Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102259
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Pheochromocytomas (PCs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors found in 20-50% of MEN2 patients. MEN2-related PCs are more often bilateral, identified at a younger age and have a low metastatic potential. They secrete epinephrin...Pheochromocytomas (PCs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors found in 20-50% of MEN2 patients. MEN2-related PCs are more often bilateral, identified at a younger age and have a low metastatic potential. They secrete epinephrine as the predominant catecholamine, along with its metabolite metanephrine, and lesser amounts of norepinephrine and normetanephrine. The advent of molecular diagnostic tools has enhanced the identification and stratification of these tumors, revealing a strong genotype-phenotype correlation which is crucial for screening and managing patients. Evaluation involves a combination of structural (CT/MRI) and functional imaging. MIBG remains helpful for PC assessment but novel PET ligands (F-DOPA, Ga-DOTATATE, F-FDG) aid in the detection of extra-adrenal paragangliomas, recurrence, and metastatic disease. The treatment paradigm has shifted toward personalized medicine, incorporating genetic insights to tailor interventions, particularly surgical approaches and novel therapeutics such as radiolabeling of somatostatin analogs with lutetium and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102258
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Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline variants in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. MEN2 is caused by autosomal dominant...Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline variants in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. MEN2 is caused by autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. There are two clinically distinct types of MEN2 syndrome, termed MEN2A and MEN2B. MEN2A is associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and the less frequent occurrence of pheochromocytoma, primary hyperparathyroidism, or both, rarely with cutaneous lichen amyloidosis or Hirschsprung's disease. MEN2B is associated with MTC, pheochromocytoma, and other noncancerous abnormalities, such as Marfanoid habitus and ganglioneuromas of the intestines. Specific RET mutations suggest a predilection toward a particular phenotype and clinical course with strong genotype-phenotype correlation. Based upon these genotype-phenotype correlations, RET mutations are stratified into three risk levels, i.e., highest, high, and moderate risk, based on the age of onset and the penetrance of the MTC. Children in the highest risk category develop MTC within the first year of life and should undergo thyroidectomy in their first year, perhaps even in their first months of life. In children in the high-risk category, ultrasound of the neck and calcitonin (Ctn) measurement should be performed prior to thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy should typically be performed at 5 years of age or earlier, depending on the presence of elevated serum Ctn levels. However, heterogeneity in disease expression and progression within these groups varies considerably. To personalize disease management, the decision regarding the age of prophylactic thyroidectomy is no longer based upon genotype alone but is currently driven by additional clinical data, the most important being serum Ctn levels. In the moderate-risk group, the timing of thyroidectomy is particularly dependent on the Ctn level. Personalized management also includes decisions about the best age to begin biochemical screening for pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102257
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Calcitonin (CTN) is a polypeptide hormone consisting of 32 amino acids with a disulfide bridge between position 1 and 7 that is mainly produced by the C-cells of thyroid gland. The measurement of CTN concentrations in bl...Calcitonin (CTN) is a polypeptide hormone consisting of 32 amino acids with a disulfide bridge between position 1 and 7 that is mainly produced by the C-cells of thyroid gland. The measurement of CTN concentrations in blood reflects C-cell activity and is performed in general by immunoassay methods. However, there are analytical, physiological, pharmacological, and pathological factors that can influence results of serum CTN values. Due to the influence of these factors there is a high variability in assay-dependent cutoffs used to discriminate between MTC, C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) and the absence of the pathological impairment of C cells. There is a lot of evidence that the measurement of serum CTN concentrations in patients with thyroid nodules can lead to an earlier diagnosis of MTC or CCH than the exclusive use of imaging procedures and/or fine needle aspiration cytology. Basal CTN concentrations higher than 60-100 pg/mL are highly indicative for the diagnosis MTC. In the range between cutoff and 60 pg/mL CTN, both MTC and HCC may be a relevant diagnosis. Procalcitonin (PCT) and CTN appear to have a comparable diagnostic capability to diagnose MTCs. However, "positive" PCT values more than 50 pg/mL may be reached also in subclinical infections and will lead, therefore, to an overdiagnosis of the tumor. Calcium-stimulated serum CTN concentrations higher than cutoff values could improve diagnostics of MTC but a lack of replicable cutoff values in different studies favors the use of only basal values, currently.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102256
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Imaging plays an important role in the early detection and staging of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), as well as in follow-up to locate early recurrence. MTC is a rare, calcitonin-secreting thyroid malignancy that is...Imaging plays an important role in the early detection and staging of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), as well as in follow-up to locate early recurrence. MTC is a rare, calcitonin-secreting thyroid malignancy that is often diagnosed by ultrasound and calcitonin screening as part of the routine evaluation of any thyroid nodule. If serum calcitonin is elevated, imaging studies are needed for preoperative staging to guide surgical management. This may include ultrasound of the neck and abdomen. CT or MRI studies for more distant disease are performed preoperatively when calcitonin levels are greater than 500 pg/mL. Neither FDG-PET/CT nor F-DOPA-PET/CT is routinely being used for preoperative staging, but may be helpful in individual cases of doubt. Postoperative elevated calcitonin is associated with persistence or recurrence of MTC. Imaging studies to localize tumor tissue in postoperative follow-up include ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET scans. However, they should be used judiciously, as the impact of treatment is often limited. In addition, even patients with persistent disease may survive long enough to accumulate significant radiation doses from CT or PET scans. Imaging studies are also useful in diagnosing associated components of hereditary MTC, such as pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102255
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Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating from thyroid C cells that produces mainly calcitonin (Ctn) and is used as a tumor marker. MTC can occur either sporadically (75%) or in a hered...Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating from thyroid C cells that produces mainly calcitonin (Ctn) and is used as a tumor marker. MTC can occur either sporadically (75%) or in a hereditary variant (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, MEN2) due to germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. The discovery of MTC in a patient has several diagnostic implications involving a specific strategy, preoperative evaluation of the tumor marker Ctn and the extent of the disease, classification of MTC as sporadic or hereditary using germline RET testing, screening for associated endocrinopathies in hereditary MTC, and somatic RET testing in sporadic MTC. Elevated Ctn is a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker for the diagnosis and follow-up of MTC. Ctn is directly related to the tumor mass. In patients with nodular thyroid disease, MTC can be diagnosed by Ctn determination. Ctn is an indicator of tumor burden. Patients with confirmed sporadic or hereditary MTC should undergo total thyroidectomy. Depending on the preoperative Ctn value, additional dissection of the lymph nodes in the central and lateral neck compartments should be performed. In MEN 2 patients diagnosed by RET mutation analysis, the timing of prophylactic thyroidectomy depends on the specific RET mutation and Ctn level.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102254
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The thyroid parafollicular cell, or commonly named "C-cell," functions in serum calcium homeostasis. Elevations in serum calcium trigger release of calcitonin from the C-cell, which in turn functions to inhibit absorptio...The thyroid parafollicular cell, or commonly named "C-cell," functions in serum calcium homeostasis. Elevations in serum calcium trigger release of calcitonin from the C-cell, which in turn functions to inhibit absorption of calcium by the intestine, resorption of bone by the osteoclast, and reabsorption of calcium by renal tubular cells. Oncogenic transformation of the thyroid C-cell is thought to progress through a hyperplastic process prior to malignancy with increasing levels of serum calcitonin serving as a biomarker for tumor burden. The discovery that Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, type 2 is caused by activating mutations of the RET gene serves to highlight the RET-RAS-MAPK signaling pathway in both initiation and progression of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid C-cells are known to express RET at high levels relative to most cell types, therefore aberrant activation of this receptor is targeted primarily to the C-cell, providing one possible cause of tissue-specific oncogenesis. The role of RET signaling in normal C-cell function is unknown though calcitonin gene transcription appears to be sensitive to RET activation. Beyond RET the modeling of oncogenesis in animals and screening of human tumors for candidate gene mutations has uncovered mutation of RAS family members and inactivation of RB1 regulatory pathway as potential mediators of C-cell transformation. More recently, the integration of multiple biological layers of omics studies has uncovered new pathways of oncogenesis. A growing understanding of how RET interacts with these pathways, both in normal C-cell function and during oncogenic transformation, will help in the development of novel molecular targeted therapies.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102253
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C cells are the neuroendocrine cell component of the thyroid gland that embryologically arise from the pharyngeal endoderm. Normal C cells are concentrated in the upper two-thirds of both lateral lobes, appear singly or...C cells are the neuroendocrine cell component of the thyroid gland that embryologically arise from the pharyngeal endoderm. Normal C cells are concentrated in the upper two-thirds of both lateral lobes, appear singly or in small groups dispersed in, among or peripherally to the follicles, and are involved in the production of calcitonin. Reactive C-cell hyperplasia should be differentiated from proliferation of atypical C cells (neoplastic C-cell hyperplasia) which is considered an intraepithelial neoplasia of C cells/medullary carcinoma in situ, a precursor lesion associated to familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MTC typically exhibits a lobular and/or trabecular growth pattern with amyloid deposits; however, due to its great histological variability, immunohistochemical positivity for calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, insulinoma-associated protein 1, and/or other markers is necessary to confirm diagnosis. Investigation of germline RET proto-oncogene mutation is mandatory to identify familial MTC. Somatic RET mutations or fusions as well as RAS mutations in cytological and/or biopsy samples may represent therapeutic targets. Mixed medullary and follicular-derived cell carcinoma is a heterogeneous group of tumors which needs to be distinguished from collision tumors.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2025 · PMID 40102252
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Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neoplasm originating from parafollicular C cells. It secretes calcitonin (Ctn), a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker, which allows for early diagnosis and defines posto...Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neoplasm originating from parafollicular C cells. It secretes calcitonin (Ctn), a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker, which allows for early diagnosis and defines postoperative cure or persistence/recurrence of MTC. Germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are responsible for the development of MTC in MEN2. Somatic RET mutations modify the behavior of MTC and are a target for systemic therapy with selective RET inhibitors. Recent advances in preoperative immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics in biopsies achieved by fine needle aspiration significantly improves diagnosis and allows classification in low and high risk MTC with important implications for treatment and prognosis. This personalized approach enables a less aggressive surgery in low risk MTC patients, reduces the incidence of complications and improves quality of life. Risk stratification in MEN2 patients based on genotype-phenotype correlation of the different RET mutations allows cure by personalized thyroidectomy. Postoperative imaging in patients with persistent or recurrent MTC with PET/CT using different radiopharmaceuticals proved to be sensitive and accurate in detecting MTC recurrences/metastases and assesses their biological and clinical aggressiveness. Molecular genetic classification of tumors enables personalized systemic therapies with multikinase inhibitors or selective RET inhibitors in patients with advanced metastasized and progressive disease. Despite the recent progress in diagnosis and treatment, confirmation of these new procedures and standardization of these approaches in MTC are required.
Khuntikeo N, Andrews RH, Petney TN
… +1 more, Khan SA
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660340
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Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide. Despite the severity of the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities, there remains an overall lack of awareness...Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide. Despite the severity of the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities, there remains an overall lack of awareness and interest in this disease. The information contained in the chapters of this book shows that this is indeed a significant public health and socioeconomic problem with varying levels of country-specific awareness. In Southeast Asia liver fluke, O. viverrini related CCA is endemic with the highest incidence worldwide in northeast Thailand, yet it is treatable and preventable. The chapters highlight significant advances in our knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of the O. viverrini species complex, intermediate hosts, systematics, population genetics, and the complexity of the three-host life cycle. A comprehensive conceptual framework has been developed to assist in understanding the complexity of molecular mechanisms of CCA carcinogenesis and cancer development which can result in improvement of targeted CCA therapy. There have been many advances in understanding the pathology of CCA in the biliary tract, including advances in prognosis and molecular pathogenesis. The development of different modalities and their advantages for diagnosis have increased diagnostic accuracy, providing reliable information allowing appropriate treatment and management programs to be selected for each patient. Particularly exciting is the recent development of a urine antigen assay which has revolutionized the diagnostic approach of opisthorchiasis due to its simplicity, the non-invasive nature of sample collection, and its ease of use in field settings. Significant in-roads and advances have been made in the surgical and systemic treatment of CCA patients. Additionally, a sophisticated data collection and analysis system, the Isan Cohort, has been developed and established for the treatment and control of CCA. Importantly, a greater understanding has been made of the social, community, religious, and anthropological issues initiating and sustaining the eating behavior of raw, partially cooked, and/or fermented fresh water fish. Specially designed education programs/curricula, based on currently available multidisciplinary hard data targeting school children, have been introduced since the inception of the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP) and the subsequent strategic Fluke Free Thailand Model. The education program is being expanded to other provinces in Thailand and in the near future to other Southeast Asian countries, initially to Lao PDR, where the Fluke Free Lao PDR program has already been implemented. Despite advances that have been made in many disciplines focused on O. viverrini related CCA, raising awareness of CCA at all levels, particularly across endemic regions, is still needed, as is raising the awareness of CCA globally. As parasites and parasite related diseases have no borders, it is critical that an effective common strategic plan is instigated and established between all countries where liver fluke, O. viverrini related CCA is a significant public health problem, thereby increasing the quality of life and life expectancy of millions of people who suffer from this insidious disease.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660339
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Although cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or bile duct cancer is considered rare, worldwide it is the second most common primary liver cancer. The incidence is increasing globally, and mortality is high owing to its aggressivene...Although cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or bile duct cancer is considered rare, worldwide it is the second most common primary liver cancer. The incidence is increasing globally, and mortality is high owing to its aggressiveness, late diagnosis, and refractory nature. In this chapter, the awareness of cholangiocarcinoma in the West and in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, is explored. The background to this cancer in each region is described, and the challenges faced by both by healthcare professionals and patients are uncovered. Although there is a growing number of organisations working at every level in each region to improve the situation for those with cholangiocarcinoma, there remains little awareness of the public health importance of this cancer. However, it is with health agencies and those at government level that hopes for an improved future for all those with cholangiocarcinoma must lie.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660338
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Raw attitudes relate to the food cultures, eating habits, and behaviours of people in relation to the consumption of raw, partially cooked, and fermented freshwater fish dishes, which puts people at risk of Ophistochis v...Raw attitudes relate to the food cultures, eating habits, and behaviours of people in relation to the consumption of raw, partially cooked, and fermented freshwater fish dishes, which puts people at risk of Ophistochis viverrini and other parasitic infections. The chapter reviews raw attitudes within the countries and across the borders of the greater Mekong region, particularly northeast Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Rather than treat each nation-state as an isolated epidemiological box, the chapter explores transborder complexity in relation to multiple anthropogenic transformations to the landscapes of the region and developmental impacts upon ecosystems and life cycles. Economic projects such as multiple hydropower dams, irrigation schemes, water-diversions, roads, and aquaculture ponds have significant impacts on FTZ life-cycle dynamics. In addition, many ecological changes are transboundary ones, and there are added complications relating human mobility, altered agrarian landscapes, and significant numbers of migrant workers. The chapter also examines public health programmes and educational interventions which are altering perceptions of O. viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma over time. A key argument is the need for transdisciplinary scientific and social science strategies alongside multi-pronged health interventions, such as 'the CASCAP model'. There exist many unknowns and gaps relating to widespread anthropogenic modifications upon life cycles, upon lifestyles, livelihoods, and human behaviours, which require research projects that span socio-economic, ecological, geographical, and public health dynamics of disease.
Thinkhamrop B, Thinkhamrop K, Tawarungrueng C
… +1 more, Prathumkham P
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660337
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Innovations in digital procedures are discussed and highlighted in this chapter providing a comprehensive background and an overview of the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP), and the innovative data...Innovations in digital procedures are discussed and highlighted in this chapter providing a comprehensive background and an overview of the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP), and the innovative data base known as the Isan cohort, including the O. viverrini - CCA module, tele-radiology, databases for pathology, surgery, palliative care, and a randomized controlled trial database.
Raksasataya A, Ahooja A, Krangbunkrong V
… +3 more, Jareanrat A, Titapun A, Khuntikeo N
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660336
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This chapter details all aspects of the general principles of palliative care for advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma patients. These include symptoms management, communication guide, advance care planning, and management...This chapter details all aspects of the general principles of palliative care for advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma patients. These include symptoms management, communication guide, advance care planning, and management for bereavement. Surgical and intervention techniques of palliative biliary drainage are described in detail for patients with obstructive jaundice with advanced stage CCA. Additionally, details are provided regarding the establishment of a multidisciplinary palliative care team which is critical to provide the most appropriate multimodal treatment for good quality of life and survival of patients.
Sookprasert A, Wirasorn K, Chindaprasirt J
… +3 more, Watcharenwong P, Sanlung T, Putraveephong S
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660335
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Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a diverse group of epithelial cancers that affect the biliary tree. The incidence of CCA is low in Western countries but significantly higher in endemic regions such as China and Thailand. Var...Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a diverse group of epithelial cancers that affect the biliary tree. The incidence of CCA is low in Western countries but significantly higher in endemic regions such as China and Thailand. Various risk factors contribute to the development of CCA. Recent studies have revealed molecular alterations in biliary tract cancers, providing insights into cholangiocarcinogenesis and potential targeted therapies. Surgical resection is the primary curative treatment for CCA. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been extensively studied, and some regimens have proven to be beneficial. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has shown potential benefits in select cases, but its role remains controversial. In advanced stages, chemotherapy is the standard of care, and molecular profiling has identified potential targets such as FGFR, IDH1, HER2, and other tumor-agnostic therapies. Immunotherapy has demonstrated limited benefit in advanced CCA. This chapter provides an overview of the current evidence and ongoing research evaluating various chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies across different stages of CCA.
Khuntikeo N, Pugkhem A, Srisuk T
… +6 more, Luvira V, Titapun A, Tipwaratorn T, Thanasukarn V, Klungboonkrong V, Wongwiwatchai J
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660334
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This chapter provides a comprehensive background from basic to applied knowledge of surgical anatomy which is necessary for the surgical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients. Significant advances that have been...This chapter provides a comprehensive background from basic to applied knowledge of surgical anatomy which is necessary for the surgical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients. Significant advances that have been made in the surgical treatment of CCA were examined. For instance, in-depth details are provided for appropriate preoperative assessment and treatment to optimize patient status and to improve the outcome of surgical treatment(s). Comprehensive details are provided for the surgical techniques and outcomes of treatments for each type of CCA with clear illustrations and images. This chapter also describes the role of minimally invasive surgery and liver transplantation in CCA treatment.
Chamadol N, Syms R, Laopaiboon V
… +2 more, Promsorn J, Eurboonyanun K
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660333
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The chapter discusses the advancement of new imaging techniques, the role of imaging in CCA diagnosis, anatomical and morphological classification, ultrasound screening of CCA, ultrasound findings of MF-CCA, PI-CCA, ID-C...The chapter discusses the advancement of new imaging techniques, the role of imaging in CCA diagnosis, anatomical and morphological classification, ultrasound screening of CCA, ultrasound findings of MF-CCA, PI-CCA, ID-CCA, the use of CT in CCA diagnosis, staging and treatment planning, CT volumetry and estimation of future liver remnant, post-treatment follow-up and surveillance, MRI imaging, Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT, limitations to contrast studies and resolution, internal receivers for CCA imaging, and in vitro imaging of CCA.
Koonmee S, Sa-Ngiamwibool P, Aphivatanasiri C
… +5 more, Kunprom W, Intarawichian P, Bamrungkit W, Sangkhamanon S, Thanee M
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660332
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The liver excretes bile through the biliary system, which has a complicated anatomical structure. Cholangiocarcinoma, a malignant bile duct epithelial tumor, is separated into intrahepatic and extrahepatic portions depen...The liver excretes bile through the biliary system, which has a complicated anatomical structure. Cholangiocarcinoma, a malignant bile duct epithelial tumor, is separated into intrahepatic and extrahepatic portions depending on the structure of the bile duct and exhibits both similarities and varieties in patient presentations and staging. The three main macroscopic characteristics of cholangiocarcinoma-mass formating, intraductal growth, and periductal infiltrating types-allow pathologists and surgeons to see and analyze the cancerous tissue. The majority of cholangiocarcinoma patients are in advanced stages and poor prognosis. Although surgery is the main treatment option, target therapy based on molecular pathology background offers hope for improving patient's prognosis.
Loilome W, Namwat N, Jusakul A
… +4 more, Techasen A, Klanrit P, Phetcharaburanin J, Wangwiwatsin A
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660331
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Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor of the biliary tree that is classified into three groups based on its anatomic location: intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar (pCCA), and distal (dCCA). Perihilar CCA is the most c...Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor of the biliary tree that is classified into three groups based on its anatomic location: intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar (pCCA), and distal (dCCA). Perihilar CCA is the most common type and accounts for 50-60% of CCA cases. It is followed by distal CCA and then intrahepatic CCA that account for 20-30% and 10-20% of cases, respectively. This chapter discusses the hallmarks of liver fluke related CCA and explores insights into drug target possibilities.
Khuntikeo N, Thinkhamrop B, Crellen T
… +4 more, Eamudomkarn C, Petney TN, Andrews RH, Sithithaworn P
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660330
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It is known that Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is the most significant risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); hence, it is also known as carcinogenic parasite. Effective control and elimination of OV...It is known that Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is the most significant risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); hence, it is also known as carcinogenic parasite. Effective control and elimination of OV infection should significantly reduce O. viverrini-related CCA. This chapter includes details of the three recently developed innovative tools, namely the Isan cohort database software, an OV-RDT for screening of O. viverrini, and an ultrasound telecommunication system. Past and current control programs, i.e., education, medication, and sanitation were discussed and stressed the need for a comprehensive control program which encompasses primary, secondary, and tertiary patient care programs for confirmation and management of suspected CCA cases. The approach of mathematical modeling for control of OV and CCA was also briefly described. Additionally, we highlighted the current progress toward control of OV and CCA in Thailand and potential for expansion into nearby countries in Southeast Asia.
Recent Results Cancer Res
· 2023 · PMID 37660329
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Opisthorchis viverrini plays a key role as the carcinogenic liver fluke causing bile duct cancer in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive understanding of its life cycle, distribution, systematics, and population genetics is c...Opisthorchis viverrini plays a key role as the carcinogenic liver fluke causing bile duct cancer in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive understanding of its life cycle, distribution, systematics, and population genetics is critically important as they underpin the effective development and establishment of future prevention and control programs that center on opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma. This chapter provides detailed information concerning the basic biology and updated information of O. viverrini related to its host life cycle, transmission route via raw, partially cooked or fermented freshwater cyprinid fish, endemic areas, and the discovery of new foci. Previous sequential studies over the last two decades on the phylogenetic and systematic relationships, genetic variation, and population genetics of O. viverrini as well as its snail intermediate host Bithynia spp. are presented and discussed, which have led to the currently known complex species level systematics and population genetics framework of this host-parasite system. Additionally, further directions for comprehensive research are suggested to provide a more complete understanding of liver fluke, O. viverrini-related cholangiocarcinoma.