Prognostic Role of Gut Microbiota and Clinical Parameters in Predicting Survival in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is high prevalent in Asia. Emerging evidence indicates gut and tissue microbiota are involved in CCA carcinogenesis and progression. This study investigated the potential role of gut and tissue microbiota as prognostic biomarkers associated with treatment outcomes in advanced intrahepatic CCA (ICCA) patients. This prospective study comprised two cohorts: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or ICCA patients undergoing surgery or biopsy, and unresectable ICCA patients treated with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Gut bacterial profiles were characterized from pre-treatment fecal samples using 16S rRNA and analyzed with clinical outcomes. Tissue bacterial profiles were determined by real-time qPCR.