Routine lymph node dissection may be not suitable for all intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients: Results of a monocentric series

Is routine lymph node dissection recommended for liver resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of routine lymph node dissection (LND) with liver resection on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

Databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched to identify studies comparing LND and non-LND for ICC liver resection. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and secondary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS), in-hospital morbidity, blood loss, and R0 rate.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies involving 4407 patients were included. The OS did not differ between the LND (n = 2158) and non-LND (n = 2249) groups (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.83-1.32). The secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. Subgroup analyses stratified by the risk of bias showed a significant difference in OS between the high- and low-risk groups (P = 0.0008). In the low-risk group, LND (vs. non-LND) was associated with superior OS (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98). Most studies in low-risk groups involved patients who were clinically node-negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effects of routine LND for ICC have not been demonstrated. However, LND had a positive impact on OS in studies with a low risk of bias, thus suggesting that there may be a subset of ICC patients who would benefit from LND.

Surgical interpretation of the WHO subclassification of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a narrative review

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has been subclassified by its gross morphology into the mass-forming (MF), periductal-infiltrating (PI), and intraductal growth (IG) types and their combinations. This classification correlates well with clinical features; for example, MF-iCCA has less lymph-node metastasis and a better prognosis than PI-iCCA. According to the recently accumulated evidence from histological investigations, the WHO classification endorsed a subclassification scheme in which iCCA cases are classified into small- and large-duct types. Small-duct iCCA is considered to originate from septal or smaller bile ducts and is characterized by less frequent lymph-node metastasis, a favorable prognosis, and an MF appearance. Large-duct iCCA arises around the second branch of the biliary tree and has more aggressive biology and distinct genetic abnormalities. According to the practice guidelines for iCCA from the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, upfront surgery is recommended for iCCA without distant metastasis regardless of the morphological subtype, based on clinical experience. In consideration of the biological heterogeneity of iCCA, the treatment strategy for iCCA needs to be reconsidered based on the WHO subtypes.

A case of rapidly progressing sarcomatous intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with suddenly appearing lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND

The sarcomatous variant of carcinoma is relatively rare in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Sarcomatous ICC (SICC) is associated with a poorer prognosis compared with ICC. SICC is rarely diagnosed before surgery due to non-descriptive findings; it progresses rapidly, resulting in miserable prognosis. Here, we report a case of rapidly progressing SICC that showed a clinically significant tumor growth rate.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 77-year-old woman who had undergone ileocecal resection for cecal cancer 5 years previously was found to have elevated levels of the tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Although an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan did not detect any liver mass lesions until 3 months before this serum examination, the subsequent CT scan revealed a hypodensity 20 mm mass lesion in the right anterior section. Contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed peripheral enhancement in the arterial-to-equilibrium phase. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed uptake in the lesion. None of the imaging modalities showed lymph node swelling or distant metastases. She underwent hepatectomy under the diagnosis of ICC or an atypical metastasis from previous cecal cancer. Although preoperative images showed no suspicious lymph node metastasis 3 weeks prior, the hilar lymph node swelled 3 cm and contained adenocarcinoma. Consequently, the patient underwent right anterior sectionectomy and lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament. Histopathological examination revealed that the liver tumor was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with sarcomatous pattern. While the patient received adjuvant gemcitabine and S-1 therapy, lymph node metastasis appeared in the mediastinum 13 months after the surgery. She received gemcitabine + cisplatin + S-1 therapy but died 20 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

SICC and lymph node metastasis clinically appeared within 3 months and 3 weeks, respectively. Suspected ICC that rapidly progresses should be considered SICC and treated with early resection. SICC is often missed in clinical diagnosis and has a poor prognosis, even after curative resection. While an alternative strategy involving preoperative biopsy and neoadjuvant therapy may be beneficial, it should be approached with discretion due to the potential risks of tumor progression and peritoneal dissemination.

The prognostic value of the number of metastatic lymph nodes on the long-term survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using the SEER database

Background

In the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, the nodal staging of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is classified as N0 and N1 in accordance with lymph node (LN) metastases. Recently, several studies have reported that the number of metastatic LNs is associated with prognosis in patients with ICC. However, the majority of these studies were published in Eastern countries, and there are few available data for Western countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between metastatic LN number and prognosis in ICC patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Data from 658 ICC patients in the SEER database who underwent hepatectomy with LN dissection from 2000 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Hazard ratios (HRs) according to increasing numbers of metastatic LN were calculated. The patients were then divided into three groups according to their metastatic LN numbers (N0: no metastatic LNs; N+ <4: 1-3 metastatic LNs; N+ ≥4: ≥4 metastatic LNs), and cause-specific survival (CSS) was compared.

Results

Metastatic LN number was a prognostic factor of oncologic survival [CSS: HR =1.300; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.225-1.379; P<0.001]. In survival analysis, an increasing number of metastatic LNs was significantly correlated with poorer oncologic outcomes [CSS: N0 vs. N+ <4 vs. N+ ≥4: 40.856 (95% CI: 38.806-42.919) vs. 22.000 (95% CI: 18.283-25.717) vs. 15.000 (95% CI: 11.520-18.480) months, P<0.001]. In post hoc analysis, a significant difference was found between adjacent groups (N0 vs. N+ <4, P<0.001; N+ <4 vs. N+ ≥4, P=0.004).

Conclusions

Patients with ICC in the SEER database were reaffirmed to have worse prognosis with an increasing number of metastatic LNs.

Incidence trend and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a study based on the SEER database

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ICC and HCC have different cellular origins; therefore, ICC is significantly different from HCC in terms of aetiology, mechanism, tumour biological behaviour, treatment methods, and prognosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the current incidence trend and prognosis of ICC and deepen the understanding of ICC.

Methods

A large sample of ICC and HCC patient data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA. The incidence trend, prognosis, and the effect of surgery and lymph node dissection on the prognosis of ICC patients were analysed.

Results

In recent years, the incidence of ICC has increased. The treatment effect of ICC patients has been significantly improved. But the prognosis of ICC patients is significantly worse than that of HCC patients. Surgery can benefit all stages of ICC, and lymph node dissection is beneficial for the prognosis of patients with positive lymph nodes (N1).

Conclusions

In recent years, the incidence of ICC has been increasing, and its prognosis remains poor, which is a cause for concern. We need to understand the epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of ICC and explore more effective treatment methods to improve the efficacy of treatment for ICC patients and prolong their survival.

The impact of tumor location on the value of lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy (LND) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients remains ill-defined. We sought to analyze the therapeutic value of LND relative to tumor location and preoperative lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative-intent hepatic resection of ICC between 1990 and 2020 were included from a multi-institutional database. Therapeutic LND (tLND) was defined as LND that harvested ≥3 lymph nodes.

RESULTS

Among 662 patients, 178 (26.9%) individuals received tLND. Patients were categorized into central type ICC (n = 156, 23.6%) and peripheral type ICC (n = 506, 76.4%). Central type harbored multiple adverse clinicopathologic factors and worse overall survival (OS) compared with peripheral type (5-year OS, central: 27.0% vs. peripheral: 47.2%, p < 0.001). After consideration of preoperative LNM risk, patients with central type and high-risk LNM who underwent tLND survived longer than individuals who did not (5-year OS, tLND: 27.9% vs. non-tLND: 9.0%, p = 0.001), whereas tLND was not associated with better survival among patients with peripheral type ICC or low-risk LNM. The therapeutic index of hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) and other regions was higher in central type than in peripheral type, which was more pronounced among high-risk LNM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Central type ICC with high-risk LNM should undergo LND involving regions beyond the HDL.

Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has now been established as a safe and minimally invasive technique that is deemed feasible for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, the role of LLR in treating combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) patients has been rarely reported. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of LLR when compared with open liver resection (OLR) procedure for patients with cHCC-CC.

METHODS

A total of 229 cHCC-CC patients who underwent hepatic resection (34 LLR and 195 OLR patients) from January 2014 to December 2018 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were enrolled and underwent a 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis between the LLR and OLR groups to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) parameters were assessed by the log-rank test and the sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 34 LLR and 68 OLR patients were included after PSM analysis. The LLR group displayed a shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.61 vs. 8.26 days; p value < 0.001) when compared with the OLR group. No significant differences were observed in the postoperative complications' incidence or a negative surgical margin rate between the two groups (p value = 0.409 and p value = 1.000, respectively). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and inflammatory indicators in the LLR group were significantly lower than those in the OLR group on the first and third postoperative days. Additionally, OS and RFS were comparable in both the LLR and OLR groups (p value = 0.700 and p value = 0.780, respectively), and similar results were obtained by conducting a sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

LLR can impart less liver function damage, better inflammatory response attenuation contributing to a faster recovery, and parallel oncologic outcomes when compared with OLR. Therefore, LLR can be recommended as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for treating selected cHCC-CC patients, especially for those with small tumors in favorable location.

Laparoscopic vs. open anatomical hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant and invasive cancer originating from biliary epithelial cells. The current study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

After screening, 95 patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at our center were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the surgical approach; the baseline characteristics, pathological findings, surgical outcomes, and long-term outcomes were compared. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or pathological findings between the two groups. Regarding short-term outcomes, the intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and length of postoperative hospital stay were more favorable in the laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy group than the open anatomical hepatectomy group (P < 0.05). The two groups differed significantly in the extent of liver resection, with a lower lymph node dissection rate and lymph node yield in the laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative complication rate was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). The median postoperative follow-up times were 10.7 and 13.8 months in the laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy and open anatomical hepatectomy groups, respectively. Regarding the long-term follow-up results, OS and DFS were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors for OS were CA-199, CEA, HGB, tumor diameter, and T stage, and those for DFS were CA-199 (P < 0.05), and T stage (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is safe and feasible when performed by experienced surgeons. Compared with open anatomical hepatectomy, laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy provides better short-term outcomes and a comparable long-term prognosis.

Effect of lymph node resection on prognosis of resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of lymph node dissection in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods

The literature from January 2009 to December 2021 was searched to determine the comparative study of lymph node dissection and non-lymph node dissection in patients with ICC.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OR = 0.80, p = 0.10; OR = 0.93, p = 0.71; OR = 0.80, p = 0.21) and 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (OR = 0.89, p = 0.73; OR = 0.92, p = 0.81; OR = 0.85, p = 0.62).

Conclusions

Lymph node dissection does not seem to have a positive effect on the overall survival and disease-free survival.

Predicting prognosis and evaluating the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy depending on the tumor location in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: focusing on the involvement of below 2nd bile duct confluence

Purpose

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has various characteristics according to anatomical, histologic classifications, and its prognoses are different. This study aimed to compare oncologic outcomes according to tumor location (second bile duct confluence) and evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Clinical data of 318 patients who underwent curative resection for ICC was reviewed. Central type ICC (C-ICC) and peripheral type ICC (P-ICC) were defined when the tumor invades the intrahepatic secondary biliary confluence and when located more peripherally, respectively.

Results

A larger tumor size, higher rate of elevated CA 19-9 level, vascular invasion, R1 resection, advanced T stage, and lymph node metastasis were found in C-ICC. C-ICC had poorer overall survival (median, 33 months vs. 58 months; P = 0.001), and the difference was more prominent in the early stage. C-ICC had a higher recurrence rate (68.7% vs. 55.1%, P = 0.014); otherwise, there was no difference in the recurrence patterns. There were no survival benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in the entire cohort, but there were benefits in advanced stages (T3–4, N1 stage), especially in C-ICC.

Conclusion

C-ICC has more aggressive tumor characteristics and poor survival compared to P-ICC. Adjuvant chemotherapy seems to have survival benefits in the advanced stages, especially in the central type.

Impact of lymph node dissection on clinical outcomes of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Inverse probability of treatment weighting with survival analysis

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) has been established as a critical risk factor for prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The clinical implications of lymph node dissection (LND) have been debated. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic impact of LND by multicenter retrospective analysis.

Methods

A total of 310 ICC patients who had undergone curative resection between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic impact of LND was estimated under an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach using propensity scores.

Results

LND was performed for 224 patients (72%), with LNM pathologically confirmed in 90 patients (40%). Prognosis was poorer for patients with LNM (median survival, 16.9 months) than for those without (57.2 months; P < .0001). One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates (OS) were comparable among LND+ (81.6%, 48.0%, and 37.5%, respectively) and LND– groups (81.6%, 55.4%, and 44.6%, respectively). However, advanced tumor, as characterized by larger tumor, multinodular lesions, and serosal invasion, was significantly more frequent in the LND+ group than in the LND– group. After IPTW adjusting for imbalances, 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS were better in the LND+ group (83.5%, 52.2%, and 42.8%, respectively) than in the LND– group (71.9%, 32.4%, and 23.4%, respectively; P = .046). LND thus showed significant prognostic impact (hazard ratio = 0.58, 95%CI = |0.39|–|0.84|, P = .005), especially in hilar ICC. However, peripheral ICC displayed no therapeutic benefit from LND.

Conclusions

LND could have a significant role to play in improving oncologic outcomes. Therapeutic LND should be implemented on the basis of tumor location and tumor advancement.

The role of lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A review

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary tumor of the liver. The incidence and mortality of its intrahepatic form has been increasing over the past 2 decades. Currently, the only available curative treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is surgical resection. There is still no prospective evidence to support neoadjuvant systemic treatments in resectable disease, while adjuvant chemotherapy with Capecitabine is currently the only recommended systemic treatment after liver resection based on the results of randomised trial. Despite the implementation of perioperative treatments and improvements in resective surgery, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a disease characterized by high incidence of recurrence and poor long-term survival. Lymph node metastases can be found in 45-65% of patients and are one of the most impacting prognostic factors after surgical resection. Preoperative imaging is not always sufficient in assessing lymph node status, thus hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy can be important to ensure precise staging in surgical patients. An increasing trend in performing lymph node dissection during liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been observed in the last 20 years, although its actual efficacy compared to the potential complications remains debated. The current evidence on the prognostic role of the lymph node status, its preoperative predictability, the basis for a correct hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy and its prognostic role in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are presented.

The clinical value of regional lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical value of lymph node dissection (LND) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

Clinical and pathological data were collected from 147 ICC patients who attended two tertiary centers over the past 5 years. The patients were classified into two groups: the LND group (group A) and the no-performance LND (NLND) group (group B). Clinical and pathological parameters were compared between the two groups to analyze the impact of LND on the long-term survival time of ICC patients.

RESULTS

Of the 147 patients, 54.4% (80) received LND and 42.5% (34/80) of these were found to have lymph node metastasis (LNM). LND did not increase postoperative complications (27.5%, P = 0.354), but postoperative hospital stays were longer (12.2 ± 6.3 d, P = 0.005) in group A compared with group B (20.9%, 9.5 ± 3.5 d). The 5-year survival rates of groups A and B are almost similar (21% vs 29%, P = 0.905). The overall survival rate of cN0 (diagnosis obtained by imaging) is better than pN1 (diagnosis obtained by histopathology), but lower than pN0 (all P < 0.05). Compared with NLND, the median survival time of LND patients with T1 has not significantly improved (29.3 vs 35.1 months, P = 0.762), but the patients with T2-4 has been significantly increased (29.0 vs 17.1 months, P = 0.040). Elevated CA19-9 level (HR = 1.764, 95% CI: 1.113-2.795, P = 0.016), vascular invasion (HR = 2.697, 95% CI: 1.103-6.599, P = 0.030), and T category (HR = 1.848, 95% CI: 1.059-3.224, P = 0.031) were independent risk factors for poor long-term survival time of the ICC patients (all P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ICC patients with cN0 may have LNM, and the long-term survival time of LNM patients is usually poor. We suggest that patients with ICC may require routine LND, especially those with T2-4 category.

Re-appraising the role of lymph node status in predicting survival in resected distal cholangiocarcinoma - A meta-analysis and systematic review

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to confirm the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR), and determine an optimal LNR cut-off for overall survival (OS) in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) undergoing curative surgery. We additionally aimed to provide a consolidated review of current evidence regarding prognostic significance of positive lymph node count (PLNC) and total lymph node count (TLNC). A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to October 2020. Studies were included into meta-analysis if there was histological diagnosis, curative surgery, restriction to DCC and relevant LNR results. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Findings for 1228 patients were pooled across 6 studies. Meta-analysis delineated a dose-effect gradient in which higher LNR cut-offs correlated with larger pooled hazard ratios: 0<LNR<0.2 (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.08-2.20; p = 0.02), LNR>0.2 (HR 3.26; 95% CI 2.07-5.13; p < 0.00001) and LNR>0.4 (HR 3.59; 95% CI 2.31-5.58; p < 0.00001) when compared against a control group of LNR = 0. LNR of 0.2 (HR 2.12; 95% CI: 1.57-2.86; p < 0.0001) was found to be a significant and ideal cut-off for prognostication of poorer OS. A review of current literature reveals an ongoing debate regarding the comparative prognostic value of differing PLNC cut-offs (0/1/3 versus 0/1/4). TLNC of 10-13 is widely reported to be the minimum necessary to ensure improved long term outcomes. PLNC and LNR are strong prognostic factors for OS in DCC. An ideal LNR cut-off of 0.2 is most significantly associated with poorer OS.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis: Treatment-Related Outcomes and the Role of Tumor Genomics in Patient Selection

PURPOSE

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) drastically reduces survival after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC). Optimal treatment is ill defined, and it is unclear whether tumor mutational profiling can support treatment decisions.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with liver-limited IHC with or without LNM treated with resection (N = 237), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC; N = 196), or systemic chemotherapy alone (SYS; N = 140) at our institution between 2000 and 2018 were included. Genomic sequencing was analyzed to determine whether genetic alterations could stratify outcomes for patients with LNM.

RESULTS

For node-negative patients, resection was associated with the longest median overall survival [OS, 59.9 months; 95% confidence interval (CI), 47.2-74.31], followed by HAIC (24.9 months; 95% CI, 20.3-29.6), and SYS (13.7 months; 95% CI, 8.9-15.9; P < 0.001). There was no difference in survival for node-positive patients treated with resection (median OS, 19.7 months; 95% CI, 12.1-27.2) or HAIC (18.1 months; 95% CI, 14.1-26.6; P = 0.560); however, survival in both groups was greater than SYS (11.2 months; 95% CI, 14.1-26.6; P = 0.024). Node-positive patients with at least one high-risk genetic alteration (TP53 mutation, KRAS mutation, CDKN2A/B deletion) had worse survival compared to wild-type patients (median OS, 12.1 months; 95% CI, 5.7-21.5; P = 0.002), regardless of treatment. Conversely, there was no difference in survival for node-positive patients with IDH1/2 mutations compared to wild-type patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in OS for patients with node-positive IHC treated by resection versus HAIC, and both treatments had better survival than SYS alone. The presence of high-risk genetic alterations provides valuable prognostic information that may help guide treatment.

Investigation of a Tumor Location-Specific Therapeutic Strategy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Objective:

An optimal therapeutic strategy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has not yet been determined. Herein we focused on intrahepatic tumor location and retrospectively analyzed tumor characteristics depending on location to elucidate a location-specific therapeutic strategy for ICC.

Methods:

Sixty-five ICC patients were divided into three groups based on the distance between the innermost portion of the tumor and portal vein branches observed on preoperative imaging: peripheral, intermediate and central ICC.

Results:

Median disease-specific survival (DSS) of the peripheral ICC was not reached, whereas median DSS was 32.9 months in intermediate ICC and 25.2 months in central ICC (p <0.05). Vascular invasion was observed in all groups (56-92%). Bile duct invasion to the first branch of the hepatic duct was more commonly observed in central ICC (43%) compared with the peripheral and intermediate ICC (0-8%). Lymph node metastasis was not observed in peripheral ICC, whereas it was frequently observed in intermediate and central ICC (39-44%). A Cox regression analysis revealed sufficient RDI (≥58.3%) of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) significantly increased the length of DSS (HR: 0.205). Based on these data, we have proposed a location-specific therapeutic strategy as follows: peripheral ICC requires anatomical resection without lymphadenectomy; intermediate ICC requires anatomical resection with lymphadenectomy and sufficient doses of AC; and central ICC requires anatomical resection with extrahepatic bile duct resection, caudate lobectomy, lymphadenectomy, and sufficient doses of AC.

Conclusion:

We propose an intrahepatic tumor location-specific therapeutic strategy for ICC. This information could contribute to the appropriate therapeutic management of patients with ICC.

Is It Time to Consider Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma? A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The role of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains indefinite, though the utilization of this minimally invasive approach has been increasing for ICC. We herein performed a meta-analysis to investigate this issue.

METHODS

Six retrospective studies including 384 patients who had undergone LH and 2147 patients who had undergone open hepatectomy (OH) for ICC were included. The fixed-effects or random-effects models were utilized for data analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with patients who had undergone OH for ICC, patients who had undergone LH for ICC experienced more R0 resections (81.6 versus 73.8%, risk ratio (RR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.14; P = 0.008) but less major hepatectomies (37.7 versus 54.2%, RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.79; P < 0.0001), less lymph node dissections (38.0 versus 61.5%, RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.70; P < 0.0001), and smaller tumor size resected (4.14 versus 4.94 cm, weighted mean difference = - 0.80 cm, 95% CI - 1.38 to - 0.22 cm; P = 0.007). No significant difference was observed in other perioperative results (all P > 0.05) or overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.38, 95% CI 0.63-3.02; P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

LH has comparable safety, feasibility, and oncological efficacy to that of OH for ICC and has superiority in R0 resection over OH. It may be time to consider LH for ICC only if a more thorough effort on lymph node dissection is undertaken in selective patients at experienced centers.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic versus open liver resection with associated lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic versus open liver resection (LLR vs. OLR) associated lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are still controversial. The aim of the present study was to compare short and long-term outcomes. We reviewed data on 43 consecutive patients who underwent curative liver resection with associated lymphadenectomy for ICC. The short-term outcomes including postoperative morbidity and mortality, and the long-term outcomes including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. The median survival, 1- and 3-year OS in LLR and OLR groups were 22.5 months, 76.9% and 47.1%, and 12.1 months, 43.1% and 20.0%, respectively. The median survival, 1- and 3-year RFS in LLR and OLR groups were 10.3 months, 27.8% and 0%, and 8.1 months, 24.0% and 4.0%, respectively. The results showed that LLR obviously reduced intraoperative blood loss (median, 375 vs. 500ml, p = 0.016) and postoperative hospital stay (median, 6 vs. 9 days, p = 0.016). Moreover, there was no significant difference in short-term outcomes including postoperative morbidity (including wound infection, bile leakage, liver failure and pneumonia) and mortality within 30 days, and long-term outcomes including OS and RFS between LLR and OLR. (all p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that CA19-9 level, TNM stage, and tumor differentiation were independent risk factors for OS and RFS. LLR for ICC is safety and feasibility compared with OLR. The advantage of LLR was to reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay.

Liver resection and transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is increasing worldwide. Although several advances have been made in the past decades to better understand this complex malignancy and to develop new treatment strategies, the prognosis of iCCA remains dismal. Liver resection (LR) is the mainstay of treatment but only a minority of patients are amenable to surgery. In most cases, patients with iCCA will require a major hepatectomy for complete resection of the tumour. This may be contraindicated or increase the surgical burden in patients with chronic liver disease and small remnant liver volume. Lymphadenectomy with a minimal harvest of 6 lymph nodes is considered adequate, as microscopic nodal metastases have been shown in more than 40% of patients. Current 5-year overall survival following LR is in the range of 25%-40%. For locally advanced disease not amenable to upfront LR, neoadjuvant locoregional therapies may be used with the aim of converting these patients to resectability or even to transplantation in well-selected cases. Recent studies have shown that liver transplantation (LT) might be a treatment option for patients with unresectable very-early iCCA (i.e. ≤2 cm), with survival outcomes comparable to those of hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with unresectable, advanced tumours, confined to the liver who achieve sustained response to neoadjuvant treatment, LT may be considered an option within prospective protocols. The role of adjuvant therapies in iCCA is still under debate. Herein, we review the recent advances in the surgical treatment of iCCA and examine its correlation with locoregional therapies, adjuvant and neo-adjuvant strategies.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Limitations for resectability, current surgical concepts and future perspectives

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common hepatic malignancy and its incidence has been shown to increase significantly during the past decades. Complete surgical resection is currently acknowledged as the only curative treatment option able to provide adequate long-term outcomes. We herein review technical, functional and oncologic limitations for resectability, discuss current surgical aspects as well as highlight the fields in which future research and practice should focus on in order to ameliorate long-term outcomes in patients with iCCA.

Laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: 3-year outcomes of a cohort study with propensity score matching

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is debatable due to technical challenges associated with major hepatectomy and lymph node dissection. This study aims to analyze the long-term outcomes with propensity score matching.

METHODS

Patients who underwent liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from August 2004 to October 2015 were enrolled. Those who had combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and palliative surgery were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for postoperative outcome, recurrence, and survival. The 3-year disease-free survival(DFS) and 3-year overall survival(OS) were set as the primary endpoint, and 3-year disease-specific survival, 1-year OS, 1-year DFS, operative outcome, and postoperative complications were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were enrolled with 61 in the open group and 30 in the laparoscopic group. Propensity score matching included 24 patients in both groups. In total, the 3-year OS was 81.2% in the open group and 76.7% in the laparoscopic group(p = 0.621). For 3-year DFS, open was 42.5% and laparoscopic was 65.6%(p = 0.122). Mean operation time for the open group was 343.2 ± 106.0 min and laparoscopic group was 375.2 ± 204.0 min(p = 0.426). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group(9.8 ± 5.1 days) than the open group(18.3 ± 14.7, p=<0.001). There was no difference in complication rate and 30-day readmission rate. Tumor size, nodularity, and presence of perineural invasion showed an independent association with the 3-year DFS in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is technically feasible and safe, providing short-term benefits without increasing complications or affecting long-term survival.

Is lymph node dissection necessary for resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

A literature search with a date range of January 2000 to January 2018 was performed to identify studies comparing lymph node dissection (LND+) with non-lymph node dissection (LND-) for patients with ICC. The LND + group was further divided into positive (LND + N+) and negative (LND + N-) lymph node status groups based on pathological analysis.

RESULTS

13 studies including 1377 patients were eligible. There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.94-1.36; P = 0.20), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.94-1.60; P = 0.13), or recurrence (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.90-2.15; P = 0.14) between LND + group and LND-group. Postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in the LND + group (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.74-4.10; P < 0.001). A subset analysis showed that OS was similar between LND + N- and LND-groups (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.82-1.56; P = 0.450). However when comparing, OS of the LND-group to the LND+N+ group there was a significant increase in OS for the LND-group (HR 3.26, 95% CI 1.85-5.76; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LND does not seem to positively affect overall survival and is associated with increased post-operative morbidity.

Oncologic Impact of Lymph Node Dissection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: a Propensity Score-Matched Study

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy of the intrahepatic biliary tree. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for this tumor, the impact of lymph node dissection during hepatectomy is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the impact of lymph node dissection during surgical resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Records from 170 patients who underwent radical hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from January 2000 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two patients who underwent R1 resection or had distant metastasis at the time of surgery were excluded. Using propensity score matching (matched factors: differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and T stage), the patients were divided into two groups: no dissection (n = 34) or lymph node dissection (n = 34). Disease-free survival and overall survival were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There was a marginally significant difference between the two groups with respect to the disease-free survival (no dissection vs. lymph node dissection: 20.0 [4.2-35.8] months vs. 64.0 [27.3-120.8] months, p = 0.077). Overall survival was significantly longer in the lymph node dissection group (no dissection vs. lymph node dissection: 44.0 [31.1-56.9] months vs. 90.0 [51.1-158.9] months, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Radical surgery including an adequate lymph node dissection area and suitable harvested lymph nodes appears to improve oncologic outcomes for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgical resection of lymph node positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma may not improve survival

BACKGROUND

Nodal positivity is a predictor of poor survival following resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical resection on survival in patients with lymph node (LN) positive ICC.

METHODS

An augmented version of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database was utilized to identify patients with LN-positive ICC without distant metastases from 2000 to 2014. Patients were stratified by treatment: chemotherapy alone or surgical resection with/without chemotherapy. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

169 patients who underwent treatment for LN-positive ICC were identified. 88% underwent surgical resection and 12% underwent chemotherapy alone. The median survival for patients who underwent surgical resection was not different from patients treated with chemotherapy alone (19 months 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 17-33 versus 20 months CI 10-27, p = 0.323). A cox-proportional hazard ratio model demonstrated that black race was associated with worse survival (p < 0.05), while surgical resection was not independently associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection for patients with LN-positive ICC may not improve survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Pathologic LN evaluation should be performed prior to surgical resection, to improve patient selection and ensure receipt of optimal therapy.

Current survival and treatment trends for surgically resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare and aggressive disease with an increasing incidence in the United States, and there is no level 1 evidence to help guide treatment decisions. We sought to determine national trends in surgical and medical management of patients with resected ICC, and more specifically, the role of lymphadenectomy (LAD) and utilization of chemotherapy.

Methods

An augmented version of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer database registry was used to identify all surgically resected ICC patients from 2000 to 2014. We evaluated the incidence and adequacy of LAD, and receipt of chemotherapy over time. Next, multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of LAD and receipt of chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

We identified 1,263 patients who underwent resection for ICC. Lymph nodes (LNs) were removed in 49% of patients, however, only 10% of patients received adequate LAD by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) criteria (≥6 nodes). LN metastases were found in 29% of patients who underwent nodal evaluation. Chemotherapy was administered to 40% of patients, was utilized more frequently over time (P<0.05), and was associated with improved survival in node positive patients (P<0.05). Patients who did not have LNs evaluated were significantly less likely to receive chemotherapy than those who did. Lastly, OS for the entire cohort improved over time (P<0.05).

Conclusions

After analyzing the treatment and outcomes of resectable ICC, we concluded: (I) LN evaluation at the time of surgical resection remains inadequate; (II) utilization of chemotherapy has increased over time; (III) the lack of LAD likely results in under-staging and underutilization of chemotherapy; and (IV) despite less than ideal surgical and medical therapy median OS continues to improve.

Pathologic complete response after gemcitabine and S-1 chemotherapy for far advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

We report the case of a 72-year-old man who was initially diagnosed with far advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, associated with bulky lymph node metastasis involving the common hepatic artery and moderate amount of ascites around the liver. After 10 cycles of systemic chemotherapy combining gemcitabine and S-1 with well-tolerated toxicities, a CT scan showed a marked shrinkage of the liver mass and lymph nodes (clinical partial response) with disappearance of ascites, which could permit a radical resection of the tumor. He underwent left lobectomy of the liver with lymph node dissection, and histopathological examination revealed pathologic complete response. Seven years after surgery, he is in a good overall condition.

Trends in use of lymphadenectomy in surgery with curative intent for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of routine lymph node dissection (LND) in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends of LND use in the surgical treatment of ICC.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative intent resection for ICC in 2000-2015 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. Use of lymphadenectomy was evaluated over time and by geographical region (West versus East); LND use and final nodal status were analysed relative to AJCC T categories.

RESULTS

Among the 1084 patients identified, half (535, 49·4 per cent) underwent concomitant hepatic resection and LND. Between 2000 and 2015, the proportion of patients undergoing LND for ICC nearly doubled: 44·4 per cent in 2000 versus 81·5 per cent in 2015 (P < 0·001). Use of LND increased over time among both Eastern and Western centres. The odds of LND was associated with the time period of surgery and the extent of the tumour/T status (referent T1a: OR 2·43 for T2, P = 0·001; OR 2·13 for T3, P = 0·016). Among the 535 patients who had LND, lymph node metastasis (LNM) was noted in 209 (39·1 per cent). Specifically, the incidence of LNM was 24 per cent in T1a disease, 22 per cent in T1b, 42·9 per cent in T2, 48 per cent in T3 and 66 per cent in T4 (P < 0·001). AJCC T3 and T4 categories, harvesting of six or more lymph nodes, and presence of satellite lesions were independently associated with LNM.

CONCLUSION

The rate of LNM was high across all T categories, with one in five patients with T1 disease having nodal metastasis. The trend in increased use of LND suggests a growing adoption of AJCC recommendations in the treatment of ICC.

A case of a mucin-producing bile duct tumor diagnosed over the course of 6 years

We report a case of a mucin-producing intraductal papillary neoplasm of the intrahepatic bile duct (M-IPNB) diagnosed over a period of 6 years. A 64-year-old man underwent follow-up evaluations for an abdominal aortic aneurysm at our hospital. In 2009, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a simple hepatic cyst in segment 3 of the liver. Annual CT scans initially showed almost no change in the size or shape of the cyst. The cystic lesion, which measured 5 cm in 2014, had increased to 11 cm by 2015, and a solid component was detected within the cyst. A biliary cystic tumor was suspected and we performed a left lateral hepatectomy. Pathological examination showed that the papillary lesion in the cyst included adenocarcinoma and adenoma components. We diagnosed M-IPNB in 2015. Identification of the solid component of the cyst, as well as an increase in cyst diameter in the image analyses, was critical for diagnosis of M-IPNB.

Prognostic analysis of radical resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients who underwent radical resection (R0). We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 319 patients who underwent radical resection of ICC between October 1999 and December 2003. The independent adverse prognostic factors that affected DFS after radical resection of ICC were as follows: maximum tumor diameter (HR = 1.330, P = 0.014), complicated bile duct stone (HR = 1.923, P = 0.013), macroscopic tumor thrombus (HR = 1.826, P = 0.009), and lymph node metastasis (Pathology N1) (HR = 2.330, P = 0.005) were independent adverse prognostic factors that affected the DFS after radical resection of ICC. The postoperative median DFS was 6 months. The independent adverse prognostic factors that affected OS after radical resection of ICC were as follows: maximum tumor diameter (HR = 1.326, P = 0.014), complicated bile duct stone (HR = 2.349, P = 0.001), and lymph node metastasis (Pathology N1) (HR = 2.420, P = 0.003). The postoperative median survival time was 22 months, the 3-year survival rate was 33.9%, and the 5-year survival rate was 23.2%. Macroscopic tumor thrombus (OR = 2.991, P = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for death within 1 year after radical resection.

Can laparoscopic liver resection provide a favorable option for patients with large or multiple intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas?

BACKGROUND

The role of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for large or multiple intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) remains equivocal. The main concerns are potential risks of inadequate resection margin, tumor rupture, uncontrollable bleeding, tumor seeding, and inadequate lymph node sampling. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety, feasibility, and oncological efficacy of LLR for large (≥5 cm) or multiple (≥2) ICCs.

METHODS

Among 50 patients receiving liver resection for ICC between May 2004 and January 2016, 12 patients who had undergone LLR for large or multiple ICCs (Group A, n = 12) were compared with 18 patients who had undergone LLR for small solitary ICCs (Group B, n = 18), as well were compared with 20 patients who had undergone open liver resection for large or multiple ICCs (Group C, n = 20). Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with Group B, Group A had fewer patients with T1 tumors (58.3 vs. 100%; P = 0.006) and a longer hospital stay (14 vs. 9 days; P = 0.039); operating time, blood loss, surgical margin, cases receiving lymph node dissection, conversion rates, and morbidity were comparable. There were no life-threatening complications and no mortality. No tumor rupture or dissemination occurred, nor did port-site recurrence follow surgery. After a median follow-up of 22 months, no difference was noted in 3-year overall survival (56.3 vs. 59.5%; P > 0.05) and recurrence-free survival (43.8 vs. 50%; P > 0.05) between the two groups. Similarly, perioperative and long-term outcomes were comparable between Group A and Group C.

CONCLUSION

LLR for large or multiple ICCs is technically safe, feasible, and oncologically effective in select patients. It provides a favorable option for patients seeking curative treatment. The minimally invasive nature will benefit these patients without compromising the oncological efficacy. Future larger-scale studies and well-designed randomized trials are warranted to evaluate this issue.

Defining the possible therapeutic benefit of lymphadenectomy among patients undergoing hepatic resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy (LND) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

826 patients who underwent liver resection were identified using the SEER database from 1988 to 2011. Two groups of patients were defined: 201 (24%) undergoing potentially therapeutic LND (group A, >3 lymph nodes (LN) removed), and 625 (76%) not receiving therapeutic LND (group B, ≤3 LNs removed). A propensity score analysis was performed to create a matched cohort of 402 patients (201 in either group). The survival benefit of therapeutic LND was also estimated using multivariate parametric analysis comparing two simulated cohorts of 826 patients.

RESULTS

1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 71%, 37%, and 27% for group A patients, and 73%, 37%, and 27% for matched group B patients (P = 0.656). When simulation analysis was performed, a moderate survival benefit of LND of 5.46 months was calculated (95%CI, 4.64-6.29). Considerable differences in LND survival benefit predictions were found according to patient's sex (males, 9.90 vs. females 1.16 months), age (≤60 years, 15 vs. >60 years, -1.34 months), and tumor size (>50 mm, 9.20 vs. ≤50 mm, -0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

LND therapeutic benefit among a subset of patients. Future work is required to investigate the role of routine LND among these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:685-691. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of perioperative and oncologic outcomes between open and laparoscopic liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has become an essential method for treating malignant liver tumors. Although the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of LLR in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have been reported, there are few reports of LLR for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC).

METHODS

Patients who underwent liver resection for T1 or T2 IHCC between March 2010 and March 2015 in Gyeongsang National University Hospital were enrolled. They were divided into open (n = 23) and laparoscopic (n = 14) approaches, and the perioperative and oncologic outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The Pringle maneuver was less frequently used (p = 0.015) and estimated blood loss was lesser (p = 0.006) in the laparoscopic group. There were no significant differences in complication rate (p = 1.000), hospital stay (p = 0.371), tumor size (p = 0.159), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.127), and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (p = 0.553). The patients were followed up for a median of 21 months. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 74.7 and 55.2 %, respectively. No differences were observed in the 3-year OS (75.7 vs 84.6 %, p = 0.672) and RFS (56.7 vs 76.9 %, p = 0.456) rates between the open and laparoscopic groups, even after the groups were divided into patients that received liver resection with or without lymph node dissection.

CONCLUSION

LLR for IHCC is a treatment modality that should be considered as an option alongside open liver resection in selected patients.

Surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective study of 104 cases

Objective:

To explore the clinicopathological features, surgical treatment techniques, and prognostic risk factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods:

A total of 104 ICC cases were collected from January 2008 to December 2013 at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and divided into the hepatic hilum lymphadenectomy (HLL, 21 cases), extended hepatic hilum lymphadenectomy (EHLL, 12 cases), and non-lymphadenectomy (NL, 71 cases) groups. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the prognostic differences were compared among different groups.

Results:

The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates of all cases were 72.1%, 56.1%, and 43.7%, respectively. The median survival duration was 34 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of the HLL group (42.9%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the NL group (78.9%, 62.5%, and 47.8%, respectively). Meanwhile, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of the EHLL group (75.0%, 56.1%, and 33.3%, respectively) were not significantly different from those of the other two groups. Univariate analysis showed that age, gender, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, differentiation, ferritin (Fer), carbohydrate antigen19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonicantigen (CEA) levels, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and lymph node dissection (LND) were prognostic factors for the long-term survival of ICC. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis revealed that age, AJCC stage, differentiation, Fer levels, and LNM were independent risk factors for survival.

Conclusions:

ICC patients will not benefit from lymphadenectomy in the absence of LNM. However, systematic lymphadenectomy may improve ICC outcomes if the location of lymphatic metastasis is known. Age, AJCC stage, differentiation, Fer level, and LNM are independent risk factors for survival in ICC.

The value of systematic lymph node dissection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from the viewpoint of liver lymphatics

Lymph node (LN) metastasis from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) might be one of the most important indicators of aggressive surgical resection, yet the value of LN dissection is still controversial. To address this clinical problem, we need to better understand the multidirectional lymphatic outflow from the liver. Although most hepatic lymph flows into the hilar LNs along portal triads, there are also several lymphatic outflows directly communicating with distant areas or the general lymphatic system. Moreover, it has been revealed that LN metastasis spreads to more distal LNs through the hepatoduodenal ligament or other multidirectional lymphatic pathways connected to the general lymphatic system. Therefore, systematic LN dissection might merely be LN sampling in IHCC with LN metastasis. A multidisciplinary strategy focusing on adjuvant treatment after surgery is immediately necessary in these cases. In IHCC without LN metastasis, the accuracy of preoperative imaging assessment of LN metastasis is unsatisfactory and useless for detecting metastatic LNs in clinical settings. Therefore, prophylactic systematic LN dissection for IHCC without preoperative LN swelling is recommended for accurate LN status assessment and reduction of local recurrences. However, this procedure might not offer any clinical benefit according to the results of retrospective comparative studies. In this review, we summarize previous reports regarding lymphatic outflow of the liver and discuss LN dissection for IHCC.

Outcomes after Resection of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: External Validation and Comparison of Prognostic Models

BACKGROUND

Published prognostic models for overall survival after liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma require external validation before use in clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN

From January 1993 to May 2013, consecutive patients who underwent resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were identified from a prospective database. The Wang nomogram was derived in an Asian cohort (n = 367) and included clinicopathologic variables and preoperative CEA and cancer antigen 19-9 levels. The Hyder nomogram was derived in an Eastern and Western multicenter cohort (n = 514) using clinicopathologic variables only. The AJCC Cancer Staging System (7th ed) and the preoperative Fudan risk score were also evaluated. Prognostic performance was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and stratification.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-eight patients were included, with a median follow-up of 41 months. Median overall survival was 48.7 months and estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 59% and 45%, respectively. Overall survival prediction accuracy, according to concordance-index calculation, was 0.72 with the Wang nomogram, 0.66 with the Hyder nomogram, 0.63 with the AJCC system, and 0.55 using the Fudan score. Both nomograms provided effective patient stratification in distinct survival groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the Wang and Hyder nomograms provided accurate patient prognosis estimation after liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and can be useful for decision making about adjuvant therapy. The Wang nomogram appears to be more appropriate in patients undergoing formal portal lymphadenectomy and requires preoperative CEA and cancer antigen 19-9 levels for optimal performance.

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.