GI ASCO 2016, San Francisco

Stacie, Donna, Melinda, Sue joined me in for this year’s conference.

Unlike any other conference we attend, GI ASCO is my longstanding favorite. Not only does it focus on cancers of the gastrointestinal track only, but I live near San Francisco which allows for uncomplicated access to and from the location.

With estimated annual incidence of approximately 16,000, cholangiocarcinoma diagnoses account for 2 % of all new gastrointestinal cancer in the US. In comparison to the five prior years, cholangiocarcinoma research has increased triple fold and we are steadily gaining ground.
This was reflected in the 30 abstracts submitted for poster presentation, the most I have ever witnessed at any conference, to date.
Recent advances in understanding of the genomics offer opportunities for new approaches for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. In their published article “Precision Medicine for Cholangiocarcinoma” Drs. Patel and Dr. Mody noted that global profiling of genomic DNA or RNA in tumor samples can now be readily and economically performed. The diverse gene expression profiles is reflected in the sub grouping based on anatomical presentation i.e. intrahepatic, hilar (perihilar) and distal cholangiocarcinoma.
This reinforces the essential need to treat each group separately in clinical trials and with treatment approaches.

“Rare Cancers of the Upper GI Tract” included a session by Dr. Juan Valle.
In addition to the known risk factors, Dr Valle included Obesity and Diabetes as well Oral Contraceptives. Challenges to surgery included late presentation, elderly and unwell population, associated co-morbidity, difficult to diagnose, confirm and resect.

The BILCAP study: observation vs. capeticabine conducted in the UK and the Prodige12 study, observation vs. GemOx, conducted in France, both in adjuvant settings, have completed and we are awaiting the release of data within this year. The outcome of these studies will likely impact treatment of post surgical patients.

As always, Melinda, the most famous cholangiocarcinoma patient, is our star attraction. Physicians and researchers alike love engaging with her and she loves it equally as well. We could not ask for a better suited candidate spreading hope to patients and the physicians. None of us want this disease, but we are united in the fight against it.
Hugs,
Marion