Molecular Mechanisms of Cholangiocarcinogenesis: New Potential Targets for Therapy

Title:Molecular Mechanisms of Cholangiocarcinogenesis: New Potential Targets for Therapy

Volume: 18 Issue: 8

Author(s): Oihane Erice, Maite Merino-Azpitarte, Ander Arbelaiz, Maria Gutierrez-Larranaga, Raul Jimenez-Aguero, Maria J. Perugorria, Luis Bujanda and Jesus M. Banales*

Affiliation:

• Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, Paseo del Dr. Begiristain s/n, E-20014, San Sebastian,Spain

Keywords: Biliary epithelium, cholangiocarcinoma, cancer, pathogenesis, stroma, molecular mechanisms, therapy.

Abstract: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous group of dysplastic disorders affecting the biliary epithelium. It is the second most common primary liver tumor which accounts for around 3% of all gastrointestinal cancers. CCA is very deadly due to its aggressiveness, late diagnosis and high chemoresistance. The incidence is increasing worldwide and the therapeutic options are very limited. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and/or liver transplantation may be indicated in patients who meet certain criteria, but chances of success are low. There is therefore increasing interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this cancer type and in identifying new targets for therapy. Current strategies are based on targeting key signaling pathways involved in proliferation, survival, apoptosis and migration. In this review, the most relevant molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CCA are discussed and the main preclinical and clinical studies are highlighted. Moreover, future directions in basic and clinical research are indicated.

Cite this article as:

Erice Oihane, Merino-Azpitarte Maite, Arbelaiz Ander, Gutierrez-Larranaga Maria, Jimenez-Aguero Raul, Perugorria J. Maria, Bujanda Luis and Banales M. Jesus*, Molecular Mechanisms of Cholangiocarcinogenesis: New Potential Targets for Therapy, Current Drug Targets 2017; 18 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450116666150825113035