Risk factors for gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma: similarities, differences and updates

Abstract

Introduction: Far-ranging variation in the incidence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in different geographic regions on the globe may reflect the risk factor distribution for these tumors

Methods: The authors give a comprehensive review on the known risk factors for GBC and CCA, and analyze both similarities and differences between the risk factors for the two main types of biliary cancer

Discussion and conclusion: Leading risk factors for GBC include gallstones, female gender, and advancing age. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, nitrosamine exposure, choledochal cysts, Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini represent important risk factors for CCA, although a specific risk factor cannot be identified for many patients. While both cancers affect mostly individuals in their sixth decade or older, CCA has a male predominance and GBC--a predilection for females. Although the current level of understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of GBC and CCA at the interface with specific risk factors is significantly lower than for other gastrointestinal malignancies, it continues to evolve and may soon open new avenues for the therapy of biliary cancers.