Immunotherapy of biliary tract cancer

Tumour Biol. 2016 Mar;37(3):2817-21. doi: 10.1007/s13277-015-4743-x. Epub 2016 Jan 4.

Abstract

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), which encompass intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas as well as gallbladder carcinomas, are one of the most aggressive malignancies. Although the development of systemic chemotherapy approaches has made progress, the prognosis of BTC remains poor. Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of BTC, highlighting the immune etiology of this disease. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising new modality of treatment for BTC. Here, we summarize the relevant tumor immunology of BTC and recently completed and ongoing clinical trials of immunotherapy for BTC.

Keywords: Biliary tract cancer; Cholangiocarcinoma; Immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen Presentation
  • B7-H1 Antigen / physiology
  • Biliary Tract Neoplasms / immunology
  • Biliary Tract Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunotherapy*

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD274 protein, human
  • Cytokines