Expert consensus document:Cholangiocarcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives consensus statement from the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA)

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with features of biliary tract differentiation. CCA is the second most common primary liver tumour and the incidence is increasing worldwide. CCA has high mortality owing to its aggressiveness, late diagnosis and refractory nature. In May 2015, the "European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma" (ENS-CCA: www.enscca.org or www.cholangiocarcinoma.eu) was created to promote and boost international research collaboration on the study of CCA at basic, translational and clinical level. In this Consensus Statement, we aim to provide valuable information on classifications, pathological features, risk factors, cells of origin, genetic and epigenetic modifications and current therapies available for this cancer. Moreover, future directions on basic and clinical investigations and plans for the ENS-CCA are highlighted

Loss of organic cation transporter 3 (Oct3) leads to enhanced proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis

Background: Organic cation transporters (OCT) are responsible for the uptake of a broad spectrum of endogenous and exogenous substrates. Downregulation of OCT is frequently observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with a poor outcome. The aim of our current study was to elucidate the impact of OCT3 on hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods: Transcriptional and functional loss of OCT was investigated in primary murine hepatocytes, derived from Oct3-knockout (Oct3(-/-); FVB. Slc22a3(tm1Dpb)) and wildtype (WT) mice. Liver tumors were induced in Oct3(-/-) and WT mice with Diethylnitrosamine and Phenobarbital over 10 months and characterized macroscopically and microscopically. Key survival pathways were investigated by Western Blot analysis. Results: Loss of Oct3(-/-) in primary hepatocytes resulted in significantly reduced OCT activity determined by [H-3] MPP+ uptake in vivo. Furthermore, tumor size and quantity were markedly enhanced in Oct3(-/-) mice (p<0.0001). Oct3(-/-) tumors showed significant higher proliferation (p<0.0001). Ki-67 and Cyclin D expression were significantly increased in primary Oct3(-/-) hepatocytes after treatment with the OCT inhibitors quinine or verapamil (p<0.05). Functional inhibition of OCT by quinine resulted in an activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (Jnk), especially in Oct3(-/-) hepatocytes. Conclusion: Loss of Oct3 leads to enhanced proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo