Hepatitis B and C virus infection is a risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma

Management of intrahepatic and perihilar cholangiocarcinomas: Guidelines of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF)

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common malignant primary liver cancer. iCCA may develop on an underlying chronic liver disease and its incidence is growing in relation with the epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. In contrast, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) may follow a history of chronic inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract. The initial management of CCAs is often complex and requires multidisciplinary expertise. The French Association for the Study of the Liver wished to organize guidelines in order to summarize the best evidence available about several key points in iCCA and pCCA. These guidelines have been elaborated based on the level of evidence available in the literature and each recommendation has been analysed, discussed and voted by the panel of experts. They describe the epidemiology of CCA as well as how patients with iCCA or pCCA should be managed from diagnosis to treatment. The most recent developments of personalized medicine and use of targeted therapies are also highlighted.

Any Role for Microbiota in Cholangiocarcinoma? A Comprehensive Review

Alterations in the human microbiota have been linked to carcinogenesis in several cancers. To date, few studies have addressed the role of the microbiota in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our work aims to update the knowledge about the role of the microbiota in the CCA microenvironment, and to highlight possible novel insights for the development of new diagnostic, prognostic, or even therapeutic strategies. We thus conducted a review of the literature. In recent years, great progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis, the clinical and histological behavior, and the molecular profile of CCA. Much evidence suggests that the bile microbiota plays an essential role in biliary diseases, including CCA. Some studies have demonstrated that alterations in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal commensal bacteria lead to overall cancer susceptibility through various pathways. Other studies suggest that the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of CCA. The clinical implications are far-reaching, and the role of the microbiota in the CCA microenvironment may lead to considering the exciting implications of implementing therapeutic strategies that target the microbiota-immune system axis.

The multidisciplinary management of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a lethal malignancy of the biliary epithelium that can arise anywhere along the biliary tract. Surgical resection confers the greatest likelihood of long-term survivability. However, its insidious onset, difficult diagnostics, and resultant advanced presentation render the majority of patients unresectable, highlighting the importance of early detection with novel biomarkers. Developing liver-directed therapies and emerging targeted therapeutics may offer improved survivability for patients with unresectable or advanced disease. In this article, the authors review the current multidisciplinary standards of care in resectable and unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, with an emphasis on novel biomarkers for early detection and nonsurgical locoregional therapy options.

Crenigacestat blocking notch pathway reduces liver fibrosis in the surrounding ecosystem of intrahepatic CCA viaTGF-β inhibition

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly malignant tumor characterized by an intensive desmoplastic reaction due to the exaggerated presence of the extracellular (ECM) matrix components. Liver fibroblasts close to the tumor, activated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and expressing high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), become cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are deputed to produce and secrete ECM components and crosstalk with cancer cells favoring tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Overexpression of Notch signaling is implicated in CCA development and growth. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Notch inhibitor, Crenigacestat, on the surrounding microenvironment of iCCA.

METHODS

We investigated Crenigacestat's effectiveness in a PDX model of iCCA and human primary culture of CAFs isolated from patients with iCCA.

RESULTS

In silico analysis of transcriptomic profiling from PDX iCCA tissues treated with Crenigacestat highlighted "liver fibrosis" as one of the most modulated pathways. In the iCCA PDX model, Crenigacestat treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced peritumoral liver fibrosis. Similar results were obtained in a hydrodynamic model of iCCA. Bioinformatic prediction of the upstream regulators related to liver fibrosis in the iCCA PDX treated with Crenigacestat revealed the involvement of the TGF-β1 pathway as a master regulator gene showing a robust connection between TGF-β1 and Notch pathways. Consistently, drug treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels in tumoral tissue. In PDX tissues, Crenigacestat remarkably inhibited TGF-β signaling and extracellular matrix protein gene expression and reduced α-SMA expression. Furthermore, Crenigacestat synergistically increased Gemcitabine effectiveness in the iCCA PDX model. In 31 iCCA patients, TGF-β1 and α-SMA were upregulated in the tumoral compared with peritumoral tissues. In freshly isolated CAFs from patients with iCCA, Crenigacestat significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited Notch signaling, TGF-β1 secretion, and Smad-2 activation. Consequently, Crenigacestat also inactivated CAFs reducing (p < 0.001) α-SMA expression. Finally, CAFs treated with Crenigacestat produced less (p < 005) ECM components such as fibronectin, collagen 1A1, and collagen 1A2.

CONCLUSIONS

Notch signaling inhibition reduces the peritumoral desmoplastic reaction in iCCA, blocking the TGF-β1 canonical pathway.

Helicobacter bilis infection induces oxidative stress in and enhances the proliferation of human cholangiocytes

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter bilis, an enterohepatic Helicobacter species, represents a carcinogenic risk factor for cholangiocytes owing to the prevalence of infections in patients with biliary tract cancer, cholecystitis, and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. However, the effect of H. bilis infection on cholangiocytes and the process and mechanism of carcinogenesis are not known. We aimed to determine the effects of H. bilis on cholangiocytes, focusing on inflammation and oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Helicobacter bilis and MMNK-1 cells were cocultured for 24 h and inflammatory cytokine secretion was evaluated. Furthermore, MMNK-1 cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxidant species (ROS) production, and DNA damage caused by ROS were investigated. All factors were compared with and without H. bilis infection.

RESULTS

Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 secretion were significantly increased in MMNK-1 cocultures with H. bilis (IL-6, 24.3 ± 12.2 vs. 271.1 ± 286.4 pg/ml; IL-8, 167.6 ± 78.7 vs. 1085.1 ± 1047.1 pg/ml, p < .05). MMNK-1 proliferation was also significantly higher in H. bilis cocultures (1.05 ± 0.02 vs. 1.00-fold, respectively; p < .05). Coculturing enhanced the production of ROS in MMNK-1 cells depending on the cell concentration of H. bilis (1.0 vs. 1.17 ± 0.06, p < .05); however, DNA injury was not observed in cocultures with H. bilis (5.35 ± 0.87 vs. 6.08 ± 0.55 pg/μl, p = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter bilis infection induced ROS production in and enhanced the proliferation of cholangiocytes.

Secular trends of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a high endemic area: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. However, because of its scarcity there are limited population-based data available for investigations into its epidemiologic characteristics. In Taiwan, we have a national cancer registry database that can be used to evaluate the secular trends of ICC.

AIM

To evaluate secular trends of ICC according to age, sex, and risk factors in Taiwan.

METHODS

In this population-based study, we used the national Taiwan Cancer Registry database. Age-standardized and relative percent changes in incidence rates were used to describe secular trends in incidence rates and sex ratios of ICC in Taiwan.

RESULTS

The age-standardized ICC incidence rate among males increased from 1.51 per 100000 in 1993-1997 to 4.07 per 100000 in 2013-2017 and among female from 1.73 per 100000 to 2.95 per 100000. The incidence in females tended to plateau after 2008-2012. For males, the ICC incidence increased as age increased. In the long-term incidence trend of ICC in females, the incidence of the four age groups (40-44, 45-49, 50-54 and 55-59 years) remained stable in different years; although, the incidence of the 60-64 group had a peak in 2003-2007, and the peak incidence of the 65-69 and 70-74 groups occurred in 2008-2012. Among males, beginning at the age of 65, there were increases in the incidence of ICC for the period of 2003-2017 as compared with females in the period of 2003-2017.

CONCLUSION

Increased incidence of ICC occurred in Taiwan over the past two decades. The increased incidence has progressively shifted toward younger people for both males and females.

Cytological Comparison between Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Image Analysis Software Using Touch Smear Samples of Surgically Resected Specimens

To investigate useful cytological features for differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), this study cytologically compared HCC to ICC using image analysis software. Touch smear specimens of surgically resected specimens were obtained from a total of 61 nodules of HCC and 16 of ICC. The results indicated that the major/minor axis ratio of ICC is significantly larger than that of HCC (1.67 ± 0.27 vs. 1.32 ± 0.11, p < 0.0001) in Papanicolaou staining. This result means that the nucleus of HCC is close to round and the nucleus of ICC is close to an oval. This significant difference in the major/minor axis ratio between ICC and HCC was consistently observed by the same analyses using clinical samples of cytology (4 cases of HCC and 13 cases of ICC) such a fine-needle aspiration, brushing and ascites (ICC: 1.45 ± 0.13 vs. HCC: 1.18 ± 0.056, p = 0.004). We also confirmed that nuclear position center-positioned nucleus (p < 0.0001) and granular cytoplasm (p < 0.0001) are typical features of HCC tumor cells compared to ICC tumor cells. The research study found a significant difference in the nuclear morphology of HCC (round shape) and ICC (oval shape) in Papanicolaou-stained cytology specimens. This simple and objective finding will be very useful for the differential cytodiagnosis of HCC and ICC.

Inflammatory pathways and cholangiocarcinoma risk mechanisms and prevention

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a neoplasm burdened by a poor prognosis and currently lacking adequate therapeutic treatments, can originate at different levels of the biliary tree, in the intrahepatic, hilar, or extrahepatic area. The main risk factors for the development of CCA are the presence of chronic cholangiopathies of various etiology. To date, the most studied prodromal diseases of CCA are primary sclerosing cholangitis, Caroli's disease and fluke infestations, but other conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity, are emerging as associated with an increased risk of CCA development. In this review, we focused on the analysis of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms that induce the development of CCA and on the role of cells of the immune response in cholangiocarcinogenesis. In very recent times, these cellular mechanisms have been the subject of emerging studies aimed at verifying how the modulation of the inflammatory and immunological responses can have a therapeutic significance and how these can be used as therapeutic targets.

Role of autophagy in cholangiocarcinoma: An autophagy-based treatment strategy

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are diverse biliary epithelial tumours involving the intrahepatic, perihilar and distal parts of the biliary tree. The three entirely variable entities have distinct epidemiology, molecular characteristics, prognosis and strategy for clinical management. However, many cholangiocarcinoma tumor-cells appear to be resistant to current chemotherapeutic agents. The role of autophagy and the therapeutic value of autophagy-based therapy are largely unknown in CCA. The multistep nature of autophagy offers a plethora of regulation points, which are prone to be deregulated and cause different human diseases, including cancer. However, it offers multiple targetable points for designing novel therapeutic strategies. Tumor cells have evolved to use autophagy as an adaptive mechanism for survival under stressful conditions such as energy imbalance and hypoxic region of tumors within the tumor microenvironment, but also to increase invasiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the interplay between autophagy and cholangiocarcinogenesis, together with some preclinical studies with agents that modulate autophagy in order to induce tumor cell death. Altogether, a combinatorial strategy, which comprises the current anti-cancer agents and autophagy modulators, would represent a positive CCA patient approach.

Viral hepatitis B and C infections increase the risks of intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Previous study has shown a positive relationship between the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); however, their correlation with different anatomical sites of CCA (i.e. ICC and ECC) has not been revealed. This study aims to evaluate the association of HBV or HCV infection with CCA, including the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), and to determine the roles of α-1 fetoprotein (AFP), CA19-9, and lymph node involvement in CCA with HBV infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies published between 2004 and 2016 were systematically searched and retrieved from PubMed, SpringerLink, and Science Direct using key terms such as "cholangiocarcinoma", "bile duct cancer", "extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma", and "intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma". The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from the included studies, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA 11.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with CCA matched the inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis, including 7,113 CCA patients and 24,763 controls. This meta-analysis showed that the HBV or HCV infections can significantly increase the risk of CCA, including ICC and ECC. In addition, the higher levels of AFP, lower levels of CA19-9, and lymph node involvement were detected in the CCA patients with HBV infection as compared to those without.

CONCLUSION

The HBV and HCV infections significantly increased the risk of CCA, as well as ICC and ECC. The involvement of AFP, CA19-9, and lymph nodes may play an important role in the diagnosis of CCA.

Prognostic impact of hepatitis B or C on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second-most common primary liver malignancy, arising from the peripheral intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be involved in the development of ICC. We explored the prognostic value of hepatitis virus infection, as well as other prognostic factors affecting survival in patients with ICC.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients diagnosed with ICC between August 2005 and December 2018 at Konkuk University Medical Center. We identified a total of 131 patients with ICC. Overall survival rates of patients with and without hepatitis were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to estimate factors influencing survival outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 17.6% (23/131) of patients were positive for HBV or HCV. Hepatitis B positive ICC patients were significantly younger with higher albumin and higher α-fetoprotein than those without hepatitis viral infections. The median survival of hepatitis-positive and hepatitis-negative groups was 280 and 213 days, respectively. Survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.279). Multivariate analyses indicated that lower serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) (p < 0.001), lower T stage (p = 0.042), the absence of lymph-node metastasis (p = 0.043), and receiving curative surgery (p = 0.033) were independent predictors of better outcomes.

CONCLUSION

While hepatitis influenced a number of clinical features in ICC patients, it did not affect survival rate. Prognostic factors influencing survival outcomes with ICC were CA 19-9 level, T stage, the presence of lymph node metastasis, and curative surgery.

Inflammation and Progression of Cholangiocarcinoma: Role of Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Mechanisms

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or cancer of the biliary epithelium is a relatively rare but aggressive form of biliary duct cancer which has a 5-year survival rate post metastasis of 2%. Although a number of risk factors are established for CCA growth and progression, a careful evaluation of the existing literature on CCA reveals that an inflammatory environment near the biliary tree is the most common causal link between the risk factors and the development of CCA. The fact that inflammation predisposes affected individuals to CCA is further bolstered by multiple observations where the presence and maintenance of an inflammatory microenvironment at the site of the primary tumor plays a significant role in the development and metastasis of CCA. In addition, mechanisms activating the tumor vasculature and enhancing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis significantly contribute to CCA aggressiveness and metastasis. This review aims to address the role of an inflammatory microenvironment-CCA crosstalk and will present the basic concepts, observations, and current perspectives from recent research studies in the field of tumor stroma of CCA.

Cholangiocarcinoma: anatomical location-dependent clinical, prognostic, and genetic disparities

Background

Anatomical location is considered in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). However, disparities and its extents in proportion of surgical candidates, prognostic factors, prognostic genetic networks, susceptibility for lymph node dissection, and disease stage at diagnosis remain to be confirmed.

Methods

A total of 11,710 patients with cholangiocarcinoma from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Cancer Registries (SEER) and 45 CCA patients with paired tumor and normal specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas were studied. Kaplan-Meier estimation, Cox proportional hazards regression, Pearson's correlation, comparison between anatomical location (distal, intrahepatic, and perihilar)-dependent CCAs, differential expressive gene stratification, potential interactive gene identification, and confirmation on pathways of the prognostic networks were carried out.

Results

Survival outcomes were most favorable in the distal type, followed by perihilar and intrahepatic types, but postsurgical prognosis was slightly higher in intrahepatic type compared to perihilar type. Distant historic stage at diagnosis was noticed in intrahepatic type. Significant prognostic factors and their hazards ratios were dependent to the anatomical location. In addition, lymph node dissection provided significant survival benefits in perihilar type only. Furthermore, prognosis-predictive genes, as well as potential processes and pathways, were significantly among the anatomical location-dependent types that the genes barely overlapped.

Conclusions

There are disparities in almost all aspects among distal, intrahepatic, and perihilar CCAs. Anatomical location needs to be considered in treatment, prognostic estimation, identifying targets, and developing therapeutic approaches for CCA.

Role of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion in Discriminating Hepatitis B Virus-Related Intrahepatic Mass-Forming Cholangiocarcinoma from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System v2018

Backgroud: Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) could be used to characterize benign and malignant hepatic lesions and predict the histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To evaluate IVIM-derived parameters for differentiating between hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC) and HCC based on the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018. Materials and Methods: 20 IMCC patients and one-to-one matched control HCC patients were retrospectively assessed. IVIM scanning with 11 b-values (from 0 to 1500 s/mm²) was obtained using a 3.0-T magnetic resonance scanner. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters, including diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f), were compared between IMCC and HCC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performances of ADC, D, f, and D*. The LI-RADS features and a final category were also compared using LI-RADS v2018. Results: ADC and D were significantly higher in IMCC than in HCC (p = 0.012 and p = 0.007, respectively); f was significantly higher in HCC than in IMCC (p = 0.004). The area under the ROC curve values for ADC, D, and f for differentiating HBV-related IMCC from HCC were 0.724, 0.753, and 0.741, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of HBV-related IMCCs can be categorized as LR-M by using LI-RADS. However, atypical IMCCs may be classified as non-LR-M. ADC, D, and f values may be helpful in differentiating HBV-related IMCC from HCC, and similar diagnostic performances were obtained for these values.

Genetic variants in IFIH1 and DDX58 influence hepatitis C virus clearance in Chinese Han population

AIMS

To investigate the association between two RIG-I-like receptor gene polymorphisms and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

The current study genotyped two selected SNPs (IFIH1 rs3747517 and DDX58 rs9695310) using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay to assess their association with the susceptibility and clinical outcome of HCV infection among 3065 participants (1545 non-HCV infection individuals, 568 spontaneous HCV clearance cases, and 952 persistent infection patients).

RESULTS

IFIH1 rs3747517 (dominant model: Adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.68; P = 0.009) and DDX58 rs9695310 (dominant model: Adjusted OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.15-1.78; P = 0.001) were associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). And the risk of CHC increased when people were carrying more unfavorable rs3747517-GA/AA and rs9695310-GC/CC genotypes from zero to two with the chronic rates of 56.72%, 59.38%, and 69.01%, respectively (Ptrend  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Genetic variations at IFIH1 rs3747517 and DDX58 rs9695310 were independent predictors of chronic hepatitis C in Chinese Han population.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Epidemiology and risk factors

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous disease arising from a complex interaction between host-specific genetic background and multiple risk factors. Globally, CCA incidence rates exhibit geographical variation, with much higher incidence in parts of the Eastern world compared to the West. These differences are likely to reflect differences in geographical risk factors as well as genetic determinants. Of note, over the past few decades, the incidence rates of CCA appear to change and subtypes of CCA appear to show distinct epidemiological trends. These trends need to be interpreted with caution given the issues of diagnosis, recording and coding of subtypes of CCA. Epidemiological evidences suggest that in general population some risk factors are less frequent but associated with a higher CCA risk, while others are more common but associated with a lower risk. Moreover, while some risk factors are shared by intrahepatic and both extrahepatic forms, others seem more specific for one of the two forms. Currently some pathological conditions have been clearly associated with CCA development, and other conditions are emerging; however, while their impact in increasing CCA risk as single etiological factors has been provided in many studies, less is known when two or more risk factors co-occur in the same patient. Moreover, despite the advancements in the knowledge of CCA aetiology, in Western countries about 50% of cases are still diagnosed without any identifiable risk factor. It is therefore conceivable that other still undefined etiologic factors are responsible for the recent increase of CCA (especially iCCA) incidence worldwide.

Lowering the upper limit of serum alanine aminotransferase levels may reveal significant liver disease in the elderly

This study sought to determine the prevalence of significant liver disease in those subjects with serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the range between the current and the newly suggested upper limit of normal (termed the delta range). The files of the previous study subjects (who underwent at least one alanine aminotransferase measurement in 2002 and followed to 2012) were reviewed for a diagnosis of chronic liver disease; aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index, FIB-4 and alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio were used to evaluate liver fibrosis. The prevalence of significant liver disease, by diagnoses and fibrosis scores was compared between subjects with alanine aminotransferase levels in the delta range (men, 42-45 IU/L; women, 26-34 IU/L) and in the newly suggested normal range (men, 15-42 IU/L; women, 10-26 IU/L). The cohort included 49,634 subjects (41% male, mean age 83±6 years) of whom 2022 were diagnosed with chronic liver disease including 366 with cirrhosis. Compared to subjects with alanine aminotransferase levels in the newly suggested normal range, subjects with alanine aminotransferase levels in the delta range had a significantly higher rate of chronic liver disease (men, 15.3% vs. 4.9%; women, 7.8% vs. 3.3%) and of cirrhosis specifically (men, 4.2% vs. 0.9%; women, 1.5% vs. 0.4%) and also had higher mean fibrosis scores (P <0.001 for all). Lowering the current upper limit of normal of serum alanine aminotransferase may help to identify elderly patients at risk of significant liver disease.

Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Favorable Postoperative Management to Improve Prognosis of Hepatitis B Virus-associated Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma after Surgical Resection

Background: There is no information regarding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a postoperative management after hepatic resection for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods: Forty-two patients with pathological confirmation of HBV-associated ICC were enrolled. Prognostic impact of the clinicopathological factors as well as postoperative TACE were evaluated. Computed tomography findings of HBV-associated ICC were assessed.

Results: Tumor size of larger than 5 cm (hazard ratio [HR], 5.654; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.175 to 27.204; P = 0.031), postoperative TACE (HR, 0.123; 95% CI, 0.023 to 0.643; P = 0.013), and lymph node metastasis (HR, 3.284; 95% CI, 1.236 to 8.724; P = 0.017) revealed to be independently associated with survival outcomes of patients with HBV-associated ICC. Application of TACE, as a postoperative management to control early local recurrence on the basis of hepatic arterial phase enhancement, significantly prolonged survival outcomes (1-yr, 88.9%; 3-yr, 77.8%; 5-yr, 66.7%), compared to the patients who did not receive TACE (1-yr, 63.6%; 3-yr, 30.8%; 5-yr, 13.0%). When analyzed according to the status of hepatic arterial phase, arterial phase enhancement demonstrated a favorable trend on prognosis of patients with HBV-associated ICC without statistical significance (HR, 0.435; 95% CI, 0.140 to 1.359; P = 0.141), and TACE independently improved overall survival of patients with arterial phase enhancement (HR, 0.105; 95% CI, 0.014 to 0.774; P = 0.027).

Conclusions: Put together, our results indicate that postoperative TACE effectively improves prognosis of HBV-associated ICC with arterial phase enhancement in CT scans. Large-sized trials are required for our results to be applied in clinical medicine.

Smoking and risk of cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies evaluating the association between smoking and risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have yielded controversial results. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association based on available evidence. We searched the databases of Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to April 11, 2017. Studies that investigated the association between smoking and risk of CCA were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either a random-effects or a fixed-effects model. A total of 22 studies involving 324,333 participants were identified. The summary OR of CCA was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.51) for smokers versus nonsmokers. The increased risk was independent of diabetes mellitus, bilious tract stone disease, and liver cirrhosis. Smokers also had increased risk of intrahepatic CCA (12 studies; OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.63) and extrahepatic CCA (12 studies; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.59) compared with nonsmokers. The results of our meta-analysis support the hypothesis that there is a moderate association between cigarette smoking and risk of CCA.

Hepatitis B virus-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a malignancy of distinctive characteristics between hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

It has been a decade since hepatitis B virus infection was identified as an etiological factor for the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). In recent years, several studies have elucidated the critical impact of hepatitis B virus in ICC that significantly influenced the clinicopathological characteristics of ICC patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Distinctive features of patients with hepatitis B virus-associated ICC included younger age, preponderance of male patients, frequent elevation of alpha-fetoprotein, and infrequent lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, several studies indicated that the presence of hepatitis B virus is a favorable prognostic factor in terms of overall survival and relapse-free survival. However, there are also a few studies demonstrating that hepatitis B virus negatively influenced or showed no significant association with survival outcomes of patients with ICC. At present, there are no consensus on diagnostic procedures and treatments for such population. Therefore, we elucidated current knowledge and recent identifications of HBV-associated ICC to clarify the impact of chronic HBV infection on patients with ICC and to precisely conduct diagnostic procedures and curative treatments for HBV-associated ICC.

Lymphoepithelioma-Like Cholangiocarcinoma Associated With HCV: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a particular form of undifferentiated carcinoma characterized by a prominent lymphoid stroma that was originally described in the nasopharynx. We present a case of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–associated lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC), located at the liver, in a patient with history of malignancy. A 79-year-old man underwent partial hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for a suspected metastasis of colon cancer 2.5 years after hemicolectomy for advanced colon cancer followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The resected tumor was diagnosed as LEL-CC via a distinct histologic pattern with dense lymphoplasma cell infiltration. According to the available literature, our report describes a rare cases of HCV-associated LEL-CC that coexisted with other malignancy and that was associated with survival for more than 3 years after surgery, suggesting that surgical resection may be the recommended therapeutic option for LEL-CC to provide a definitive diagnosis as well as obtain a good prognosis, even in advanced stages of LEL-CC.

Co-infections with liver fluke and Helicobacter species: A paradigm change in pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma?

Infection with the fish-borne liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen: definitely carcinogenic in humans. Cofactors likely contribute to bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) caused by this infection. Here we review recent findings that address the role of liver fluke associated H. pylori in hepatobiliary disease and malignancy. We hypothesize that co-infection by O. viverrini and the bacillus Helicobacter pylori is central of liver fluke infection associated cholangiocarcinoma.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer, being characterized by its late diagnosis and fatal outcome. Recent epidemiological reports indicate an increasing worldwide incidence of intrahepatic CCA but a decreasing incidence of extrahepatic CCA.

METHODS

In this review, we present an overview of the incidence and epidemiology of CCA and possible strategies for screening and surveillance.

RESULTS

Efficient strategies for the screening and surveillance of CCA have not been established so far. The vast majority of CCA occur sporadically without any apparent cause; however, several risk factors such as liver flukes, chronic biliary and liver diseases, and lifestyle-related aspects causing chronic inflammation and cholestasis in the liver have been linked to the development of CCA. These risk factors likely contribute to the increased incidence observed in some countries and also explain the wide geographical differences in the incidence of CCA.

CONCLUSION

Several risk factors for CCA have been identified. Given the dismal prognosis of advanced CCA, regular surveillance examinations with a combination of ultrasonography and laboratory tests appear to be useful in patients at risk and need to be explored in prospective trials.

Hepatitis B virus is associated with the clinical features and survival rate of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis and development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) may be triggered by hepatitis B virus (HBV). We conducted this retrospective study to explore the potential association between HBV infection and the clinical features and survival rate of patients with ICC.

METHODS

Patients with ICC who had undergone a curative resection were enrolled and divided into three groups according to the seropositivity of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). The groups were as follows: group I, HBsAg (+)/anti-HBc (+); group II, HBsAg (-)/anti-HBc (+); group III HBsAg (-)/anti-HBc (-). The symptoms, pathologic findings, and outcome information of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patient sera were isolated to detect anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-HBc. Surgical specimens were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression of cytokeratin 7 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Finally, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients with ICC were enrolled in group I (n=26); group II, (n=50), and group III (n=21). A total of 26.8% (26/97) patients with ICC were positive for HBsAg. Patients with HBV-associated ICC tended to be younger (P=0.018), have lower CA19-9 levels (P=0.000), a higher alpha fetal protein (AFP) level (P=0.012) and prothrombin time (P=0.030), a higher risk of hepatic cirrhosis (P=0.001), and poor differentiation (P=0.028). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates for patients within the three groups were as follows: 27.3%, 0%, and 0% for group I, respectively; 62.5%, 30.0%, and 0% for group II, respectively; and 87.5%, 66.7%, and 50.0% for group III, respectively. The results were significantly different in an overall comparison (P=0.000).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HBV-associated ICC showed different clinicopathological features and lower survival rates compared to patients with ICC without HBV infection.

HBV Infection Status and the Risk of Cholangiocarcinoma in Asia: A Meta-Analysis

Background. The inconsistent finding was between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This meta-analysis is to explore this relationship in Asia. Methods. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to October 30, 2015. Pooled incidence rate and OR with 95% CI were calculated using STATA 11.0. Results. Thirty-nine studies were included. The pooled incidence rate of CCA patients with HBV infection was 31% (95% CI 22%–39%). The pooled OR showed increased risk of CCA incidence with HBV infection (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.90–3.88), especially in ICC (OR = 3.184, 95% CI 2.356–4.302), while it showed no risk in ECC (OR = 1.407, 95% CI 0.925–2.141). Also, the pooled OR showed increased risk of ICC and ECC incidence (OR = 6.857, 95% CI 4.421–10.633 and OR = 1.740, 95% CI 1.260–2.404) in patients with HBsAg+/HBcAb+. The pooled OR showed increased risk of ICC incidence (OR = 1.410, 95% CI 1.095–1.816) in patients with HBsAg−/HBcAb+. Conclusion. It is suggested that HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of CCA in Asia. Two HBV infection models (HBsAg+/HBcAb+ and HBsAg−/HBcAb+) increase the risk of CCA, and patients with HBsAg−/HBcAb+ also had a risk of ICC. This trial is registered with PROSPERO CRD42015029264.

Characterization and localization of Opisthorchis viverrini fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase

Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov) infection is a long-time public health problem in Thailand that can lead to bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Characterization of the Ov proteins at a molecular level will increase our knowledge of host-parasite interaction that can be applied to new drug, vaccine, or immunodiagnostic development. In this study, an important enzyme in the Ov glycolytic pathway, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA), that had been obtained from a previous study was characterized and immunolocalized. The full-length sequence of OvFBPA gene is 1089bp and encodes 362 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point of 39.54kDa and 7.61, respectively. Additionally, three OvFBPA isoforms were identified by sequence analysis. The amino acid sequence of OvFBPA-1 characterized in this study shared 98% identity to FBPA isoform 1 of Clonorchis sinensis that was classified based on highly conserved active residues to class-I FBPA. The recombinant OvFBPA-1 protein was expressed as a soluble form in Escherichia coli at 25°C with N-terminal His-tagged fusion protein and the purified OvFBPA-1 protein was used to generate polyclonal antibody in mice. Antibody against rOvFBPA-1 protein was able to detect the native OvFBPA-1 protein in both Ov infected hamster liver section and Ov excretory-secretory (ES) products by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus play different prognostic roles in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A meta-analysis

AIM

To identify the prognostic value of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A search was performed for relevant publications in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. The pooled effects were calculated from the available information to identify the relationship between HBV or HCV infection and the prognosis and clinicopathological features. The χ(2) and I (2) tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by a fixed-effects model, if no heterogeneity existed. If there was heterogeneity, a random-effects model was applied.

RESULTS

In total, 14 studies involving 2842 cases were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The patients with HBV infection presented better overall and disease-free survival, and the pooled HRs were significant at 0.76 (95%CI: 0.70-0.83) and 0.78 (95%CI: 0.66-0.94), respectively. Additionally, our study revealed that HCV infection was correlated with shortened overall survival in comparison with the control group (HR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.77-3.93). We also found that HBV infection occurred more frequently in male patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.06-3.44] and was correlated with higher levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.11-3.35; OR = 3.86, 95%CI: 2.58-5.78) and a lower level of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.34-0.65). Moreover, HBV infection was associated with cirrhosis (OR = 6.44, 95%CI: 4.33-9.56), a higher proportion of capsule formation (OR = 6.04, 95%CI: 3.56-10.26), and a lower rate of lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.25-0.58). No significant publication bias was seen in any of the enrolled studies.

CONCLUSION

HBV infection may indicate a favorable prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, while HCV infection suggests a poor prognosis.

The carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a reservoir for species of Helicobacter

There has been a strong, positive correlation between opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma and infection with Helicobacter. Here a rodent model of human infection with Opisthorchis viverrini was utilized to further investigate relationships of apparent co-infections with O. viverrini and H. pylori. A total of 150 hamsters were assigned to five groups: i) Control hamsters not infected with O. viverrini; ii) O. viverrini-infected hamsters; iii) non-O. viverrini infected hamsters treated with antibiotics (ABx); iv) O. viverrini-infected hamsters treated with ABx; and v) O. viverrini-infected hamsters treated both with ABx and praziquantel (PZQ). Stomach, gallbladder, liver, colonic tissue, colorectal feces and O. viverrini worms were collected and the presence of species of Helicobacter determined by PCR-based approaches. In addition, O. viverrini worms were cultured in vitro with and without ABx for four weeks, after which the presence of Helicobacter spp. was determined. In situ localization of H. pylori and Helicobacter-like species was performed using a combination of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in O. viverrini-infected hamsters was significantly higher than that of O. viverrini-uninfected hamsters (p≤0.001). Interestingly, O. viverrini-infected hamsters treated with ABx and PZQ (to remove the flukes) had a significantly lower frequency of H. pylori than either O. viverrini- infected hamsters treated only with ABx or O. viverrini-infected hamsters, respectively (p≤0.001). Quantitative RT-PCR strongly confirmed the correlation between intensity H. pylori infection and the presence of liver fluke infection. In vitro, H. pylori could be detected in the O. viverrini worms cultured with ABx over four weeks. In situ localization revealed H. pylori and other Helicobacter-like bacteria in worm gut. The findings indicate that the liver fluke O. viverrini in the biliary tree of the hamsters harbors H. pylori and Helicobacter-like bacteria. Accordingly, the association between O. viverrini and H. pylori may be an obligatory mutualism.

Current diagnosis and treatment of primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare malignancy arising from intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells and is also defined as cholangiohepatoma. It is the second most common primary liver malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiologic research shows that the incidence rate of ICC has increased in recent years. Till now, surgical resection remains the only effective treatment to cure the disease, but single-center large-sample clinical trials are still limited. Early diagnosis of ICC is difficult due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations. The rate of resection is low, while the mortality is high and the prognosis is poor. With the development of medical imaging and pathological diagnosis technology, the early diagnosis and overall survival rates are increasing. Comprehensive therapy including non-surgical treatment plays a more and more important role in improving the prognosis. The aim of this study is to review the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ICC in recent years.

Why does infection with some helminths cause cancer?

Infections with Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis and Schistosoma haematobium are classified as Group 1 biological carcinogens: definitive causes of cancer. These worms are metazoan eukaryotes, unlike the other Group 1 carcinogens including human papilloma virus, hepatitis C virus, and Helicobacter pylori. By contrast, infections with phylogenetic relatives of these helminths, also trematodes of the phylum Platyhelminthes and major human pathogens, are not carcinogenic. These inconsistencies prompt several questions, including how might these infections cause cancer? And why is infection with only a few helminth species carcinogenic? Here we present an interpretation of mechanisms contributing to the carcinogenicity of these helminth infections, including roles for catechol estrogen- and oxysterol-metabolites of parasite origin as initiators of carcinogenesis.

Multidisciplinary Care of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Updates in Management

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly fatal primary cancer of the bile ducts which arises from malignant transformation of bile duct epithelium. While being an uncommon malignancy with an annual incidence in the United States of 5000 new cases, the incidence has been increasing over the past 30 years and comprises 3% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma can be classified into intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic (including hilar and distal bile duct) according to its anatomic location within the biliary tree with respect to the liver. This paper reviews the management of ICC, focusing on the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and surgical and nonsurgical management.

Hepatitis C virus infection and the risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 case-control studies

Background

Studies investigating the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), have shown inconsistent findings. Although previous meta-analyses referred to HCV and CCA, they mainly focused on ICC rather than CCA or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). Since then, relevant new studies have been published on the association between HCV and ICC. Since the different anatomic locations of CCA have distinct epidemiologic features and different risk factors, it is necessary to evaluate the relationship between HCV infection and ICC, ECC, and CCA.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by searching PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases prior to 1 August 2013. Pooled risk estimates were calculated with random-effects models using STATA 11.0.

Results

A total of 16 case-control studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled risk estimates showed a statistically significant increasing risk of CCA (odds ratio (OR) = 5.44, 95% CI, 2.72 to 10.89). The pooled risk estimate of ICC (OR = 3.38, 95% CI, 2.72 to 4.21) was higher than that of ECC (OR = 1.75, 95% CI, 1.00 to 3.05). In a subgroup analysis, the pooled risk estimate of ICC in studies from North America was obviously higher than in Asia (6.48 versus 2.01). The Begg funnel plot and Egger test showed no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

HCV infection is associated with the increasing risk of CCA, especially ICC.

An interleukin-6 receptor polymorphism is associated with opisthorchiasis-linked cholangiocarcinoma risk in Thailand

The cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare cancer worldwide but it is highly prevalent in Thailand where the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini is endemic. There are reports that interleukin 6 (IL-6) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis associated CCA. Functionally, IL-6 can act on target cells through its receptor, IL-6R, and IL-6R polymorphisms may affect the functional activity of IL-6 leading to susceptibility to cholangiocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we assessed the association of the 48892 A/C (Asp358Ala) polymorphism in exon 9 of the IL-6R gene in 79 CCA cases compared to 80 healthy controls using the PCR- RFLP technique. The results showed significant differences between CCA cases and controls in overall genotype (p=0.001) and allele frequencies (p=0.0002). Chi-square for trend test revealed a significant association between genotype and CCA susceptibility (p=0.0002). The odds ratios (ORs) for genotype were 0.283 (95% CI=0.131-0.605, AC vs. AA; p=0.0003) and 0.206 (95% CI=0.196-1.245, CC vs. AA; p=0.0416), the OR for alleles was 0.347 (95% CI=0.187-0.633, allele C vs. allele A; p=0.0002) and that for the carrier C variant was 0.272 (95% CI=0.130-0.564; p=0.0001). This study demonstrated a close association between an IL-6R polymorphism, specifically higher A allele, and cholangiocarcinoma.

Clinical presentation, risk factors and staging systems of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver tumour. Intra-hepatic CCA develops within the liver parenchyma while extrahepatic CCA involves the biliary tree within the hepatoduodenal ligament. Hilar CCA are also called Klatskin tumour. The CCA incidence has increased worldwide over the last years, but there are also geographic differences, with focus in Asian countries. Known risk factors are primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), hepatolithiasis, Caroli's disease, hepatitis B and C infection, liver flukes, cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption and probably tobacco smoking. Patients with early CCA have only little discomfort, but can later show episodes with jaundice and other non-specific tumour symptoms. For the staging of the disease different classifications are available, which consider various factors like tumour size, location, regional lymph nodes, metastasis, vascular involvement and tumour marker.

Cancer review: Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy. CCA is classified as intrahepatic, perihilar or distal extrahepatic; the individual subtypes differ in their biologic behavior, clinical presentation, and management. Throughout the last decades, CCA incidence rates had significantly increased. In addition to known established risk factors, novel possible risk factors (i.e. obesity, hepatitis C virus) have been identified that are of high importance in developed countries where CCA prevalence rates have been low. CCA tends to develop on the background of inflammation and cholestasis. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cholangiocarcinogenesis has increased, thereby, providing the basis for molecularly targeted therapies. In its diagnostic evaluation, imaging techniques have improved, and the role of complementary techniques has been defined. There is a need for improved CCA biomarkers as currently used ones are suboptimal. Multiple staging systems have been developed, but none of these is optimal. The prognosis of CCA is considered dismal. However, treatment options have improved throughout the last two decades for carefully selected subgroups of CCA patients. Perihilar CCA can now be treated with orthotopic liver transplantation with neoadjuvant chemoradiation achieving 5-year survival rates of 68%. Classically considered chemotherapy-resistant, the ABC-02 trial has shown the therapeutic benefit of combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. The benefits of adjuvant treatments for resectable CCA, local ablative therapies and molecularly targeted therapies still need to be defined. In this article, we will provide the reader with an overview over CCA, and discuss the latest developments and controversies.