Molecular Targets and Therapies for Ampullary Cancer

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2024 Jan 5;22(2 D):e237051. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7051.

Abstract

Ampullary carcinomas are rare but increasing in incidence. Ampullary cancers have molecular alterations that guide choice of therapy, particularly in nonresectable cases. These alterations can be more common by subtype (intestinal, pancreaticobiliary, or mixed), and next-generation sequencing is recommended for all patients who cannot undergo surgery. In this article, we review the approach to tissue acquisition and consideration for molecular testing. Common molecular targets of interest in ampullary cancer are also discussed in this review, including HER2/ERBB2, HER3, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, KRAS, and germline BRCA and ATM mutations, along with emerging and rarer alterations.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Ampulla of Vater* / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / methods
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor