi Vernerey
- Methodology and Quality of Life in Oncology Unit, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
| | | | - Stefano Kim
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of MontbéliardMontbéliard, France
| | - Martin Demarchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of MontbéliardMontbéliard, France
| | - Francine Fein
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
| | - Christophe Borg
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- INSERM, Unit 1098, University of Franche-ComtéBesançon, France
| | - Franck Bonnetain
- Methodology and Quality of Life in Oncology Unit, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- EA 3181 University of Franche-ComtéBesançon, France
| | - Xavier Pivot
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of BesançonBesançon, France
- INSERM, Unit 1098, University of Franche-ComtéBesançon, France
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Hezel AF, Noel MS, Allen JN, Abrams TA, Yurgelun M, Faris JE, Goyal L, Clark JW, Blaszkowsky LS, Murphy JE, Zheng H, Khorana AA, Connolly GC, Hyrien O, Baran A, Herr M, Ng K, Sheehan S, Harris DJ, Regan E, Borger DR, Iafrate AJ, Fuchs C, Ryan DP, Zhu AX. Phase II study of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin in combination with panitumumab in KRAS wild-type unresectable or metastatic biliary tract and gallbladder cancer. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:430-6. [PMID: 24960403 PMCID: PMC4119993 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current data suggest that platinum-based combination therapy is the standard first-line treatment for biliary tract cancer. EGFR inhibition has proven beneficial across a number of gastrointestinal malignancies; and has shown specific advantages among KRAS wild-type genetic subtypes of colon cancer. We report the combination of panitumumab with gemcitabine (GEM) and oxaliplatin (OX) as first-line therapy for KRAS wild-type biliary tract cancer. METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed, previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic KRAS wild-type biliary tract or gallbladder adenocarcinoma with ECOG performance status 0-2 were treated with panitumumab 6 mg kg(-1), GEM 1000 mg m(-2) (10 mg m(-2) min(-1)) and OX 85 mg m(-2) on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. The primary objective was to determine the objective response rate by RECIST criteria v.1.1. Secondary objectives were to evaluate toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival. RESULTS Thirty-one patients received at least one cycle of treatment across three institutions, 28 had measurable disease. Response rate was 45% and disease control rate was 90%. Median PFS was 10.6 months (95% CI 5-24 months) and median overall survival 20.3 months (95% CI 9-25 months). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were anaemia 26%, leukopenia 23%, fatigue 23%, neuropathy 16% and rash 10%. CONCLUSIONS The combination of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and panitumumab in KRAS wild type metastatic biliary tract cancer showed encouraging efficacy, additional efforts of genetic stratification and targeted therapy is warranted in biliary tract cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Hezel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M S Noel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J N Allen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T A Abrams
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Yurgelun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J E Faris
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Goyal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J W Clark
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L S Blaszkowsky
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J E Murphy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A A Khorana
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - G C Connolly
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - O Hyrien
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A Baran
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Herr
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - K Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Sheehan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D J Harris
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Regan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D R Borger
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A J Iafrate
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Fuchs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D P Ryan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A X Zhu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Okusaka T, Ojima H, Morizane C, Ikeda M, Shibata T. Emerging drugs for biliary cancer. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2013; 19:11-24. [DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2014.870553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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State-of-the-art in the management of locally advanced and metastatic gallbladder cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2013; 25:425-31. [PMID: 23635800 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e3283620fd8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), classified as a biliary tract cancer (BTC) along with intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, is a rare disease in Western countries, but a highly prevalent disease in Chile, other countries in Latin America, India and Japan. It commonly presents at an advanced stage, and has limited therapeutic options. Cisplatin/gemcitabine has emerged as the first-line standard of care for patients with advanced BTCs, but the prognosis remains poor. Development of molecularly targeted therapies in advanced BTC remains challenging. RECENT FINDINGS Comprehension of the molecular events in gallbladder carcinogenesis may provide a novel targeted therapeutic approach, and early stage clinical trials with targeted therapies appear promising, although the relationship between subsets of patients with positive responses to therapy and tumor genetics requires further exploration. Recent developments in targeted therapeutics, directed against several key signalling pathways in BTC, including epidermal growth factor receptor, angiogenesis, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway will be discussed, in addition to the potential application of prognostic factors and markers. SUMMARY The future therapeutic spectrum for BTC and GBC will likely encompass novel combinations of targeted therapies with cytostatics in scientifically and molecularly directed schedules, thus permitting fewer mechanisms of escape for tumor cells.
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Cancers of the biliary tree represent a rare group of diseases with a devastating impact on patients. Gallbladder cancer often is associated with cholelithiasis. Cholangiocarcinoma may arise in the setting of biliary inflammation, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, but most commonly occurs in patients without a particular risk factor. Surgical removal of biliary cancer is essential for cure, but it is associated with a very high rate of recurrence and for many patients is not possible at the time of diagnosis. Although risk factors differ for each anatomic site, systemic treatment is generally similar. Various adjunctive therapies, such as radiation and embolization, have been investigated for biliary tract cancers with modest success and efforts are ongoing to understand how to optimize these tools. Retrospective series and pooled analysis suggest a benefit for adjuvant treatment following resection, but prospective data are limited. Ongoing and planned phase 3 trials should help to clarify the role of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. For advanced disease, chemotherapy improves quality of life and survival, and gemcitabine with cisplatin represents the standard of care. However, all patients ultimately progress on this therapy, so clinical trials of new and better agents are essential to expand the existing treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen K. Ciombor
- 2220 Pierce Avenue, 777 Preston Research Building Nashville, TN 37232 Phone: 615-322-4967 Fax: 615-343-7602
| | - Laura W. Goff
- 2220 Pierce Avenue, 777 Preston Research Building Nashville, TN 37232 Phone: 615-322-4967 Fax: 615-343-7601
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Sasaki T, Isayama H, Nakai Y, Koike K. Current status of chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer. Korean J Intern Med 2013; 28:515-24. [PMID: 24009445 PMCID: PMC3759755 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2013.28.5.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is indispensable for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer. Recently, reports regarding first-line chemotherapy have increased, and first-line chemotherapy treatment has become gradually more sophisticated. Gemcitabine and cisplatin combination therapy (or gemcitabine and oxaliplatin combination therapy) have become the standard of care for advanced biliary tract cancer. Oral fluoropyrimidines have also been shown to have good antitumor effects. Gemcitabine, platinum compounds, and oral fluoropyrimidines are now considered key drugs for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer. Several clinical trials using molecular targeted agents are also ongoing. Combination therapy using cytotoxic agents and molecular-targeted agents has been evaluated widely. However, reports regarding second-line chemotherapy remain limited, and it has not yet been clarified whether second-line chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of advanced biliary tract cancer. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish second-line standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer. Several problems exist when assessing the results of previous reports concerning advanced biliary tract cancer. In the present review, the current status of the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer is summarized, and several associated problems are indicated. These problems should be solved to achieve more sophisticated treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Les données incontournables de l’American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) 2012 : le point de vue du comité de rédaction du Bulletin du Cancer. Bull Cancer 2012; 99:1209-17. [DOI: 10.1684/bdc.2012.1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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