Hemodynamics and remodeling of the portal confluence in patients with malignancies of the pancreatic head: a pilot study towards planned and circumferential vein resections.

Background: We designed a retrospective computational study to evaluate the effects of hemodynamics on portal confluence remodeling in real models of patients with malignancies of the pancreatic head.

Methods: Patient-specific models were created according to computed tomography data. Fluid dynamics was simulated by using finite-element methods.

Platelet-derived growth factor-D enables liver myofibroblasts to promote tumor lymphangiogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma.

Background & Aims: In cholangiocarcinoma, early metastatic spread via lymphatic vessels often precludes curative therapies. Cholangiocarcinoma invasiveness is fostered by an extensive stromal reaction, enriched in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Cholangiocarcinoma cells recruit and activate CAFs by secreting PDGF-D.