Treatment and outcome of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ihCCC) tumor resection leads to the best patient survival. The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic factors in resected patients.


METHODS
This was a clinical observational series of 31 resected patients with ihCCC. Univariate analysis of clinical and pathologic factors in relation to patient survival and tumor recurrence were performed. Possible benefit of chemotherapy, although not given randomly, was investigated separately.


RESULTS
The median follow-up time was 37.3 months. Of 31 resected patients a tumor-free resection (R0) was achieved in 26; 2 patients died postoperatively. Chemotherapy was administered to 19 patients. Overall survival was significantly better in patients with R0 resection, negative lymph nodes, a solitary tumor, and a width of resection margin greater than 3 mm. Recurrence-free survival was prolonged in patients with negative lymph nodes, early International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stages and solitary tumors. In UICC stages III and IV, patients receiving chemotherapy experienced a better overall survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Impact of various parameters on recurrence-free and overall survival was identified; a possible beneficial effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced tumor stages was observed. A prospective, randomized trial is necessary to fully evaluate the role of adjuvant therapy.
Puhalla
Harald
H
Department of General Surgery, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Schuell
Birgit
B
Pokorny
Herwig
H
Kornek
Gabriela Verena
GV
Scheithauer
Werner
W
Gruenberger
Thomas
T
D000368:Aged; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome