An Insight into Cholangiocarcinoma and Recent Advances in its Treatment

Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant disease of the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. This review focuses on various aspects of cholangiocarcinoma such as its associated causes, treatment criteria, and more. Methods Although it remains a rare malignancy and is the second most common primary malignancy of the liver, the incidence is increasing, especially the incidence of intrahepatic CCA. Several studies suggested that surgery is not only solution; recently, reported targeted drugs may have the potential to become an alternative option. Results This review provides an overview of the current scenario of targeted therapies for CCA, which were tabulated with their current status and it also included its associated causes and its treatment criteria. Conclusion Because of its rarity and complexity, surgery remains the preferred treatment in resectable patients. Howerver, the studies suggested that the recently reported drugs may have the potential to be an alternative option for the treatment of CCA and related complications. In addition, this review will certainly benefit the community and researcher for further investigation.

Automated summary

This review focuses on various aspects of cholangiocarcinoma, including its associated causes and treatment criteria. Although cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy, its incidence is increasing. Surgery remains the preferred treatment option for resectable patients, but recent reports suggest that targeted drugs may become an alternative choice.