Prognostic Factors Associated with Preoperative Clinicophysiological Outcomes of Distal Cholangiocarcinoma

Although biliary tract cancer is generally associated with a high mortality rate, patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma have better prognoses, compared to those with periampullary cancer. This study aimed to determine the preoperative clinicophysiological factors predictive of survival and recurrence in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.

Forty-five patients (34 men) with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2005 and 2013 were examined retrospectively at our center and associated hospitals. Clinicophysiological parameters included predictors of overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and compared using log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard multivariate analyses were performed.

The mean patient age was 68.8 years (range 54-81 years). Patients had a median OS duration of 43 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of 91.1, 61.1, and 40.4%, respectively. Univariate analyses indicated that the body mass index, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were independent prognostic factors for OS; however, only the CRP level remained an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis.

A CRP level <0.3 mg/dL was predictive of a better outcome among patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.