title: Targeting IL-6 in cholangiocarcinoma therapy.
abstract: In this issue of the Journal, Cheon and coworkers have examined the utility of serum IL-6 values as a biomarker for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Serum IL-6 values were increased in patients with CCA as compared to controls or patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. IL-6 levels also correlated with tumor thickness (a surrogate for tumor burden) as examined by intraductal ultrasonography, a novel approach for assessing CCA tumor burden. Following photodynamic therapy, serum IL-6 values decreased. This study suggests IL-6 may be a biomarker for CCA, confirms the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an antineoplastic therapy, and implies that targeted IL-6 therapy may be beneficial in CCA.
authors: Justin L
authors: JL
authors: Mott
authors: Gregory J
authors: GJ
authors: Gores
mesh_terms: D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015850:Interleukin-6