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Semin Liver Dis 2014; 34(04): 456-464
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1394144
Review Article

Cholangiocarcinoma: Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Opportunities

Sumera I Ilyas
1   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Mitesh J. Borad
2   Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
,
Tushar Patel
3   Departments of Internal Medicine, Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
,
Gregory J. Gores
1   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Erratum: Cholangiocarcinoma: Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic OpportunitiesSemin Liver Dis 2014; 34(04): e1-e1
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786507

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive biliary tract malignancy with limited treatment options and low survival rates. Currently, there are no curative medical therapies for CCA. Recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of this disease, and elucidated therapeutically relevant targets. Therapeutic efforts in development are directed at several key pathways due to genetic aberrations including receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, mutant IDH enzymes, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, and chromatin remodeling networks. A highly desmoplastic, hypovascular stroma is characteristic of CCAs and recent work has highlighted the importance of targeting this pathway via stromal myofibroblast depletion. Future efforts should concentrate on combination therapies with action against the cancer cell and the surrounding tumor stroma. As the mutational landscape of CCA is being illuminated, molecular profiling of patient tumors will enable identification of specific mutations and the opportunity to offer directed, personalized treatment options.

Keywords

cholangiocarcinoma - molecular pathogenesis - targeted therapy


Publication History

Publication Date:
04 November 2014 (online)

© 2014. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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