Exposure to Asbestos and Increased Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Risk: Growing Evidences of a Putative Causal Link

Abstract

To date the true global incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and the underlying risk factors remain to be fully defined, in particular, the role of occupational and environmental factors. Currently, the putative role of asbestos exposure as a risk factor for iCCA is gaining increased attention in the international scientific community and agencies. In this commentary we review and integrate available epidemiological and mechanistic evidences that support a potential role of asbestos exposure in iCCA etiology.