Tumor-specific marker genes for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Utility and mechanistic insight

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy. It is classified into intrahepatic and extrahepatic forms, the latter including perihilar (involvement of right and/or left hepatic ducts and their union to form the common hepatic duct) and distal bile duct CCA. Growth patterns are differentiated into periductal-infiltrating, mass-forming and papillary or intraductal growth. The different forms of CCA are distinct and differ clinically, aetiologically, pathophysiologically and in management [1].