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Kempa S, Tessmann V, Prantl L, Schmid S, Müller M, Jung EM, Tews HC. The value of sonographic microvascular imaging in the diagnosis of lipedema. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2024; 86:99-108. [PMID: 37638423 DOI: 10.3233/ch-238103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipedema is a chronic disease marked by symmetric enlargement of painful nodular and fibrotic adipose tissue, predominantly affecting the limbs. Since there is no specific test or biomarker for this condition, years often pass before the diagnosis of lipedema is established for the first time, thereby causing psychosocial distress, including depression, eating disorders, and social isolation. Over the last few years several advanced Doppler-based technologies have been developed to visualize slow flow blood vessels and superficial microvascular architecture undetectable by traditional color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the superficial microvascular anatomy in lipedema patients compared to healthy controls and investigate the clinical significance of the Ultra Micro Angiography (UMA) technology in the diagnosis of lipedema. This new technique may contribute to reduce the diagnostic delay and, eventually, establish and guide treatment strategies toward a better therapeutic outcome in lipedema patients. METHODS 25 patients with lipedema and ten healthy controls with no history of lipedema were included in this study. All ultrasound examinations were performed on a novel high-performance ultrasound system (Resona R9/Mindray) using CDFI and the UMA technique. RESULTS In all of the patients, Ultra Micro Angiography achieved the excellent visualization of microvascular structures, revealing that most lipedema patients showed grade 3 (n = 13) or grade 2 (n = 8) flow. UMA was superior to CDFI for depicting the microvascular structures. CONCLUSIONS Here we show that UMA imaging characterizes the subcutaneous microvasculature with an unprecedented accuracy. The method has the advantage of being sensitive to small, slow-flowing vessels. This allows for the assessment of the course of vessels and vascular pathologies in great detail. Thus, UMA as a non-invasive diagnostic method can improve diagnostic accuracy in lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kempa
- Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - V Tessmann
- Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - L Prantl
- Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Schmid
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - E-M Jung
- Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Interdisciplinary Ultrasound, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H C Tews
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Kempa S, Buechler C, Föh B, Felthaus O, Prantl L, Günther UL, Müller M, Derer-Petersen S, Sina C, Schmelter F, Tews HC. Serum Metabolomic Profiling of Patients with Lipedema. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17437. [PMID: 38139266 PMCID: PMC10743543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by disproportionate and symmetrical enlargement of adipose tissue, predominantly affecting the lower limbs of women. This study investigated the use of metabolomics in lipedema research, with the objective of identifying complex metabolic disturbances and potential biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and treatment strategies. The study group (n = 25) comprised women diagnosed with lipedema. The controls were 25 lean women and 25 obese females, both matched for age. In the patients with lipedema, there were notable changes in the metabolite parameters. Specifically, lower levels of histidine and phenylalanine were observed, whereas pyruvic acid was elevated compared with the weight controls. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the diagnostic accuracy of histidine, phenylalanine, and pyruvic acid concentrations in distinguishing between patients with lipedema and those with obesity but without lipedema revealed good diagnostic ability for all parameters, with pyruvic acid being the most promising (area under the curve (AUC): 0.9992). Subgroup analysis within matched body mass index (BMI) ranges (30.0 to 39.9 kg/m2) further revealed that differences in pyruvic acid, phenylalanine, and histidine levels are likely linked to lipedema pathology rather than BMI variations. Changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-6 TG levels and significant reductions in various LDL-2-carried lipids of patients with lipedema, compared with the lean controls, were observed. However, these lipids were similar between the lipedema patients and the obese controls, suggesting that these alterations are related to adiposity. Metabolomics is a valuable tool for investigating lipedema, offering a comprehensive view of metabolic changes and insights into lipedema's underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Kempa
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bandik Föh
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Oliver Felthaus
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich L. Günther
- Institute of Chemistry and Metabolomics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martina Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Derer-Petersen
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian Sina
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering (IMTE), 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Franziska Schmelter
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke C. Tews
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Engelke C, Graf M, Maass C, Tews HC, Kraus M, Ewers T, Sayk F, Solbach P, Zimpel C, Tharun L, Marquardt JU, Kirstein MM. Prospective study of computer-aided detection of colorectal adenomas in hospitalized patients. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1194-1199. [PMID: 37191195 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2212309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenoma detection with polypectomy during total colonoscopy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer-associated mortality. The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an established quality indicator, which is associated with a decreased risk for interval cancer. An increase in ADR could be demonstrated for several artificially intelligent, real-time computer-aided detection (CADe) systems in selected patients. Most studies concentrated on outpatient colonoscopies. This sector often lacks funds for applying costly innovations like CADe. Hospitals are more likely to implement CADe and information about the impact of CADe in the distinct patient cohort of hospitalized patients is scarce. METHODS In this prospective, randomized-controlled study, we compared colonoscopies performed with or without computer-aided detection (CADe) system (GI Genius, Medtronic) performed at University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck. The primary endpoint was ADR. RESULTS Overall, 232 patients were randomized with n = 122 patients in the CADe arm and n = 110 patients in the control arm. Median age was 66 years (interquartile range 51-77). Indication for colonoscopy was most often workup for gastrointestinal symptoms (88.4%) followed by screening, post-polypectomy and post-CRC surveillance (each 3.9%). Withdrawal time was significantly prolonged (11 vs. 10 min, p = 0.039), without clinical relevance. Complication rate was not different between the arms (0.8% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.072). The ADR was significantly increased in the CADe arm compared to the control (33.6% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.008). ADR increase was particularly strong for the detection in elderly patients aged ≥50 years (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.7 - 23.1, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION The use of CADe is safe and increases ADR in hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Engelke
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Mattis Graf
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carlos Maass
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Hauke C Tews
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Kraus
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Ewers
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Sayk
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Philipp Solbach
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carolin Zimpel
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Lars Tharun
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Martha M Kirstein
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
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Tews HC, Elger T, Grewal T, Weidlich S, Vitali F, Buechler C. Fecal and Urinary Adipokines as Disease Biomarkers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041186. [PMID: 37189804 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers is of great clinical value for the diagnosis and prognosis of disease and the assessment of treatment efficacy. In this context, adipokines secreted from adipose tissue are of interest, as their elevated circulating levels are associated with a range of metabolic dysfunctions, inflammation, renal and hepatic diseases and cancers. In addition to serum, adipokines can also be detected in the urine and feces, and current experimental evidence on the analysis of fecal and urinary adipokine levels points to their potential as disease biomarkers. This includes increased urinary adiponectin, lipocalin-2, leptin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in renal diseases and an association of elevated urinary chemerin as well as urinary and fecal lipocalin-2 levels with active inflammatory bowel diseases. Urinary IL-6 levels are also upregulated in rheumatoid arthritis and may become an early marker for kidney transplant rejection, while fecal IL-6 levels are increased in decompensated liver cirrhosis and acute gastroenteritis. In addition, galectin-3 levels in urine and stool may emerge as a biomarker for several cancers. With the analysis of urine and feces from patients being cost-efficient and non-invasive, the identification and utilization of adipokine levels as urinary and fecal biomarkers could become a great advantage for disease diagnosis and predicting treatment outcomes. This review article highlights data on the abundance of selected adipokines in urine and feces, underscoring their potential to serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hauke C Tews
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Elger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Grewal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Simon Weidlich
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Francesco Vitali
- Department of Medicine 1, Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Tews HC, Kandulski A, Schmid S, Schlosser S, Schirner S, Putz FJ, Cosma L, Gülow K, Müller M, Jung EM. Multimodal ultrasound imaging with conventional B-mode, elastography, and parametric analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): A novel approach to assess small bowel manifestation in severe COVID-19 disease. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2022; 82:341-360. [PMID: 35871323 DOI: 10.3233/ch-221540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to describe the small bowel morphology with conventional B-mode and elastography and additionally to evaluate dynamic effects of COVID-19 associated small bowel microvascularization using CEUS with color coded perfusion parameters.Thirteen patients with severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were investigated. 13 patients required intensive care treatment with mechanical ventilation. Five patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed by an experienced investigator as a bolus injection of up to 2.4 ml sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles via a central venous catheter. In the parametric analysis of CEUS, the flare of microbubbles over time is visualized with colors. This is the first work using parametric analysis of CEUS to detect perfusion differences in the small bowel.Parametric analysis of CEUS in the intestinal phase was carried out, using DICOM loops for 20 seconds. In 5 patients, parametric analysis revealed intraindividual differences in contrast agent behavior in the small bowel region. Analogous to the computed tomography (CT) images parametric analysis showed regions of simultaneous hyper- and hypoperfusion of the small intestine in a subgroup of patients. In 5 patients, the parametric image of transmural global contrast enhancement was visualized.Our results using CEUS to investigate small bowel affection in COVID-19 suggest that in severe COVID-19 ARDS systemic inflammation and concomitant micro embolisms may lead to disruption of the epithelial barrier of the small intestine.This is the first study using parametric analysis of CEUS to evaluate the extent of small bowel involvement in severe COVID-19 disease and to detect microemboli. In summary, we show that in COVID-19 the small bowel may also be an important interaction site. This is in line with the fact that enterocytes have been shown to a plenitude of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptors as entry sites of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Tews
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Schmid
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Schlosser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Schirner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - F J Putz
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - L Cosma
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - K Gülow
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - E M Jung
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Friedl S, Jung EM, Bergler T, Tews HC, Banas MC, Banas B, Putz FJ. Factors influencing the time-intensity curve analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in kidney transplanted patients: Toward a standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:928567. [PMID: 36091698 PMCID: PMC9452686 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.928567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Time-intensity curve analysis (TIC analysis) based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides quantifiable information about the microcirculation of different tissues. TIC analysis of kidney transplantations is still a field of research, and standardized study protocols are missing though being mandatory for the interpretation of TIC parameters in the clinical context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different sizes and forms of regions of interest (ROIs) on the variance of different TIC parameters and the level of interoperator variance between the different ROI methods in kidney transplantations. Methods In 25 renal transplanted patients, 33 CEUS of the transplanted kidney were performed, and TIC analysis with ROIs sized 5 mm2 (ROI5), 10 mm2 (ROI10), and ROIs circumscribing the outlines of anatomical regions (ROI Anat ) were analyzed based on CEUS examination. The TIC analysis was repeated by a second independent operator for ROI5 and ROI Anat . Results Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between TIC parameters of different ROI methods, and overall, the interoperator variance was low. But a greater ROI surface (ROI10) led to higher values of the intensity parameters A and AUC compared with ROI5 (p < 0.05). The difference in the ROI form led to high variation of certain TIC parameters between ROI5 and ROI Anat in the myelon [intraclass correlation coefficient (A, ICC = 0.578 (0.139-0.793); TIC parameter (TTP); and ICC = 0.679 (0.344-0.842) (p < 0.05)]. A mean variation of 1 cm of the depth of ROI5 in the cortex did not show significant differences in the TIC parameters, though there was an impact of depth of ROI Anat on the values of TIC parameters. The interoperator variance in the cortex was low and equal for ROI5 and ROI Anat , but increased in the myelon, especially for ROI Anat . Furthermore, the analysis revealed a strong correlation between the parameter AUC and the time interval applied for the TIC analysis in the cortex and myelon (r = 0.710, 0.674, p < 0.000). Conclusion Our findings suggest the application of multiple ROIs of 5 mm2 in the cortex and medulla to perform TIC analysis of kidney transplants. For clinical interpretation of AUC, a standardized time interval for TIC analysis should be developed. After the standardization of the TIC analysis, the clinical predictive value could be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Friedl
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst Michael Jung
- Department of Radiology, Interdisciplinary Ultrasound, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bergler
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hauke C. Tews
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Miriam C. Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franz Josef Putz
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Czauderna C, Kirstein MM, Tews HC, Vogel A, Marquardt JU. Molecular Subtypes and Precision Oncology in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2803. [PMID: 34202401 PMCID: PMC8269161 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are the second-most common primary liver cancers. CCAs represent a group of highly heterogeneous tumors classified based on anatomical localization into intra- (iCCA) and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA). In contrast to eCCA, the incidence of iCCA is increasing worldwide. Curative treatment strategies for all CCAs involve oncological resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in early stages, whereas chemotherapy is administered at advanced stages of disease. Due to late diagnosis, high recurrence rates, and limited treatment options, the prognosis of patients remains poor. Comprehensive molecular characterization has further revealed considerable heterogeneity and distinct prognostic and therapeutic traits for iCCA and eCCA, indicating that specific treatment modalities are required for different subclasses. Several druggable alterations and oncogenic drivers such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene fusions and hotspot mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations have been identified. Specific inhibitors have demonstrated striking antitumor activity in affected subgroups of patients in phase II and III clinical trials. Thus, improved understanding of the molecular complexity has paved the way for precision oncological approaches. Here, we outline current advances in targeted treatments and immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, we delineate future perspectives for different molecular subclasses that will improve the clinical care of iCCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (C.C.); (M.M.K.); (H.C.T.)
| | - Martha M. Kirstein
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (C.C.); (M.M.K.); (H.C.T.)
| | - Hauke C. Tews
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (C.C.); (M.M.K.); (H.C.T.)
- Departement of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (C.C.); (M.M.K.); (H.C.T.)
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