Treating Hepatobiliary Cancers: The Oncology Way

Dig Dis. 2017;35(4):384-386. doi: 10.1159/000456591. Epub 2017 May 3.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC represents more than 90% of primary liver cancers. There is growing incidence of HCC worldwide. In the western world, HCC arises in a cirrhotic background in up to 90% of cases, and cirrhosis itself is a progressive disease that affects patient survival. Thus, outcome in patients with HCC and the chances for anti-tumor treatment and it is results are dependent not only on tumor-associated factors but also on the liver function. Cholangio carcinoma is the second most common primary liver tumor with an estimated incidence of 1:100,000. Cholangiocarcinoma can be sub-classified as intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar or distal where iCCA arises within the liver parenchyma. Overall, the incidence of iCCA seems to be increasing globally. This may be attributed to a global increase of risk factors shared between HCC and iCCA, such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, NASH, and others.

Keywords: Hepatobiliary cancer; Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*