Cholangiocarcinoma: emerging approaches to a challenging cancer.

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Cholangiocarcinoma: emerging approaches to a challenging

cancer.

Biliary tract

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. May 2007.

Patel, Tushar a;

Singh, Pankaj b,c

Abstract:

Purpose of review: Cholangiocarcinomas are malignancies

arising from biliary tract epithelia that are associated with a poor prognosis. The diagnosis, evaluation and management of these tumors

continue to be clinically challenging. In this review,

we will discuss recent information that may influence the approach to the

diagnosis and management of this devastating tumor.

Recent findings:

Epidemiological studies are defining patient groups at increased risk of cancer

in regions of low prevalence. Emerging approaches that

may improve evaluation and management include the potential use of genomic and

proteomic markers, cytogenetic and digital image

analysis, endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle

aspiration, and cholangioscopy. Adoption

of aggressive surgical approaches along with the use of preoperative portal

vein embolization, hepatic and caudate lobe resection and preoperative laparoscopy may improve survival.

Summary: Recent

conceptual and technical advances will impact the clinical approach to

cholangiocarcinoma and offer the promise of improving outcomes from this

difficult tumor. © 2007 Lippincott

& Wilkins, Inc.

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