Molecular mechanisms of cholangiocarcinogenesis: are biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct precursors to cholangiocarcinoma?

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare, malignant neoplasm that can develop from any site within the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tree. Although the key steps of cholangiocarcinogenesis remain unknown, it has been hypothesized that CC may develop through two key premalignant precursor lesions: biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). These lesions probably are analogous to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, respectively. This article outlines the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinogenesis through the BilIN and IPNB pathways. It highlights the genetic mutations that alter cellular proliferation, tumor suppression, and impairment of critical mucinous, cell-adhesion, and matrix proteins.

• Authors: Kai Bickenbach, Eva Galka, Kevin King Roggin
• Journal: Surgical oncology clinics of North America (Surg Oncol Clin N Am) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 215-24, vii (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1055-3207 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19306808 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma, Papillary (pathology)
• Bile Duct Neoplasms (pathology)
• Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic (pathology)
• Cholangiocarcinoma (pathology)
• Humans
• Precancerous Conditions (pathology)