Open AccessCholangiocarcinoma: Present Status and Molecular Aspects of Diagnosis
Author(s) -
Xiaofang Liu,
Kun Tang,
Lu-Lu Sui,
Gang Xu
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
oncology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1555-3906
pISSN - 0965-0407
DOI - 10.3727/096504015x14343704124386
Subject(s) - microrna , metastasis , disease , suppressor , dna methylation , tumor suppressor gene , biology , cancer research , bile duct , mechanism (biology) , medicine , pathology , gene , bioinformatics , cancer , carcinogenesis , genetics , gene expression , philosophy , epistemology
Cholangiocarcinomas are neoplasms that involve the epithelial cells of the bile duct, also known as cholangiocytes. This disease is difficult to diagnose early, as most symptoms present late in the disease. In addition, the specific anatomic position can cause periductal extension and result in a very low radical excision rate and a very poor prognosis. Improved understanding of the features underlying the onset of cholangiocarcinoma and its carcinogenic mechanism may lead to early diagnosis and better prognosis. With the development of molecular biology, much has been learned about oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. Based on our research and others, this review article will discuss the current status and prospects of early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.