Clinical Report: Challenges in the Clinical Staging of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Overview
A European survey involving 51 clinicians from 47 medical centers highlights significant challenges in the clinical staging of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). The findings indicate variability in multidisciplinary team (MDT) availability and centralization of care.
Background
Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and complex cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment options. Accurate clinical staging is crucial for effective risk stratification and therapy tailoring. The low incidence and diagnostic challenges necessitate a multidisciplinary approach.
Data Highlights
Survey Aspect
Findings
Participating Centers
47 medical centers from 20 European countries
MDT Availability
94% of centers have MDT conferences
Centralization
21 national referral hospitals, 26 local/regional centers
Surgeon Availability
All centers with MDT include at least one surgeon
Key Findings
91% of centers are hospitals offering pCCA surgery.
MDT conferences are available at 94% of centers.
Subspecialized hepatobiliary surgeons and oncologists are available at over 80% of centers.
Transplantation surgeons and endoscopists are available at only 59% of centers.
Approximately one-third of centers have a subspecialized hepatologist available.
Clinical Implications
Variability in MDT composition and centralization may affect clinical practices in pCCA.
Conclusion
The survey highlights challenges in clinical staging practices in pCCA.
by Hannes Jansson, Martina Nebbia, Barbara M. Zonderhuis, Maria Gustafsson-Liljefors, Lynn E. Nooijen, Aris Grigoriadis, Torkel Brismar, Rogier P. Voermans, Christina Villard, Joris I. Erdmann, Stefan Gilg
