Management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the North of England: Pathology, treatment, and outcome

Molecular Biomarkers in Cholangiocarcinoma: Focus on Bile

Hepatobiliary system cancers have demonstrated an increasing incidence rate in the past years. Without the presence of early symptoms, the majority of such cancers manifest with a set of similar symptoms, such as cholestasis resulting in posthepatic icterus. Differential diagnosis of hepatobiliary cancers is required for the therapy selection, however, the similarity of the symptoms complicates diagnostics. Thus, the search for molecular markers is of high interest for such patients. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by a poor prognosis due to a low resectability rate, which occurs because this disease is frequently beyond the limits of surgical therapy at the time of diagnosis. The CCA is diagnosed by the combination of clinical/biochemical features, radiological methods, and non-specific serum tumor biomarkers, although invasive examination is still needed. The main disadvantage is limited specificity and sensitivity, which complicates early diagnostics. Therefore, prognostic and predictive biomarkers are still lacking and urgently needed for early diagnosis. In contrast to serum, bile is more accessible to identify biliary disease due to its simpler composition. Moreover, bile can contain higher concentrations of tumor biomarkers due to its direct contact with the tumor. It is known that the composition of the main bile component - bile acids, may vary during different diseases of the biliary tract. This review summarizes the recent developments in the current research on the diagnostic biomarkers for CCA in serum and bile and provides an overview of the methods of bile acids analysis.

Characteristic of Perineural Invasion in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Based on Whole-Mount Histologic Large Sections of Liver

Background & Objective

Perineural invasion is an important biological feature of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). We developed a whole-mount histologic large sections (WHLS) of the liver to evaluate peripheral nerve invasion (PNI) of HCCA.

Methods

Using sampling, fixation, dehydration, embedding, sectioning, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and scanning, the characteristics of intrahepatic and extrahepatic PNI in 20 patients with Bismuth type III and type IV HCCA were analyzed with WHLS. Correlation between the characteristics of nerve invasion and tumor size, vascular invasion (artery, portal vein), degree of differentiation, microvascular invasion (MVI), carbohydrate antigen19-9 (CA19-9), and differentiation degree of HCCA was statistically evaluated.

Results

The WHLS of the liver was successfully established, which enabled us to observe intrahepatic and extrahepatic distribution of HCCA and whether surrounding tissues including nervous, blood, and lymph vessels were infiltrated. Extrahepatic and intrahepatic PNI were identified in 20 (100%) patients and 1 (5.0%) patient, respectively. Vessel density decreased in most invaded nerves presented by CD-34, which correlated with 100% of poorly differentiated and 83% of moderately differentiated tumors (P<0.008).

Conclusion

This study established a WHLS of the liver that can be used for clinical diagnosis and research, and confirmed that extrahepatic PNI is prevalent, but intrahepatic nerve invasion is rare and does not accompany the invasion scope of bile ducts in types III and IV HCCA. In addition, moderately and poorly differentiated malignant tumors are more prone to PNI, independent of blood supply.

Outcome Following Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) in Carcinoma Gallbladder: a Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous biliary drainage (PTBD) is required as palliation and optimization for surgery or chemotherapy in carcinoma gallbladder (GBC) but may be associated with complications. We aimed to study the outcomes, complications, and changes in quality of life in patients with GBC undergoing PTBD.

METHODS

A prospective study from July 2018 to December 2019 in patients of GBC presenting with obstructive jaundice was done. Patients planned for PTBD were included in the study. The progression of the disease, complications of PTBD, reinterventions, effects on initiation or completion of chemotherapy, surgical resection or intervention, and overall survival were recorded. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire before and after 4-6 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS

Of 160 patients assessed for inclusion, 60 (mean age 53.7 ± 10.95 years, 27 (45%) males) were eventually included. Eleven patients (18.3%) had metastatic disease at presentation. Of 60 patients undergoing PTBD, none had immediate procedure-related complications, 41 (68%) patients had at least one, and 18 (30%) patients had more than one complication. The most common complication was peri-catheter bile leak (41.6%), followed by catheter dislodgement (30%), blockage (23.3%), and bleeding (10%). Reintervention was required in 32 (53%) patients. There was a significant decrease in QoL after PTBD (P < 0.0001). Median survival after PTBD was 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The high technical success of PTBD does not translate into the improvement of QoL.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Current standards and future perspectives in adjuvant treatment for biliary tract cancers

Biliary tract cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) are rare tumours with a rising incidence. Prognosis is poor, since most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Only ~20% of patients are diagnosed with early-stage disease, suitable for curative surgery. Despite surgery performed with potentially-curative intent, relapse rates are high, with around 60-70% of patients expected to have disease recurrence. Most relapses occur in the form of distant metastases, with a predominance of liver spread. In view of high tumour recurrence, adjuvant strategies have been explored for many years, in the form of radiotherapy, chemo-radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Historically, few randomised trials were available, which included a variety of additional tumours (e.g. pancreatic and ampullary tumours); most evidence relied on phase II and retrospective studies, with no high-quality evidence available to define the real benefit derived from adjuvant strategies. Since 2017, three randomised phase III clinical trials have been reported; all recruited patients with resected biliary tract cancer (CCA and GBC) who were randomised to observation alone, or chemotherapy in the form of gemcitabine (BCAT study; included patients diagnosed with extrahepatic CCA only), gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (PRODIGE-12/ACCORD-18; included patients diagnosed with CCA and GBC) or capecitabine (BILCAP; included patients diagnosed with CCA and GBC). While gemcitabine-based chemotherapy failed to show an impact on patient outcome (relapse-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS)), the BILCAP study showed a benefit from adjuvant capecitabine in terms of OS (pre-planned sensitivity analysis in the intention-to-treat population and in the per-protocol analysis), with confirmed benefit in terms of RFS. Based on the BILCAP trial, international guidelines recommend adjuvant capecitabine for a period of six months following potentially curative resection of CCA as the current standard of care for resected CCA and GBC. However, BILCAP failed to show OS benefit in the intention-to-treat (non-sensitivity analysis) population (primary end-point), and this finding, as well as some inconsistencies between studies has been criticised and has led to confusion in the biliary tract cancer medical community. This review summarises the adjuvant field in biliary tract cancer, with evidence before and after 2017, and comparison between the latest randomised phase III studies. Potential explanations are presented for differential findings, and future steps are explored.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Based Tissue Sampling in Suspected Malignant Biliary Strictures: A Meta-Analysis of Same-Session Procedures

Background/Aims:

The diagnosis of biliary strictures can be challenging. There are no systematic reviews studying same-session endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based tissue sampling and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted on studies analyzing same-session EUS and ERCP for tissue diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. The primary outcome was the accuracy of each method individually compared to the two methods combined. The secondary outcome was the accuracy of each method in pancreatic and biliary etiologies. In the meta-analysis, we used Forest plots, summary receiver operating characteristic curves, and estimates of the area under the curve for intention-to-treat analysis.

Results:

Of the 12,132 articles identified, six were included, resulting in a total of 497 patients analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of the association between the two methods were: 86%, 98%, 12.50, 0.17, and 96.5%, respectively. For the individual analysis, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS-FNA were 76%, 100%, and 94.5%, respectively; for ERCP-based tissue sampling, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 58%, 98%, and 78.1%, respectively. For pancreatic lesions, EUS-FNA was superior to ERCP-based tissue sampling. However, for biliary lesions, both methods had similar sensitivities.

Conclusions:

Same-session EUS-FNA and ERCP-based tissue sampling is superior to either method alone in the diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. Considering these results, combination sampling should be performed when possible.

Percutaneous biliary approach as a successful rescue procedure after failed endoscopic therapy for drainage in advanced hilar tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Palliative endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage is used for unresectable advanced hilar cancer (HC). The best option for drainage in Bismuth type III or IV HC has not been established. The aims of this study are to identify factors predictive of endoscopic stenting failure and evaluate the effectiveness of rescue percutaneous stenting in patients with advanced HC.

METHODS

Data from 110 patients with inoperable advanced HC were retrospectively reviewed. All received bilateral self-expandable metallic stents. Patients were divided into three groups: I, successful initial endoscopic stenting; II, unsuccessful initial endoscopic stenting, followed by percutaneous stenting; and III, initial percutaneous stenting. We analyzed clinical results and radiologic tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of all groups were similar, except the hospital stay was longer in group III than group I. Technical success rate was higher in groups II and III (100%) than in group I (72.4%). The functional success rate, stent patency time, patient survival time, and complication rate were similar between groups. Endoscopic stenting failed because of guide-wire passage failure (n = 12) or stent passage failure (n = 7). The only factor significantly associated with endoscopic failure was a smaller left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angle.

CONCLUSIONS

As clinical outcomes were generally similar between approaches, percutaneous stenting is recommended for patients with Bismuth type III or IV advanced HC. Acute left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angulation predicts endoscopic stenting failure. If endoscopic stenting fails, immediate conversion to the percutaneous approach is a necessary and effective rescue method.

Endoscopic versus Percutaneous Biliary Drainage in Palliation of Advanced Malignant Hilar Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background. Palliation in advanced unresectable hilar malignancies can be achieved by endoscopic (EBD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). It is unclear if one approach is superior to the other in this group of patients. Aims. Compare clinical outcomes of EBD versus PTBD. Methods. (i) Study Selection Criterion. Studies using PTBD and EBD for palliation of advanced unresectable hilar malignancies. (ii) Data Collection and Extraction. Articles were searched in Medline, PubMed, and Ovid journals. (iii) Statistical Method. Fixed and random effects models were used to calculate the pooled proportions. Results. Initial search identified 786 reference articles, in which 62 articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from nine studies (N = 546) that met the inclusion criterion. The pooled odds ratio for successful biliary drainage in PTBD versus EBD was 2.53 (95% CI = 1.57 to 4.08). Odds ratio for overall adverse effects in PTBD versus EBD groups was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.52 to 1.26). Odds ratio for 30-day mortality rate in PTBD group versus EBD group was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.37 to 1.91). Conclusions. In patients with advanced unresectable hilar malignancies, palliation with PTBD seems to be superior to EBD. PTBD is comparable to EBD in regard to overall adverse effects and 30-day mortality.

Postoperative Mortality after Liver Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Development of a Risk Score and Importance of Biliary Drainage of the Future Liver Remnant

BACKGROUND

Liver surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is associated with postoperative mortality ranging from 5% to 18%. The aim of this study was to develop a preoperative risk score for postoperative mortality after liver resection for PHC, and to assess the effect of biliary drainage of the future liver remnant (FLR).

STUDY DESIGN

A consecutive series of 287 patients submitted to major liver resection for presumed PHC between 1997 and 2014 at 2 Western centers was analyzed; 228 patients (79%) underwent preoperative drainage for jaundice. Future liver remnant volumes were calculated with CT volumetry and completeness of FLR drainage was assessed on imaging. Logistic regression was used to develop a mortality risk score.

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality at 90 days was 14% and was independently predicted by age (odds ratio [OR] per 10 years = 2.1), preoperative cholangitis (OR = 4.1), FLR volume <30% (OR = 2.9), portal vein reconstruction (OR = 2.3), and incomplete FLR drainage in patients with FLR volume <50% (OR = 2.8). The risk score showed good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.75 after bootstrap validation) and ranking patients in tertiles identified 3 (ie low, intermediate, and high) risk subgroups with predicted mortalities of 2%, 11%, and 37%. No postoperative mortality was observed in 33 undrained patients with FLR volumes >50%, including 10 jaundiced patients (median bilirubin level 11 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality risk score for patients with resectable PHC can be used for patient counseling and identification of modifiable risk factors, which include FLR volume, FLR drainage status, and preoperative cholangitis. We found no evidence to support preoperative biliary drainage in patients with an FLR volume >50%.

The Surgical Management of Klatskin Tumours: Has Anything Changed in the Last Decade?

Surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinomas requires complex pre-, intra- and post-operative decision-making. Despite the significant progress in liver surgery over the years, several issues such as the role of pre-operative biliary drainage, portal vein embolisation, staging laparoscopy and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy remain unresolved. Operative strategies such as vascular resection, caudate lobe resection and liver transplant have also been practiced in order to improve R0 resectability and improved survival. The review aims to consolidate evidence from major studies in the last 11 years. Survival data were only included from studies that reported the results in at least 30 patients with 1-year follow-up. A significant number of patients may be prevented an unnecessary laparotomy if they underwent a staging laparoscopy. There remain no guidelines as to when portal vein embolisation or pre-operative biliary drainage should be employed but most studies agree with pre-operative biliary drainage being an absolute indication if portal vein embolisation is performed. Concomitant hepatectomy and caudate lobectomy increases R0 resection but vascular resection cannot be routinely recommended. Liver transplant at specialised centres in selective patients has had impressive results. Guidelines are required for pre-operative biliary drainage and portal vein embolisation and randomised trials are required in order to define the role of vascular resection in achieving a R0 resection and increasing survival.

Postoperative Mortality after Liver Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Development of a Risk Score and Importance of Biliary Drainage of the Future Liver Remnant

BACKGROUND

Liver surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is associated with postoperative mortality ranging from 5% to 18%. The aim of this study was to develop a preoperative risk score for postoperative mortality after liver resection for PHC, and to assess the effect of biliary drainage of the future liver remnant (FLR).

STUDY DESIGN

A consecutive series of 287 patients submitted to major liver resection for presumed PHC between 1997 and 2014 at 2 Western centers was analyzed; 228 patients (79%) underwent preoperative drainage for jaundice. Future liver remnant volumes were calculated with CT volumetry and completeness of FLR drainage was assessed on imaging. Logistic regression was used to develop a mortality risk score.

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality at 90 days was 14% and was independently predicted by age (odds ratio [OR] per 10 years = 2.1), preoperative cholangitis (OR = 4.1), FLR volume <30% (OR = 2.9), portal vein reconstruction (OR = 2.3), and incomplete FLR drainage in patients with FLR volume <50% (OR = 2.8). The risk score showed good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.75 after bootstrap validation) and ranking patients in tertiles identified 3 (ie low, intermediate, and high) risk subgroups with predicted mortalities of 2%, 11%, and 37%. No postoperative mortality was observed in 33 undrained patients with FLR volumes >50%, including 10 jaundiced patients (median bilirubin level 11 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality risk score for patients with resectable PHC can be used for patient counseling and identification of modifiable risk factors, which include FLR volume, FLR drainage status, and preoperative cholangitis. We found no evidence to support preoperative biliary drainage in patients with an FLR volume >50%.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Cross sectional evaluation of disease spectrum

Although hilar cholangiocarcinoma is relatively rare, it can be diagnosed on imaging by identifying its typical pattern. In most cases, the tumor appears to be centered on the right or left hepatic duct with involvement of the ipsilateral portal vein, atrophy of hepatic lobe on that side, and invasion of adjacent liver parenchyma. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are commonly used imaging modalities to assess the longitudinal and horizontal spread of tumor.

Update on the management of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare cancer arising from the epithelium of the biliary tree, anywhere from the small peripheral hepatic ducts to the distal common bile duct. Classification systems for CC typically group tumours by anatomical location into intrahepatic, hilar or extrahepatic subtypes. Surgical resection or liver transplantation remains the only curative therapy for CC, but up to 80% of patients present with advanced, irresectable disease. Unresectable CC remains resistant to many chemotherapeutic agents, although gemcitabine, particularly in combination with other agents, has been shown to improve overall survival. Ongoing investigation of biological agents has also yielded some promising results. Several novel interventional and endoscopic techniques for the diagnosis and management of non-operable CC have been developed: initial results show improvements in symptoms and progression-free survival, but further randomised studies are required to establish their role in the management of CC.

One-channel double stent implantation for hilar biliary obstructions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of percutaneous one-channel double stent implantation on hilar biliary obstruction involving both hepatic ducts and its clinical value. A total of 8 patients with hilar biliary obstruction involving the left and right hepatic ducts were enrolled. A percutaneous unilateral approach was adopted. Two stents were implanted, one between the left and right hepatic ducts and the other between the hepatic ducts and the common bile duct for biliary drainage. Interventional therapies such as arterial chemoembolization were performed for antitumor treatment. All surgical procedures were successfully accomplished. At 2 weeks after stenting, total bilirubin decreased to 61.2±13.4 μmol/l (the preoperative value was 267.1±154.7 μmol/l). No severe complications or mortalities occurred. Single-channel double stent implantation should be the preferred method of treatment for patients with hilar biliary obstruction involving both hepatic ducts. Drainage and antitumor treatment should also be used when necessary.

Asia-Pacific consensus recommendations for endoscopic and interventional management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is one of the most common types of hepatobiliary cancers reported in the world including Asia-Pacific region. Early HCCA may be completely asymptomatic. When significant hilar obstruction develops, the patient presents with jaundice, pale stools, dark urine, pruritus, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. Because no single test can establish the definite diagnosis then, a combination of many investigations such as tumor markers, tissue acquisition, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasonography/intraductal ultrasonography, and advanced cholangioscopy is required. Surgery is the only curative treatment. Unfortunately, the majority of HCCA has a poor prognosis due to their advanced stage on presentation. Although there is no survival advantage, inoperable HCCA managed by palliative drainage may benefit from symptomatic improvement. Currently, there are three techniques of biliary drainage which include endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches. For nonsurgical approaches, stent is the most preferred device and there are two types of stents i.e. plastic and metal. Type of stent and number of stent for HCCA biliary drainage are subjected to debate because the decision is made under many grounds i.e. volume of liver drainage, life expectancy, expertise of the facility, etc. Recently, radio-frequency ablation and photodynamic therapy are promising techniques that may extend drainage patency. Through a review in the literature and regional data, the Asia-Pacific Working Group for hepatobiliary cancers has developed statements to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing of HCCA. After voting anonymously using modified Delphi method, all final statements were determined for the level of evidence quality and strength of recommendation.

TROP2 correlates with microvessel density and poor prognosis in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) was found to be associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in a variety of epithelial carcinomas. The aim of the study was to investigate TROP2 expression and its prognostic impact in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to determine TROP2 expression in surgical specimens from 70 hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients receiving radical resection. The relationship between TROP2 expression and microvessel density was investigated and standard statistical analysis was used to evaluate TROP2 prognosis significance in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

RESULTS

High TROP2 expression by immunohistochemistry was found in 43 (61.4 %) of the 70 tumor specimens. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that TROP2 level in tumor was significantly higher than in non-tumoral biliary tissues (P = 0.001). Significant correlations were found between TROP2 expression and histological differentiation (P = 0.016) and tumor T stage (P = 0.031) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. TROP2 expression correlated with microvessel density in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (P = 0.026). High TROP2 expression patients had a significantly poorer overall survival rate than those with low TROP2 expression (30 vs. 68.5 %, P = 0.001), and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated TROP2 as an independent prognostic factor for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

TROP2 expression correlates with microvessel density significantly and is an independent prognostic factor in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Unilateral spermatic cord metastasis from gastric cancer: a case report

Malignant spermatic cord tumor is rare. Spermatic cord metastasis is less common and the prognosis of these patients is poor. Here we report a case of unilateral spermatic cord metastasis from advanced gastric cancer. A 57-year-old male underwent total gastrectomy due to advanced gastric cancer. Three years later, a painless hard palpable mass in the left inguinal area developed and the pathology revealed a spermatic cord metastasis from stomach cancer.

Evidence-based decompression in malignant biliary obstruction

As recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical treatment have improved outcomes in patients with biliary cancers, the search for an optimal strategy for relief of their obstructive jaundice has become even more important. Without satisfactory relief of biliary obstruction, many patients would be ineligible for treatment. We review all prospective randomized trials and recent retrospective non-randomized studies for evidence that would support such a strategy. For distal malignant biliary obstruction, an optimal strategy would be insertion of metallic stents either endoscopically or percutaneously. Evidence shows that a metallic stent inserted percutaneously has better outcomes than plastic stents inserted endoscopically. For malignant hilar obstruction, percutaneous biliary drainage with or without metallic stents is preferred.

Surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: experience improves resectability

OBJECTIVES

  In hilar cholangiocarcinoma, resection provides the only opportunity for longterm survival. A US experience of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was examined to determine the effect of clinical experience on negative margin (R0) resection rates.

METHODS

  We conducted a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients presenting over an 18-year period. Analyses were performed using chi-squared, Wilcoxon rank sum and Kaplan-Meier methods, and multivariable Cox and logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

  Of the 110 patients in the cohort, 59.1% were male and 90.9% were White. The median patient age was 64 years. A total of 59 (53.6%) patients underwent resection; 37 of these demonstrated R0. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.1%; the complication rate was 39.0%. The rate of resectability increased over time (36.4% vs. 70.9%; P= 0.001), as did the percentage of R0 resections (10.9% vs. 56.5%; P < 0.001). Of the 59 patients who underwent resection, 23 (39.0%) experienced recurrence. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified resection margins [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.124 for positive vs. negative; P= 0.002] and type of operation (HR = 5.075 for exploration vs. resection; P= 0.001) as significant to survival.

CONCLUSIONS

  Although R0 resection can be achieved in only a minority of patients, these patients have a reasonable chance of longterm survival. The last decade has seen a significant rise in rates of resectability of Klatskin's tumour at specialty centres.

Review article: surgical, neo-adjuvant and adjuvant management strategies in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced, irresectable tumours associated with poor prognosis. The incidence and mortality rates associated with cholangiocarcinoma continue to rise, mandating the development of novel strategies for early detection, improved resection and treatment of residual lesions.

AIM

To review the current evidence base for surgical, adjuvant and neo-adjuvant techniques in the management of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A search strategy incorporating PubMed/Medline search engines and utilising the key words biliary tract carcinoma; cholangiocarcinoma; management; surgery; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; photodynamic therapy; and radiofrequency ablation, in various combinations, was employed.

RESULTS

Data on neo-adjuvant and adjuvant techniques remain limited, and much of the literature concerns palliation of inoperable disease. The only opportunity for long-term survival remains surgical resection with negative pathological margins or liver transplantation, both of which remain possible in only a minority of selected patients. Neo-adjuvant and adjuvant techniques currently provide only limited success in improving survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of novel strategies and treatment techniques is crucial. However, the shortage of randomised controlled trials is compounded by the low feasibility of conducting adequately powered trials in liver surgery, due to the large sample sizes that are required.

R0 but not R1/R2 resection is associated with better survival than palliative photodynamic therapy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

There is a need for better management strategies to improve the survival and quality of life in patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC).

AIM

To assess prognostic factors for survival in a large, non-selective cohort of patients with BTC.

METHOD

We compared outcomes in 321 patients with a final diagnosis of BTC (cholangiocarcinoma n = 237, gallbladder cancer n = 84) seen in a tertiary referral cancer centre between 1998 and 2007. Survival according to disease stage and treatment category was compared using log-rank testing. Cox's regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine (28%) patients underwent a surgical intervention with curative intent, of whom 38% had R0 resections. Among the 321 patients, 34% were given chemo- and/or radiotherapy, 14% were palliated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and 37% with biliary drainage procedures alone. The overall median survival was 9 months (3-year survival, 14%). R0-resective surgery conferred the most favourable outcome (3-year survival, 57%). Although patients palliated with PDT had more advanced clinical T-stages, their survival was similar to those treated with attempted curative surgery but who had positive resection margins. On multivariable analysis, treatment modality, serum carbohydrate-associated antigen 19-9, distant metastases and vascular involvement were independent prognostic indicators of survival.

CONCLUSION

In this large UK series of BTC, palliative PDT resulted in survival similar to those with curatively intended R1/R2 resections. Surgery conferred a survival advantage only in patients with R0 resection margins, emphasising the need for accurate pre-operative staging.

Slug inhibition upregulates radiation-induced PUMA activity leading to apoptosis in cholangiocarcinomas

Resistance of cholangiocarcinoma to irradiation therapy is a major problem in cancer treatment. Slug, a snail family transcription factor, is a suppressor of PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis), which has been shown to be involved in the control of apoptosis. In this study, we investigated whether the modulation of Slug expression, using adeno-associated-virus-mediated transfer of siRNA targeting Slug gene (rAAV2-Slug siRNA), affects cholangiocarcinoma sensitivity to radiation. In the present study, we used rAAV2-Slug siRNA to downregulate the expression of Slug in QBC939 cholangiocarcinoma cell lines in vitro before γ-irradiation. In vivo studies were done with orthotopic cholangiocarcinoma, and radiosensitivity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. rAAV2-Slug siRNA transfection resulted in downregulation of the levels of Slug in QBC939 cells. In addition, rAAV2-Slug siRNA, in combination with radiation, increased levels of the PUMA, which contributes to the radiosensitivity of cholangiocarcinomas. Finally, treatment with rAAV2-Slug siRNA plus γ-irradiation completely regressed tumor growth in orthotopic cholangiocarcinomas model. In summary, integrating gene therapy with radiotherapy could have a synergistic effect, thereby improving the survival of patients with cholangiocarcinomas.

Overexpression of ATA1/SLC38A1 predicts future recurrence and death in Chinese patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma

System A amino acid transporter is a Na+-dependent active transport system, mediating the uptake of amino acids, dysregulation of which has been found to be associated with malignant transformation in mammalian cells. However, the role of ATA1 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma is unclear. Here, we investigated ATA1 expression and determined its clinical significance in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Tissue microarray blocks containing tumor specimens obtained from 48 patients were constructed. Expression of ATA1 in these specimens was analyzed using immunohistochemical studies. ATA1 overexpression was observed in 22 cases (44.9%). Overexpression of ATA1 was significantly associated with lymph node metastases. ATA1 expression has a significant correlation with recurrence and poor survival in univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses revealed that ATA1 was an independent predictor for future recurrence in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Increased expression of ATA1 is frequent in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma and significantly correlated with the progression of cholangiocarcinoma, suggesting the importance of ATA1 in cancer development and progression. ATA1 expression may be used to predict recurrence and death and can serve as a promising target for therapy of this malignancy.

Natural History and Prognostic Factors of Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma without Surgery, Chemotherapy, or Radiotherapy: A Large-Scale Observational Study

Background/Aims

We aimed to evaluate survival time and prognostic factors in patients with advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinoma who have not received surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 1,377 patients, who were diagnosed with primary cholangiocarcinoma between 1996 and 2002, were reviewed retrospectively according to the following inclusion criteria: histologically proven primary adenocarcinoma arising from the bile-duct epithelium, advanced unresectable stages, no severe comorbidity that can affect survival time, and no history of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Results

Of the 1,377 cases reviewed, 330 patients complied with the inclusion criteria and were thus eligible to participate in this study; 203 had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 127 had hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The overall survival time of the entire cohort (n=330) was median 3.9 months (range; 0.2 to 67.1). The survival time was significantly shorter in the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma group (3.0±5.3 months) than in the hilar cholangiocarcinoma group (5.9±10.1 months; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). Multivariate analysis revealed that distant metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (p< 0.001), baseline serum albumin >3.0 g/dL was a favorable prognostic factor (p=0.02), and baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen level >30 ng/mL was a poor prognostic factor for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (p=0.01).

Conclusions

The median survival of advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinoma is dismal.

Comorbidity negatively influences prognosis in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To study the outcome and prognostic factors in a series of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and determine the impact of comorbidity on survival.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 68 patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (perihilar, n = 37; distal, n = 31) seen at a single tertiary-care institution during the period 1999-2003 was performed. Data on presentation, management, and outcome were assessed by chart review. Pathologic confirmation was obtained in 37 cases (54.4%). Comorbidity was evaluated by using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).

RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 73.4 ± 11.5 years. Jaundice was the most common symptom presented (86.8%). Median CCI score was 1 (range, 0 to 4). Nineteen patients (27.9%) underwent tumor resection. Palliative biliary drainage was performed in 39 patients (57.4%), and 6 patients (8.8%) received only best supportive care. Tumor-free margin status (R0) was achieved in 15 cases (78.9% of resection group). Baseline serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level was revealed to be an independent predictor of surgical treatment (P = 0.026). Overall median survival was 3.1 ± 0.9 mo, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 21% and 7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, tumor resection, CCI score, and serum CA 19-9 levels correlated significantly with outcome. In the multivariate analysis, only resection (HR 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.51, P = 0.005) and a CCI score ≥ 2 (HR 3.36; 95% CI, 1.0-10.9, P = 0.045) were found to independently predict survival.

CONCLUSION: Tumor resection and comorbidity emerged as significant prognostic variables in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Comorbidity evaluation instruments should be applied in the clinical management of such patients.

Surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a new era: comparison among leading Eastern and Western centers, Leeds

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) remains challenging, with radical procedures thought to offer the best chance of long-term survival. Here we present our data for surgical resection of HCCA for the period 2001-2008.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database was interrogated to identify all resections. Clinico-pathological data were analyzed and assessed for impact on survival.

RESULTS

51 patients were identified. Almost three-quarters required hepatic trisectionectomy. Overall survival was 76% at 1 year, 36% at 3 years and 20% at 5 years. When R0 resection was achieved, the 5-year survival was 40%. Portal vein resection, perineural invasion and T-stage were predictive of overall survival on univariate analysis. Only T-stage remained significant on multivariate analysis. Lymph node status predicted disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Radical surgery continues to offer the prospect of long-term survival for patients with HCCA. Earlier detection and referral to tertiary centers may allow more patients to have potentially curative surgical resections.

[Major hepatectomies are safe in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and jaundice]

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the only possibility of long term survival in patients with Klatskin tumours. However, surgical resection is a challenging problem and hepatic resection is often necessary.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the need for biliary drainage, resection rate and outcome of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a single tertiary referral centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2008, 26 patients with Klatskin tumours were identified and assessed prospectively with multidetector CT and MR cholangiography in special cases. Seven patients (27%) were deemed to be unresectable in pre-operative staging. A total of 19 surgical procedures were performed, 8 left hepatectomies, 5 right hepatectomies and 6 resections exclusively of the biliary tree.

RESULTS

Resection rate was 73%, transfusion rate 53% and preoperative biliary drainage was performed only in 7 cases (37%). Major complications occurred in 11 (58%), including two post-operative deaths (10%). There were no differences in the epidemiological data, when we separately analysed the outcomes of the 9 patients with bilirubin<15 mg/dL and the 10 patients with bilirubin>15 mg/dL. Biliary drainage was required in 6 (67%) patients in the group with low bilirubin levels vs. 1(10%) in the other group (P=0.02). The mean bilirubin level in the jaundiced group was 22.1+/-3.9 vs. 4.7+/-4.3 (P<0.001) in the other group. There were no differences in the postoperative outcome between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Resection and survival rates have increased recently but still carries the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Major hepatectomies in selected patients without percutaneous biliary drainage are safe.

Impact of rhenium-188, gemcitabine, and 5-fluorouracil on cholangiocellular carcinoma cells: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to compare the beneficial effects of radioactive stents and radioactive stents plus additional chemotherapy in the palliative treatment of cholangiocellular carcinomas. Cholangiocellular carcinoma cells (TFK-1 cells) were treated either with 8 Gy (RTB group) or 16 Gy (RTA group) (188)Re or with (188)Re irradiation (8 Gy) combined with either gemcitabine (8 Gy/Gem) or 5-fluorouracil (8 Gy/5-FU) at a dosage of 20 microg/ml medium for 4 days and subsequently compared with an untreated control group. Proliferation kinetics were assessed on days 4, 7, 11, 18, 25, and 32. Colony formation assays were performed on days 7, 18, and 32 and cell cycle distribution was examined on days 4, 7, 11, 15, 25, and 39. Cell proliferation kinetics showed the lowest cell numbers in the 8 Gy/5-FU group (control, 15,390,000; RTA group, 8,394,000; RTB group, 5,609,000; 8 Gy/Gem group, 423,000; and 8 Gy/5-FU group, 297,667). In contrast, clonogenic activity on day 32 was lower in the 8 Gy/Gem group (control, 29.3 colonies; RTB group, 23.1 colonies; 8 Gy/5-FU group, 21.5 colonies; 8 Gy/Gem, 3.3 colonies; and even augmented in the RTA group, with 37.7 colonies). Cell cycle distribution showed similar curves for all groups on slightly different levels except for the 8 Gy/5-FU group, which showed a relatively augmented percentage of cells on day 7 in the G2 M cycle phase and on day 4 in the S phase. In conclusion, irradiation (8 Gy) with (188)Re administered, e.g., via coated stents, combined with Gem could be a valid option for the treatment of CCCs.

Addition of hepatectomy decreases liver recurrence and leads to long survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate hepatic recurrence and prognostic factors for survival in patients with surgically resected hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a single institution over the last 13 years.

METHODS: From 1994 to 2007, all patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma referred to a surgical clinic were evaluated. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Outcome was compared in patients who underwent additional liver resection with resection of the tumor.

RESULTS: Of the 69 patients submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection, curative resection (R₀ resection) was performed in 40 patients, and palliative resection in 29. Thirty-one patients had only duct resection, and 38 patients had combined duct resection with liver resection including 34 total or part caudate lobes. Curative rates with the combined hepatectomy were significantly improved compared with those without additional hepatectomy (27/38 vs 13/31; χ² = 5.94, P < 0.05). Concomitant liver resection was associated with a decreased incidence of initial recurrence in liver one year after surgery (11/38 vs 23/31; χ² = 13.98, P < 0.01). The 3-year survival rate after R₀ resection was 30.7% and was 10.5% for palliative resection. R₀ resection improved the 3-year survival rate (30.7% vs 10.5%; χ² = 12.47, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy, especially including the caudate lobe combined with bile duct resection should be considered standard treatment to cure hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Palliative treatment with self-expandable metallic stents in patients with advanced type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a percutaneous versus endoscopic approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage with self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is widely used for the palliation of cholestasis in patients with advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, little is known about which is the better option in patients with advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. We compared the clinical outcomes of these 2 methods of biliary decompression in these patients.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Multicenter retrospective study.

PATIENTS

A total of 85 patients with newly diagnosed advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Bismuth III or Bismuth IV) and who did not receive an operation, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-four of the 85 received endoscopic SEMS and 41 received percutaneous SEMS.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic SEMS or percutaneous SEMS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups, but the rate of successful biliary decompression was significantly higher in the percutaneous SEMS group than in the endoscopic SEMS group (92.7% vs 77.3%, respectively, P= .049). Overall rates of procedure-related complications were similar for the 2 groups, but 1 death (from biliary sepsis) occurred in the endoscopic SEMS group. Median survival of patients in whom biliary drainage was successful initially, regardless of which procedure was performed, was much longer than that of patients who had failed biliary drainage (8.7 months vs 1.8 months, respectively, P< .001). Once successful biliary decompression had been achieved, median survival and stent patency duration were similar in the 2 study groups.

LIMITATION

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous SEMS may be chosen for initial biliary drainage in patients with advanced type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma, given higher initial success rate and low level of procedure-related cholangitis.

Preoperative evaluation with T-staging system for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To investigate the clinical value of T-staging system in the preoperative assessment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS: From March 1993 to January 2006, 85 patients who had cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed by operative tissue-biopsy were placed into one of three stages based on the new T-staging system, and it was evaluated the resectability and survival correlated with T-staging.

RESULTS: The likelihood of resection and achieving tumor-free margin decreased progressively with increasing T stage (P < 0.05). The cumulative 1-year survival rates of T1, T2 and T3 patients were 71.8%, 50.8% and 12.9% respectively, and the cumulative 3-year survival rate was 34.4%, 18.2% and 0% respectively; the survival of different stage patients differed markedly (P < 0.001). Median survival in the hepatic resection group was greater than in the group that did not undergo hepatic resection (28 mo vs 18 mo; P < 0.05). The overall accuracy for combined MRCP and color Doppler Ultrasonagraphy detecting disease was higher than that of combined using CT and color Doppler Ultrasonagraphy (91.4% vs 68%; P < 0.05 ). And it was also higher in detecting port vein involvement (90% vs 54.5%; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The proposed staging system for hilar cholangiocarcinoma can accurately predict resectability, the likelihood of metastatic disease, and survival. A concomitant partial hepatectomy would help to attain curative resection and the possibility of long-term survival. MRCP/MRA coupled with color Doppler Ultrasonagraphy was necessary for preoperative evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

[Management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare disease departing from the biliary convergence. It is primarily revealed by the onset of retention jaundice. Only 20%-30% of patients can undergo resection at diagnosis. The only chance for survival for these patients is R0 resection, which requires hepatectomy associated with resection of the common bile duct and pedicle lymph node removal, whatever the classification of the cholangiocarcinoma. No adjuvant treatment has been shown to be effective to date. Palliative treatment is most often based on implanting a biliary stent. Dynamic phototherapy may be beneficial in these situations. Improvements in survival for selected N0 hilar cholangiocarcinoma may be obtained with neoadjuvant treatment with radiochemotherapy followed by liver transplantation.

Current surgical treatment for bile duct cancer

Since extrahepatic bile duct cancer is difficult to diagnose and to cure, a safe and radical surgical strategy is needed. In this review, the modes of infiltration and spread of extrahepatic bile duct cancer and surgical strategy are discussed. Extended hemihepatectomy, with or without pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), plus extrahepatic bile duct resection and regional lymphadenectomy has recently been recognized as the standard curative treatment for hilar bile duct cancer. On the other hand, PD is the choice of treatment for middle and distal bile duct cancer. Major hepatectomy concomitant with PD (hepatopancreatoduodenectomy) has been applied to selected patients with widespread tumors. Preoperative biliary drainage (BD) followed by portal vein embolization (PVE) enables major hepatectomy in patients with hilar bile duct cancer without mortality. BD should be performed considering the surgical procedure, especially, in patients with separated intrahepatic bile ducts caused by hilar bile duct cancer. Right or left trisectoriectomy are indicated according to the tumor spread and biliary anatomy. As a result, extended radical resection offers a chance for cure of hilar bile duct cancer with improved resectability, curability, and a 5-year survival rate of 40%. A 5-year survival rate has ranged from 24% to 39% after PD for middle and distal bile duct cancer.

Correlation of p53 gene mutation and expression of P53 protein in cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To characterize the tumor suppressor gene p53 mutations and study the correlation of p53 gene mutation and the expression of P53 protein in cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS: A total of 36 unselected, frozen samples of cholangiocarcinoma were collected. p53 gene status(exon 5-8) and P53 protein were examined by automated sequencing and immunohistochemical staining, combined with the clinical parameters of patients.

RESULTS: p53 gene mutations were found in 22 of 36 (61.1%) patients. Nineteen of 36 (52.8%) patients were positive for P53 protein expression. There were significant differences in extent of differentiation and invasion between the positive and negative expression of P53 protein. However, there were no significant differences in pathologic parameters between the mutations and non-mutations.

CONCLUSION: The alterations of the p53 gene evaluated by DNA sequence analysis is relatively accurate. Expression of P53 protein could not act as an independent index to estimate the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma.