Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma Research Articles

Comparison of treatment models for single primary advanced gallbladder cancer

PurposeTreatment for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains controversial, with various recommendations regarding the choice and combination of surgery and adjuvant therapy. The present article is targeting for the exploration of optimal treatment models for advanced GBC.MethodsAJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition) stage III and stage IV GBC, were defined as advanced GBC. Patients with advanced GBC were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and departmental cohort. Because of the most representative, only gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC) patients were selected. Based on their surgical status (No, Non-radical and Radical surgery), chemotherapy status (Chemotherapy, No chemotherapy), and radiotherapy status (Radiotherapy, No radiotherapy), treatment models were categorized. For the purposes of evaluating the treatment outcomes of various treatment models and determining the risk element for cancer-specific survival (CSS), Cox regression analysis was applied. Kaplan-Meier curves were used before and after adjusting for covariates, with log-rank tests used to analyze discrepancies between curves. Immunotherapy was analyzed using clinical data from departmental cohort. Finally, to compensate for the limitations of the database, a review examines the progress in treatment models for advanced GBC.Results5,154 patients aged over 18 years with solitary primary advanced GBC were identified from the SEER database. In advanced GBC patients, the treatment model has emerged as a significant prognostic factor. “Radical surgery + Chemotherapy + Radiotherapy” models maximally improved the CSS of advanced GBC before and after adjusting for covariates, while “No surgery + No chemotherapy + No radiotherapy” model had the lowest CSS. The present conclusions were supported even after subgroup analysis by AJCC stage. The efficacy of immunotherapy was demonstrated in the departmental cohort analysis. Additionally, this article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in various emerging treatment strategies.ConclusionEven when optimal treatment model cannot be pursued, providing comprehensive combinations of treatments to advanced GBC patients whenever possible is always beneficial for their survival.

BN SO44 - Is routine histological analysis of excised gallbladders necessary?

Abstract Background Gallbladder cancer is rare representing <1% of annual cancer diagnoses in the UK. It is more common in females (2.4/100,000 vs 1/100,000) with a peak age incidence of 85–89-years. Our trust routinely histologically analyses all resected gallbladders, over 1000 per year, regardless of indication. Our pathologists estimate that each specimen costs £75 to analyse, reflecting an annual cost of over £80,000. A 2021 systematic review suggested selective histological analysis is safe, reduces laboratory burden and costs. We aimed to assess our centre’s cholecystectomy specimens to ascertain the incidental gallbladder cancer diagnoses and explore the possibility of selective analysis. Method A retrospective search of our pathology database was carried out for the terms “cancer” and “gallbladder” from 2015 to 2018 inclusive. After exclusion of non-gallbladder primary cancers, all selected cases electronic notes were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the incidental findings of gallbladder cancer. Secondary outcomes were the indications for surgery, intraoperative findings, histological macroscopic description, final diagnosis and further management where applicable. Results We identified 4421 gallbladder specimens of which 12 (0.27%) identified cancer. The ratio of female to male diagnoses was 5:1 and the median age was 73.5 years. Of the 12 cancers, 7 (0.16%) of these were incidental findings, with 5 having surgery for symptomatic gallstones and 2 for gallbladder polyps. The 5 symptomatic gallstones patients all had grossly abnormal macroscopic appearances of the serosa, dense adhesions or exudate; all were confirmed as gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Three patients were fit enough for limited liver resection. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that across four years the rate of incidental gallbladder adenocarcinoma diagnosed by cholecystectomy was 0.16%. In all non-polypoidal cases (0.11%), the gallbladder was macroscopically abnormal. This suggests that with careful criteria, selective gallbladder histological analysis may reduce laboratory burden and therefore costs associated with elective gallbladder surgery. With increasing emphasis to improve efficiency and rationalise healthcare spending, our results suggest that selective histological analysis may be safe and effective. However, given the consequences of missing a cancer diagnosis it would require a larger scale multi centre study to support a move in this direction.

Machine Learning Model for Early Prediction of Survival in Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma: A comparison Study

The prognosis for gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC), a highly malignant cancer, is not good. In order to facilitate individualized risk stratification and improve clinical decision-making, this study set out to create and validate a machine learning model that could accurately predict early survival outcomes in GBAC patients. Five models—RSF, Cox regression, GBM, XGBoost, and Deepsurv—were compared using data from the SEER database (2010–2020). The dataset was divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets, and the C-index, ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the model's performance. At 1, 2, and 3-year survival intervals, the RSF model performed better than the others in terms of calibration, discrimination, and clinical net benefit. The most important predictor of survival, according to SHAP analysis, is AJCC stage. Patients were divided into high, medium, and low-risk groups according to RSF-derived risk scores, which revealed notable variations in survival results. These results demonstrate the RSF model's potential as an early survival prediction tool for GBAC patients, which could enhance individualized treatment and decision-making.

Cardiac metastasis from carcinoma gall bladder - a rare case detected on autopsy

Metastasis to the heart is uncommon compared to other organs, posing notable diagnostic challenges. Incidence in autopsy studies typically ranges between 0.7% and 3.5%. Lung, breast, and hematologic cancers are the main sources of such metastases, leading to varied clinical presentations and severe complications. Postmortem viscera from a 47 year old male with a suspected history of jaundice. Only limited information was available. Gross examination showed a solid mass in the gall bladder with areas of hemorrhage and necrosis, while no other abnormalities were observed in other viscera received. Brain examination showed congested blood vessels, while heart sections exhibited atypical cell deposits in the pericardium and myocardium. Coronary arteries displayed pathological thickening. Lung and liver sections also displayed similar metastatic atypical cell deposits, infiltrating tissue and causing necrosis. Gall bladder examination revealed irregular glandular formations lined with polygonal tumor cells positive for cytokeratin. The final diagnosis based on histomorphological features and immunohistochemistry confirmed gall bladder adenocarcinoma metastasising to the heart, liver and lungs.

Aberrant Expression of Pneumocytic Markers (TTF-1 and Napsin-A) in Biliary Duct and Gallbladder Adenocarcinomas; A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall.

Cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder carcinomas are epithelial tumours with biliary differentiation. On histology and immunohistochemistry, they resemble adenocarcinomas and possess overlapping immunohistochemical profiles. Diagnosing these tumours is best done using appropriate imaging and clinical features with compatible immunohistochemistry. Immuno-staining for thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and novel aspartic proteinase of pepsin A (Napsin-A) is believed to be specific for primary pulmonary adenocarcinomas. We herein report uncommon instances of strong and diffuse expression of these markers in two examples of adenocarcinomas arising from the bile duct and gallbladder. A review of the literature and a summary of similar studies relating to aberrant TTF-1 and Napsin-A expression in biliary tract adenocarcinomas are presented.

Homoeopathic Management of Acute Cholangitis in a Case of Adenocarcinoma of Gall Bladder with Metastasis: A Case Report

AbstractAcute cholangitis is a bacterial infection superimposed on an obstruction of biliary tree from a gall stone, neoplasm or stricture. The biliary obstruction is most commonly caused by choledocholithiasis benign or malignant stricture of the bile duct or hepatic ducts, pancreatic cancer, ampullary adenoma or cancer, porta hepatis tumour or metastasis, biliary stent obstruction (due to microbial biofilm formation, biliary sludge deposition and duodenal reflux of food content), primary sclerosing cholangitis and amyloid deposition in the biliary system. Classically, patients present with high fever persisting for more than 24 hours, abdominal pain and jaundice (Charcot's triad). The right upper quadrant abdominal (RUQ) pain is generally mild. When the cholangitis becomes more severe, patients become hypotensive and confused (Reynold's pentad). Charcot's triad has low sensitivity (26.4%) and high specificity (95.9%). Although the presence of Charcot's triad is suggestive of acute cholangitis, it is not diagnostic. Charcot's triad is present in 26.4 to 72% of patients with acute cholangitis. TG07 diagnostic criteria for acute cholangitis also do not have enough sensitivity and specificity and its severity criteria are also not suitable for clinical use. Antibiotics, intravenous fluid, Vitamin K supplementation and biliary drainage are the options available in conventional mode of treatment for acute cholangitis. Presented here is one case report of acute cholangitis in a patient of adenocarcinoma of gall bladder with metastasis. The case was treated using classical method of homoeopathy with complete improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters of acute cholangitis.

The impact of lymph node ratio on survival in gallbladder cancer: a national cancer database analysis

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the impact of lymph node ratio (LNR) on survival in patients with resectable gallbladder adenocarcinoma. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2020. We included patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma who had undergone resection of the primary site as well as adequate lymphadenectomy. Exclusions comprised patients with distant metastasis and missing key data. LNR was calculated as a proportion of positive lymph nodes (LNs) to examined LNs. ResultsPatients were stratified into LNR groups: LNR0 - 343 patients (55%); 168 (26.9%) patients with LNR < 30%; and 113 (18.1%) with LNR ≥ 30%. The mean age was 67.3 ± 10.7 years, with 71.6% being female and 75.8% identifying as white. The mean overall survival (OS) was 52.8 months for the LNR0 group, 36.3 months for LNR < 30%, and 27 months for LNR ≥ 30% (p < 0.001). The difference in survival was significant when adjusted for adjuvant chemotherapy status and surgical margins using Cox regression – HR 3.2 (2.4–4.5 95% CI) for LNR < 30% and HR 4.9 (3.5–6.8 95% CI) for LNR ≥ 30%. ConclusionThe study suggests that LNR is a valuable prognostic factor for resectable gallbladder cancer patients and could potentially guide treatment decisions.

Unmasking the silent killer: The hidden aggressiveness of signet-ring cell carcinoma in gallbladder cancer.

The prognostic significance of the signet-ring cell component in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the similarities and differences between gallbladder signet-ring cell carcinoma (GBSRCA) and gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC) in terms of clinicopathological features and long-term survival. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we analyzed 6,612 patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer between 2000 and 2021. The cohort included 147 patients with GBSRCA and 6,465 with GBAC. Patients with GBSRCA were significantly younger, with 33.3% being age 60 or younger compared to 23.9% of patients with GBAC (p = 0.009). There was a higher proportion of females in the GBSRCA group (77.6%) compared to the GBAC group (70.1%, p = 0.049). GBSRCA was associated with a more advanced tumor stage (T3-T4: 56.5% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.004), higher rates of lymph node metastasis (43.5% vs. 28.0%, P < 0.001), and poorer differentiation status (poorly to undifferentiated: 80.3% vs. 29.7%, P < 0.001). Survival analysis revealed that patients with GBSRCA had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared to patients with GBAC (p < 0.001). GBSRCA was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.001) in the entire cohort, while the T stage and N stage were independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS in patients with GBSRCA. Even after propensity score matching, patients with GBSRCA still had a poorer prognosis.

Spatial transcriptomics profiling of gallbladder adenocarcinoma: a detailed two-case study of progression from precursor lesions to cancer

BackgroundMost studies on tumour progression from precursor lesion toward gallbladder adenocarcinoma investigate lesions sampled from distinct patients, providing an overarching view of pathogenic cascades. Whether this reflects the tumourigenic process in individual patients remains insufficiently explored. Genomic and epigenomic studies suggest that a subset of gallbladder cancers originate from biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) precursor lesions, whereas others form independently from BilINs. Spatial transcriptomic data supporting these conclusions are missing. Moreover, multiple areas with precursor or adenocarcinoma lesions can be detected within the same pathological sample. Yet, knowledge about intra-patient variability of such lesions is lacking.MethodsTo characterise the spatial transcriptomics of gallbladder cancer tumourigenesis in individual patients, we selected two patients with distinct cancer aetiology and whose samples simultaneously displayed multiple areas of normal epithelium, BilINs and adenocarcinoma. Using GeoMx digital spatial profiling, we characterised the whole transcriptome of a high number of regions of interest (ROIs) per sample in the two patients (24 and 32 ROIs respectively), with each ROI covering approximately 200 cells of normal epithelium, low-grade BilIN, high-grade BilIN or adenocarcinoma. Human gallbladder organoids and cell line-derived tumours were used to investigate the tumour-promoting role of genes.ResultsSpatial transcriptomics revealed that each type of lesion displayed limited intra-patient transcriptomic variability. Our data further suggest that adenocarcinoma derived from high-grade BilIN in one patient and from low-grade BilIN in the other patient, with co-existing high-grade BilIN evolving via a distinct process in the latter case. The two patients displayed distinct sequences of signalling pathway activation during tumour progression, but Semaphorin 4 A (SEMA4A) expression was repressed in both patients. Using human gallbladder-derived organoids and cell line-derived tumours, we provide evidence that repression of SEMA4A promotes pseudostratification of the epithelium and enhances cell migration and survival.ConclusionGallbladder adenocarcinoma can develop according to patient-specific processes, and limited intra-patient variability of precursor and cancer lesions was noticed. Our data suggest that repression of SEMA4A can promote tumour progression. They also highlight the need to gain gene expression data in addition to histological information to avoid understimating the risk of low-grade preneoplastic lesions.

Incidence risk of hepatobiliary malignant neoplasms in the cohort of workers chronically exposed to ionizing radiation

The increased risk of liver malignancies was found in workers of the first Russian nuclear production facility, Mayak Production Association, who had been chronically exposed to gamma rays externally and to alpha particles internally due to plutonium inhalation. In the present study, we updated the radiogenic risk estimates of the hepatobiliary malignancies using the extended follow-up period (1948–2018) of the Mayak worker cohort and the improved «Mayak worker dosimetry system–2013». The cohort comprised 22,377 workers hired at the Mayak PA between 1948 and 1982. The analysis considered 62 liver malignancies (32 hepatocellular carcinomas, 13 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 16 angiosarcomas, and 1 anaplastic cancer) and 33 gallbladder adenocarcinomas. The analysis proved the positive significant association of the liver malignancy risk (the total of histological types, hepatocellular carcinoma) with the liver absorbed alpha dose from internal exposure. The excess relative risk per Gy (95% confidence interval) of alpha dose (the linear model) was 7.56 (3.44; 17.63) for the total of histological types and 3.85 (0.95; 13.30) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Indications of non-linearity were observed in the dose–response for internal exposure to alpha radiation. No impact of external gamma-ray exposure on the liver malignancy incidence was found. In the study cohort, the number of angiosarcomas among various types of liver malignancies was very high (25.8%), and most of these tumors (73.3%) were registered in individuals internally exposed to alpha radiation at doses ranging between 6.0 and 21.0 Gy. No association with chronic occupational radiation exposure was observed for the incidence of gallbladder malignancies.

Lymph node involvement is associated with overall survival for elderly patients with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Lymph node involvement is recognized as a prognostic factor for patients with gallbladder cancer. However, the N stage varied from different editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM Classification. Our objective was to investigate the impact of lymph node involvement on overall survival in elderly patients with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Patients older than 65 years with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma were identified from the SEER data. We used Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to select the independent risk factor. A nomogram was built to identify the 1-, 3-, and 5-years' prognostic impact. Univariate and multivariate models were used to examine the correlation of overall survival (OS) with the number of metastatic nodes. A total of 1,654 patients (706 with and 948 without nodal involvement) were included. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses found that age, gender, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and surgical options were risk factors for the prognosis and were integrated into the nomogram. After adjustment, OS was compromised for patients who receive surgery with nodal involvement [hazard ratio (HR), 2.238; P < 0.01]. Furthermore, after adjustment the presence of more than two metastatic lymph nodes was associated with decreased OS (HR, 3.305; P < 0.01). Our results suggest that lymph node involvement is associated with compromised survival in elderly patients. A nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of gallbladder cancer. A change point of more than two metastatic lymph nodes seems to carry prognostic significance, calling for closer monitoring of elderly patients with gallbladder cancer with involvement of increased number of lymph nodes.

Does the size of the neuroendocrine-carcinoma component determine the prognosis of gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm generally consists of a gallbladder neuroendocrine tumor and a non-neuroendocrine component. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 established a guideline requiring each component, both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine, to account for a minimum of 30% of the tumor mass. Patients after surgery resection and diagnosed at microscopy evaluation with pure gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (GBNEC), gallbladder mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (GBMANEC, GBNEC≥30%), and gallbladder carcinoma mixed with a small fraction of GBNEC (GBNEC <30%) between 2010 and 2022 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were collated for the analyses. Demographic features, surgical variables, and tumor characteristics were evaluated for association with patients' overall and recurrence-free survival (OS and RFS). The study included 26 GBNEC, 11 GBMANEC, 4 gallbladder squamous-cell carcinoma (GBSCC), and 7 gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBADC) mixed with a small fraction of GBNEC. All patients had stage III or higher tumors (AJCC8th edition). The majority of included patients (79.17%) underwent curative surgical resection (R0), with only ten patients having tumoral resection margins. In the analysis comparing patients with GBNEC percentage (GBNEC≥30% vs. GBNEC<30%), the basic demographics and tumor characteristics of most patients were comparable. The prognosis of these patients was also comparable, with a median OS of 23.65 months versus 20.40 months (P=0.13) and a median RFS of 17.1 months versus 12.3 months (P=0.24). However, patients with GBADC or GBSCC mixed with GBNEC <30% had a statistically significant decreased OS and RFS (both P<0.0001)) compared with GBNEC and GBMANEC. Patients with GBNEC who exhibited advanced tumor stages and lymphovascular invasion had a higher risk of experiencing worse overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, a 30% GBNEC component was not identified as an independent risk factor. Patients with GBNEC were frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and their prognosis is poor. The 30% percentage of the GBNEC component is not related to the patient's survival.

Clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas (GB-NECs) are a rare subtype of malignant gallbladder cancer (GBC). The genetic and molecular characteristics of GB-NECs are rarely reported. This study aims to assess the frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) in GB-NECs and characterize their clinicopathologic and molecular features in comparison with gallbladder adenocarcinomas (GB-ADCs). Data from six patients with primary GB-NECs and 13 with GB-ADCs were collected and reevaluated. MSI assay, immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2), comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) via next-generation sequencing (NGS), and evaluation of tumor mutation burden (TMB) were conducted on these samples. The six GB-NEC cases were all female, with a mean age of 62.0±9.2 years. Of these, two cases were diagnosed as large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs), while the remaining four were small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNECs). Microsatellite states observed in both GB-NECs and GB-ADCs were consistently microsatellite stable (MSS). Notably, TP53 (100%, 6/6) and RB1 (100%, 6/6) exhibited the highest mutation frequency in GB-NECs, followed by SMAD4 (50%, 3/6), GNAS (50%, 3/6), and RICTOR (33%, 2/6), with RB1, GNAS, and RICTOR specifically present in GB-NECs. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays of p53 and Rb in the six GB-NECs were highly consistent with genetic mutations detected by targeted NGS. Moreover, no statistical difference was observed in TMB between GB-NECs and GB-ADCs (P=0.864). Although overall survival in GB-NEC patients tended to be worse than in GB-ADC patients, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.119). This study has identified the microsatellite states and molecular mutation features of GB-NECs, suggesting that co-mutations in TP53 and RB1 may signify a neuroendocrine inclination in GB-NECs. The IHC assay provides an effective complement to targeted NGS for determining the functional status of p53 and Rb in clinical practice.

Atypical Presentation of Gall Bladder Adenocarcinoma as Paraneoplastic Myeloneuropathy.

Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes are a rare, heterogeneous group of complications associated with malignancy, unrelated to direct tumor invasion or metastasis. They are the remote effects of a malignancy owing to immune-mediated reaction toward the antigens that are common to both the malignant and normal cells. Few paraneoplastic syndromes are reported with gall bladder cancer. However, neurological symptoms are infrequent. Here we share an interesting case of adenocarcinoma of gall bladder with initial presentation as a paraneoplastic noncompressing myeloneuropathy.

Predictors of Mortality and the Development of a Risk Score for Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis Using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Database (HCUP-NIS) Data.

Objective This study aims to identify factors predictive of mortality in patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma and to develop a risk score to predict poor outcomes using data from the Using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Database (HCUP-NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing 8596 patients diagnosed with gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Data were extracted using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th Edition Clinical Modification(CM) code C23. Variables analyzed included age, gender, hospital division, race, income quartile, and APRDRG mortality risk. Logistic regression was utilized to determine the predictors of mortality and develop a risk-scoring system. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests assessed the relationship between variables and mortality, with p-values indicating significance. Results The study population had a mean age of 68.3 years, with 66.6% female patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.2%. Key predictors of mortality included higher All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR DRG) risk of mortality (p<0.001), age (p=0.04), and female gender (p=0.033). Race and hospital division were significantly associated with mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). A logistic regression model incorporating these variables yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.82, indicating good discriminative ability. The developed risk score categorized patients into low, medium, and high-risk groups, with corresponding mortality rates of 0.88%, 5.28%, and 17.78%. Conclusion This study identified critical predictors of mortality in gallbladder adenocarcinoma patients, with APR DRG risk of mortality and age being the most significant. The developed risk score effectively stratifies patients by risk, potentially guiding clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.

A rare case report ofIntracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasm of the gall bladder

The understanding of Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm (ICPN) in the gallbladder is a recent development, hypothesized to have similarities in clinical and pathological traits with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas and Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct (IPNB). In this report, we present an uncommon instance of Intracholecystic Papillary-Tubular Neoplasms in a 38-year-old male. Although Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm (ICPN) is uncommon in the gallbladder lining, it typically presents a more favorable prognosis in contrast to gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Nonetheless, it still possesses the potential for metastatic spread to other organs. Our discussion delves into this patient’s case within the context of current literature on ICPN, while also delineating future avenues for enhancing clinical comprehension. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of implementing screening protocols, taking into account identified risk factors, to elucidate the natural course of the disease and deter its progression into invasive gallbladder carcinoma.

Agenesis of the Celiac Trunk, A Rare Vascular Variant: A Case Report

Vascular anatomical variants of the abdomen are very frequent. Knowledge of these variants is of paramount importance in clinical practice, particularly in surgery, because of the related therapeutic implications. Agenesis of the celiac trunk is one of the rare anatomical variants of the abdominal aorta. A limited number of cases have been reported in the medical literature. We report a case of agenesis of the celiac trunk, with separate emergence of its three branches directly from the abdominal aorta, discovered incidentally during a computed tomography (CT)scan performed as part of extension assessment of gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Preliminary study on diagnosis of gallbladder neoplastic polyps based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and grey scale ultrasound radiomics.

Neoplastic gallbladder polyps (GPs), including adenomas and adenocarcinomas, are considered absolute indications for surgery; however, the distinction of neoplastic from non-neoplastic GPs on imaging is often challenging. This study thereby aimed to develop a CEUS radiomics nomogram, and evaluate the role of a combined grey-scale ultrasound and CEUS model for the prediction and diagnosis of neoplastic GPs. Patients with GPs of ≥ 1cm who underwent CEUS between January 2017 and May 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Grey-scale ultrasound and arterial phase CEUS images of the largest section of the GPs were used for radiomics feature extraction. Features with good reproducibility in terms of intraclass correlation coefficient were selected. Grey-scale ultrasound and CEUS Rad-score models were first constructed using the Mann-Whitney U and LASSO regression test, and were subsequently included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis as independent factors for construction of the combined model. A total of 229 patients were included in our study. Among them, 118 cholesterol polyps, 68 adenomas, 33 adenocarcinomas, 6 adenomyomatoses, and 4 inflammatory polyps were recorded. A total of 851 features were extracted from each patient. Following screening, 21 and 15 features were retained in the grey-scale and CEUS models, respectively. The combined model demonstrated AUCs of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83 - 0.93) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74 - 0.93) in the training and testing set, respectively. When applied to the whole dataset, the combined model detected 111 of the 128 non-neoplastic GPs, decreasing the resection rate of non-neoplastic GPs to 13.3%. Our proposed combined model based on grey-scale ultrasound and CEUS radiomics features carries the potential as a non-invasive, radiation-free, and reproducible tool for the prediction and identification of neoplastic GPs. Our model may not only guide the treatment selection for GPs, but may also reduce the surgical burden of such patients.

Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of survival in biliary tract adenocarcinomas.

Despite advances in detection and treatments, biliary tract cancers continue to have poor survival outcomes. Currently, there is limited data investigating the significance of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and environmental factors in biliary tract cancer survival. To investigate how socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are associated with survival. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for biliary and gallbladder adenocarcinomas were extracted from 1975 to 2016. Socioeconomic data included smoking, poverty level, education, adjusted household income, and percentage of foreign-born persons and urban population. Survival was calculated with Cox proportional hazards models for death in the 5-year period following diagnosis. Our study included 15883 gallbladder, 11466 intrahepatic biliary, 12869 extrahepatic biliary and 7268 ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma cases. When analyzing county-specific demographics, patients from counties with higher incomes were associated with higher survival rates [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97, P <0.05]. Similarly, counties with a higher percentage of patients with a college level education and counties with a higher urban population had higher 5-year survival rates (HR = 0.96, P = 0.002 and HR = 0.97, P = 0.004, respectively). Worse survival outcomes were observed in lower income counties while higher income and education level were associated with higher 5-year overall survival among gallbladder and biliary malignancies.

Management of biliary tract cancers in early-onset patients: A nested multicenter retrospective study of the ACABI GERCOR PRONOBIL cohort.

Accumulating data has shown the rising incidence and poor prognosis of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers, but few data exist on biliary tract cancers (BTC). We aimed to analyse the clinico-pathological, molecular, therapeutic characteristics and prognosis of patients with early onset BTC (EOBTC, age ≤50 years at diagnosis), versus olders. We analysed patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder adenocarcinoma between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2021. Baseline characteristics and treatment were described in each group and compared. Progression-free survival, overall survival and disease-free survival were estimated in each group using the Kaplan-Meier method. Overall, 1256 patients were included, 188 (15%) with EOBTC. Patients with EOBTC demonstrated fewer comorbidities (63.5% vs. 84.5%, p < .0001), higher tumour stage (cT3-4: 50.0% vs. 32.3%, p = .0162), bilobar liver involvement (47.8% vs. 32.1%, p = .0002), and metastatic disease (67.6% vs. 57.5%, p = .0097) compared to older. Patients with EOBTC received second-line therapy more frequently (89.5% vs. 81.0% non-EOBTC, p = .0224). For unresectable patients with BTC, median overall survival was 17.0 vs. 16.2 months (p = .0876), and median progression-free survival was 5.8 vs. 6.0 months (p = .8293), in EOBTC vs. older. In advanced stages, fewer actionable alterations were found in EOBTC (e.g., IDH1 mutations [7.8% vs. 16.6%]; FGFR2-fusion [11.7% vs. 8.9%]; p = .029). Patients with EOBTC have a more advanced disease at diagnosis, are treated more heavily at an advanced stage but show similar survival. A distinctive molecular profile enriched for FGRF2 fusions was found.