Targeted therapies for cancer of the gallbladder.
OBJECTIVE
Adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder are uncommon, aggressive tumors with poor survival. This review summarizes advances in understanding the biology of gallbladder cancer.


RESULTS
Published response rates of adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder to chemotherapy are less than 30% and no survival benefit has been demonstrated from palliative systemic therapy. New information on the molecular carcinogenic mechanisms of these malignancies, combined with findings from animal models, may lead to improved treatment for patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved understanding of the molecular carcinogenesis of adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder, coupled with the availability of novel molecularly 'targeted' chemotherapeutic agents, may improve outcome for patients.
Thomas
Melanie B
MB
Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005706:Gallbladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor