Landmark molecular profiling efforts have identified multiple targetable alterations in cholangiocarcinoma. Among the molecular-driven subsets of cholangiocarcinoma, targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) has shown promise and represents the first targeted therapy to be approved in treatment-refractory, advanced cholangiocarcinoma. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the clinical development of FGFR inhibitors in advanced cholangiocarcinoma. We review the FGFR pathway and discuss emerging issues including resistance to FGFR inhibitors. We end with a discussion on future considerations to optimize the potential of this class of therapeutics in advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising treatment option for patients suffering from B-cell- and plasma cell-derived hematologic malignancies and is being adapted for the treatment of solid cancers. However, CAR T is associated with frequently severe toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and prolonged cytopenias—a reduction in the number of mature blood cells of one or more lineage. Although we understand some drivers of these toxicities, their mechanisms remain under investigation. Since the CAR T regimen is a complex, multi-step process with frequent adverse events, ways to improve the benefit-to-risk ratio are needed. In this review, we discuss a variety of potential solutions being investigated to address the limitations of CAR T. First, we discuss the incidence and characteristics of CAR T-related cytopenias and their association with reduced CAR T-cell efficacy. We review approaches to managing or mitigating cytopenias during the CAR T regimen—including the use of growth factors, allogeneic rescue, autologous hematopoietic stem cell infusion, and alternative conditioning regimens. Finally, we introduce novel methods to improve CAR T-cell-infusion products and the implications of CAR T and clonal hematopoiesis.