New prospects for bile duct cancer: PARP-1 as a therapeutic target in KRAS-mutated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs) are among the most aggressive forms of cancer worldwide. Despite advances in systemic therapy, treatment options remain limited, which is why new strategies are urgently needed. A study led by Prof. Dr Jens Marquardt at the UKSH in Lübeck has now shown that the activation of PARP-1 plays a key role in KRAS-mutated iCCAs – a mutation associated with a particularly poor prognosis. Targeted inhibition of PARP-1 significantly reduced tumour growth in preclinical models. These findings open up new avenues for personalised therapies. The Wilhelm Sander Foundation supported the project with €180,000.