Integration of genomic features, immunotherapy and targeted agents in the treatment of gallbladder and bile duct cancer – a review

K.  Angelov; S. Stoyanova; E. Yordanov; I.  Parvova; N. Khayat; A. Sharkov; A. Zlatarov; T.  Dyulgerov

doi:10.2478/AMB-2026-0031

Authors

K. Angelov Department of Surgery, Medical University – Sofia, “Aleksandrovska” University Hospital – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4802-8024
S. Stoyanova Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9108-7513
E. Yordanov Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0771-9178
I. Parvova Department of Rheumatology, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2775-5326
N. Khayat Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7108-2225
A. Sharkov Communication and Audiovisual Production Department, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2986-1006
A. Zlatarov Department of General and Operative Surgery, Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” – Varna, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0928-7955
T. Dyulgerov Department of Psychiatry, “Aleksandrovska” University Hospital, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8523-1456

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/AMB-2026-0031

Keywords:

gallbladder cancer, bile duct cancer, surgical treatment, immunotherapy, targeted therapies

Abstract

Abstract. Cancers of the gallbladder and bile ducts, although relatively rare, are highly lethal malignant diseases due to their aggressive biology, complex hilar and retroperitoneal anatomy, and frequently delayed diagnosis. Objective: To analyze the latest developments in the integration of immunotherapy and targeted agents in the treatment of gallbladder and bile duct cancers. Materials and Methods: Review of scientific publications using documentary analysis and content analysis. Results and Discussion: Gallbladder and bile duct cancer are aggressive malignant diseases with increasing incidence, especially for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Although surgery remains the primary treatment method, the integration of immunotherapy and targeted agents based on molecular profiling is transforming the therapeutic landscape and offering new hope for patients with advanced disease.

References

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Integration of genomic features, immunotherapy and targeted agents in the treatment of gallbladder and bile duct cancer – a review

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