Perineural invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Meta-analysis of prevalence, association with tumor features, and impact on survival.
JHEP RepJun 25, 2026 (epub)
Johannes Kolck, Timo Alexander Auer, Camilla Winther Pedersen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence and prognostic significance of perineural invasion (PNI) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) across 61 studies involving 15,502 patients. The pooled prevalence of PNI was found to be 36.0%. Additionally, PNI was associated with worse overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.79.
Key findings
- The pooled prevalence of PNI in ICC was 36.0% (95% CI 31.0-41.0%).
- PNI was associated with worse overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.79 (95% CI 1.38-2.19).
- PNI positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, and vascular invasion (all p <0.001).
- More recent and larger studies reported lower PNI prevalence.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence and implications of PNI in ICC can enhance risk stratification and inform clinical decision-making. This knowledge is crucial for managing patient outcomes and tailoring treatment strategies.