Implication of Ferroptosis in Cholangiocarcinoma: A Potential Future Target?

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the second most common liver neoplasm, has a poor overall 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis contributing to CCA progression is essential for developing better therapeutic approaches to manage this disease. Ferroptosis, an oxidative iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis and progression. In particular, ferroptosis and inflammation, which are common issues in cholangio-carcinogenesis and CCA development, might be in concert with disease progression. Notably, the key feature of cancer cells is iron addiction, which is crucial for the high metabolic demand in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Additionally, iron metabolism is of great importance in ferroptosis. Moreover, that cancer cells are vulnerable to ferroptosis might be a possible mechanism of CCA development. Although the underlying mechanism of how ferroptosis is implicated in CCA development requires further investigation, developing a new strategy combined with a pro-ferroptotic treatment would be an exciting CCA treatment approach in the future.

Automated summary

Cholangiocarcinoma, the second most common liver neoplasm, has a low 5-year survival rate. Understanding the role of iron-dependent cell death (ferroptosis) and inflammation in its progression is crucial. Cancer cells are addicted to iron, which is essential for their high metabolic demands. Exploring the mechanism of ferroptosis in cholangiocarcinoma development and developing pro-ferroptotic treatments could be promising for future therapies.