Cholangiocarcinoma 2026: status quo, unmet needs and priorities

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer that originates within the bile ducts. Traditionally considered to be a rare neoplasm, increased awareness of CCA alongside advancements in diagnosis and the rising prevalence of certain risk factors have contributed to a global increase in incidence and mortality. CCAs are highly heterogeneous from the clinical, histomorphological and molecular perspectives but commonly share a poor prognosis. These tumours usually develop and progress silently; by the time they are detected, it is often too late for curative surgical intervention. In such cases, current therapeutic approaches offer modest survival improvements and are generally considered palliative. Although well-known risk factors predispose individuals to developing CCA, the majority of cases are considered sporadic, occurring without any identifiable underlying condition. Over the past decade, substantial collaborative efforts have been made to improve our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of these tumours, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to develop more effective treatments. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. However, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive cholangiocarcinogenesis. In this international Consensus Statement, which is endorsed by the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma, we provide a critical overview of the latest advancements in the field of CCA. We highlight the key aspects of CCA aetiopathogenesis and clinical management and provide insights into promising new treatments. Finally, we provide a set of consensus recommendations and future research priorities for CCA based on a Delphi panel questionnaire involving international experts.