Purpose of review: Adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder are uncommon, aggressive tumors with poor survival. This review summarizes advances in understanding the biology of gallbladder cancer.
Recent findings: Published response rates of adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder to chemotherapy are less than 30% and no survival benefit has been demonstrated from palliative systemic therapy. New information on the molecular carcinogenic mechanisms of these malignancies, combined with findings from animal models, may lead to improved treatment for patients.
Summary: Improved understanding of the molecular carcinogenesis of adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder, coupled with the availability of novel molecularly 'targeted' chemotherapeutic agents, may improve outcome for patients.