Cancers, Vol. 12, Pages 794: Treatment of Combined Hepatocellular and Cholangiocarcinoma

Cancers, Vol. 12, Pages 794: Treatment of Combined Hepatocellular and Cholangiocarcinoma Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers12040794 Authors: Simona Leoni Vito Sansone Stefania De Lorenzo Luca Ielasi Francesco Tovoli Matteo Renzulli Rita Golfieri Daniele Spinelli Fabio Piscaglia Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) is a rare primary liver cancer. It is constituted by neoplastic cells of both hepatocellular and cholangiocellular derivation. Different histology types of HCC-CC have been reported, hinting at heterogeneous carcinogenic pathways leading to the development of this cancer. Due to its rarity and complexity, mixed HCC-CC is a scantly investigated condition with unmet needs and unsatisfactory outcomes. Surgery remains the preferred treatment in resectable patients. The risk of recurrence, however, is high, especially in comparison with other primary liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. In unresectable or recurring patients, the therapeutic options are challenging due to the dual nature of the neoplastic cells. Consequently, the odds of survival of patients with HCC-CC remains poor. We analysed the literature systematically about the treatment of mixed HCC-CC, reviewing the main therapeutic options and their outcomes and analysing the most interesting developments in this topic with a focus on new potential therapeutic avenues.
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research