Open AccessEmerging molecular targets and therapy for cholangiocarcinoma
Author(s) -
Hamzeh Kayhanian,
Elizabeth Smyth,
Chiara Braconi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1948-5204
DOI - 10.4251/wjgo.v9.i7.268
Subject(s) - medicine , biliary tract cancer , targeted therapy , immunotherapy , disease , clinical trial , cancer , bioinformatics , oncology , gemcitabine , biology
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer arising from the biliary tree with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Recent large scale molecular characterisation studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in CCA which may be amenable to therapeutic targeting. In this review we explore the genomic landscape of CCA and examine results from trials of molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapy in this disease. Challenges in CCA diagnosis, treatment and trial design are discussed and we reflect on future directions which may lead to improved outcomes for CCA patients.