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Biliary tract cancers: molecular profiling as a tool for treatment decisions. A literature review
Rossana Berardi1, Berardi Rossana, Mario Scartozzi
1Clinica di Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, GM Lancisi, G Salesi di Ancona, via Conca 71, 60020 Ancona, Italy. rossana.berardi@libero.it
Abstract:
Biliary tract cancer is a quite rare disease; despite recent significant advances in imaging modalities, most of the patients have advanced disease at presentation thus making radical surgery not feasible. Many different chemotherapeutic regimens have been investigated in small uncontrolled studies, with generally disappointing results. We extensively reviewed the literature on this topic trying to give an explanation to chemoresistance in this setting of patients and considering the molecular profiling as a tool for treatment decision. This review is divided in two parts, in the first one we illustrated chemotherapy results and possible mechanisms of resistance. In the second part we analysed the new molecular targets developing an hypothesis about the future therapeutics perspectives.
Insights
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is rare, often diagnosed at advanced stages. This review explores chemotherapy resistance mechanisms and molecular targets for improved BTC treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis.
- Most patients present with advanced disease, precluding curative surgical resection.
- Current chemotherapy regimens show limited efficacy and high rates of chemoresistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing chemotherapy outcomes for BTC.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in BTC.
- To explore molecular profiling for personalized treatment strategies and future therapeutic perspectives in BTC.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on BTC chemotherapy.
- Analysis of mechanisms contributing to chemotherapy resistance in BTC.
- Evaluation of molecular targets and their potential in BTC treatment.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy in BTC has yielded generally disappointing results.
- Several mechanisms contribute to chemoresistance in biliary tract cancer.
- Molecular profiling offers a promising avenue for tailoring BTC therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding chemoresistance is crucial for advancing BTC treatment.
- Targeted therapies based on molecular profiling represent a future direction for BTC management.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies is warranted for improved BTC patient outcomes.
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