OP-13 CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA IN LATIN AMERICA: A MULTICENTER OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ALERTS ON ETHNICAL DISPARITIES IN TUMOR PRESENTATION AND OUTCOME

No Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents a global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality rates. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical course and practices of CCA in Latin America. This observational cohort study investigated individuals diagnosed with CCA between 2010-2023 in five referral centers across Latin America. Demographic, biochemical, and clinical data were analyzed. A total of 309 patients were enrolled, demonstrating a balanced distribution of CCA subtypes (intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal), with Hispanics and Caucasians as the predominant ethnic groups, followed by Africans. Major risk factors identified included age, diabetes, obesity, MASLD, bile duct stones, and cholecystitis. Disparities in overweight/obesity prevalence were noted among CCA subtypes and ethnicities, with higher rates in extrahepatic CCAs and among Hispanics and Caucasians. At diagnosis, 72% of patients had ECOG-PS scores of 0-1, with disease presentations ranging from localized (47%) to locally advanced (19%) and metastatic (34%). Patients who did not receive any anti-cancer therapy exhibited a median survival of 2.3 months. Survival rates significantly improved across treatment modalities, with surgery yielding the longest (34 months), followed by chemotherapy (8 months). Notably, Africans presented with worse ECOG-PS scores and more advanced disease, while Hispanics were less frequently treated with chemotherapy, contributing to lower survival rates. The high prevalence of late-stage CCA diagnosis in Latin America, particularly among Africans, alongside a substantial proportion of Hispanic patients not receiving chemotherapy, underscores a dismal prognosis for patients. These findings highlight structural challenges in cancer screening and healthcare access among diverse ethnic backgrounds and lower socioeconomic statuses in the region. Urgent measures are warranted, including identifying preventable risk factors, increasing awareness among high-risk populations, and establishing equitable health coverage to address these disparities.