Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
09:11
Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: May 24, 2024
673
Current and emerging therapies for advanced biliary tract cancers
Audrey E Kam1, Ashiq Masood1, Rachna T Shroff2
1Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|October 9, 2021
Summary
Targeted therapies like FGFR and IDH inhibitors are advancing treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers. These molecularly targeted treatments offer new hope for patients with poor prognoses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Biliary tract cancers (cholangiocarcinomas, gallbladder cancers) have rising incidence and poor prognoses.
- Most patients present with advanced disease, receiving palliative chemotherapy.
- Recent genomic studies have identified several molecular targets for therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapies for advanced biliary tract cancers.
- To focus on the role of molecularly targeted therapy in treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and research findings.
- Analysis of molecular targets including FGFR, IDH, RAS-RAF-MEK, HER2, DNA mismatch repair, and NTRK.
- Discussion of specific targeted agents and immunotherapies.
Main Results:
- FGFR inhibitors (e.g., Pemigatinib) show efficacy in cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 alterations.
- IDH1 inhibitors (e.g., Ivosidenib) improve progression-free survival.
- Trials of BRAF/MEK inhibitors, HER2-targeted therapies, and NTRK inhibitors show promise.
- Immunotherapy benefits are mainly seen in dMMR/MSI-H or high PD-L1 tumors, with broader potential in combination therapies.
Conclusions:
- Molecularly targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in treating advanced biliary tract cancers.
- Emerging agents targeting specific genetic alterations offer new therapeutic options.
- Further research and clinical trials are crucial to optimize treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
04:04Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
10.6K
07:44Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Published on: March 25, 2022
6.1K
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
8.0K
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...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
741
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
741
02:49Cancer Therapies
8.2K
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...
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...
8.2K
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.4K
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
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
5.2K
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...
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
01:30Cancer Vaccines
564
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
564