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New and emerging treatment options for biliary tract cancer

Authors Noel MS, Hezel AF

Received 29 May 2013

Accepted for publication 10 July 2013

Published 30 October 2013 Volume 2013:6 Pages 1545—1552

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S32545

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 6



Marcus S Noel, Aram F Hezel

James P Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

Abstract: Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a group of relatively rare tumors with a poor prognosis. The current standard of care consists of doublet chemotherapy (platinum plus gemcitabine); however, even with cytotoxic therapy, the median overall survival is less than 1 year. The genetic basis of BTC is now more clearly understood, allowing for the investigation of targeted therapy. Combinations of doublet chemotherapy with antiepidermal growth factor receptor agents have provided modest results in Phase II and Phase III setting, and responses with small molecule inhibitors are limited. Moving forward as we continue to characterize the genetic hallmarks of BTC, a stepwise, strategic, and cooperative approach will allow us to make progress when developing new treatments.

Keywords: biliary tract cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, genetics, targeted therapy


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