Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2025

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
06:38

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

Published on: September 12, 2019

9.1K

Molecular-driven treatment for biliary tract cancer: the promising turning point

Mara Persano1, Marco Puzzoni1, Pina Ziranu1

  • 1Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|September 23, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeted therapies for biliary tract cancer (BTC) are improving with molecular selection. Identifying gene fusions like FGFR2 and IDH mutations allows for personalized treatment strategies, enhancing patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Biliary tract cancer (BTC) treatment historically lacked efficacy due to inadequate patient molecular selection for targeted therapies.
  • Recent advancements in understanding BTC molecular biology reveal significant heterogeneity and identify targetable genetic alterations.
  • FDA approvals of ivosidenib and pemigatinib mark progress in BTC targeted treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on targeted therapies for BTC.
  • To explore the potential of molecularly targeted treatments based on BTC's heterogeneity.
  • To discuss the future role of targeted therapies in improving BTC patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on targeted therapies in BTC.
  • Analysis of research on molecular characteristics and heterogeneity of BTC.
  • Examination of data on specific gene alterations (FGFR2 fusions, IDH mutations) and their targeted treatments.

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapies show promise when guided by molecular selection, addressing BTC's heterogeneity.
  • Identification of specific actionable mutations, such as FGFR2 gene fusions and IDH mutations, is crucial.
  • New drugs like ivosidenib and pemigatinib are now available for specific BTC patient populations.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized therapeutic approaches based on genetic alterations are essential for improving BTC outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to define the optimal role and potential of targeted therapies in the BTC treatment algorithm.
  • Evaluating genetic alterations is key to advancing personalized medicine and improving the prognosis for patients with biliary tract cancer.
Keywords:
Biliary tract cancercholangiocarcinomagallbladder cancermolecular characterizationtargeted therapies

More Related Videos

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

5.5K
Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma09:11

Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: May 24, 2024

683

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.2K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
8.3K