Korean J Pancreas Biliary Tract.  2021 Jan;26(1):33-42. 10.15279/kpba.2021.26.1.33.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Evolving Concepts and Medical Treatment

• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2512553
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15279/kpba.2021.26.1.33

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is classified into intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma) according to the anatomical location of the lesion. The incidence of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been relatively stagnant in recent decades, but intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is steadily increasing worldwide, requiring attention. Various classification systems based on gross growth patterns, histological findings, and tumor-derived cells, as well as classification based on existing anatomical location, have been proposed, however, the consensus has not been established yet. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a carcinoma with an extremely poor prognosis. Complete tumor resection is the only curative treatment. The overall survival rate for 5 years after surgery is 15% to 40%, but recurrence after surgery is observed in 2/3 patients. Therefore, determining the right stage before surgery and selecting an appropriate treatment method through a multidisciplinary approach is a very important process in determining proper treatment. Systemic therapy may be used for locally advanced biliary tract cancer or metastatic biliary tract cancer where surgery is not possible. However, the effectiveness of traditional anticancer chemotherapeutic agents is rather pessimistic, therefore treatments using molecular biological properties have recently been attempted. Finding a way to increase the number of resectable cases through early diagnosis is one of the main challenges. In addition, it is also hoped that the selection of new therapeutic targets and therapeutics will be possible as a result of advanced research on gene expression profiles and mutations in cholangiocarcinoma.

Keyword

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; Classification; Staging; Medical treatment; 간내 담관암; 분류; 병기; 내과적 치료