Molecular pathways and targeted therapy in cholangiocarcinoma

Clin Adv Hematol Oncol. 2019 Nov;17(11):630-637.

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) encompasses a rare group of malignancies arising from epithelial cells lining the biliary tree that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Most patients present with advanced incurable disease that has a poor prognosis, and standard treatment options remain limited. Effective nontoxic treatment options for advanced CCA are needed. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathways are crucial to cellular proliferation, cellular survival, and differentiation of many malignancies, but are especially relevant in CCA. The targeting of FGF/FGFR has become the most promising approach to treating patients with advanced/metastatic CCA. Here we review CCA, and discuss the promise of FGFR-directed therapy in advanced CCA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor