Overview
Undifferentiated carcinoma of the liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is a very rare and aggressive form of liver cancer. Unlike more common liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma, this tumor is called 'undifferentiated' because the cancer cells look so abnormal under a microscope that doctors cannot tell which type of liver or bile duct cell they originally came from. It may also be referred to as undifferentiated liver carcinoma or undifferentiated hepatic carcinoma. This cancer grows in the liver or in the bile ducts located inside the liver (called intrahepatic bile ducts). Because it is undifferentiated, it tends to grow and spread quickly. The liver plays a vital role in filtering blood, producing proteins, and helping with digestion, so when cancer disrupts these functions, patients can feel very unwell. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and yellowing of the skin. Treatment is very challenging because this cancer type is rare and does not always respond well to standard therapies. Surgery to remove the tumor, when possible, is the main treatment approach. Chemotherapy and other systemic therapies may be used, but outcomes are often poor. Research into better treatments is ongoing, and patients are encouraged to seek care at specialized cancer centers.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomenUnexplained weight lossLoss of appetiteYellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)Swelling or bloating of the abdomenExtreme tiredness and fatigueNausea or vomitingDark-colored urinePale or clay-colored stoolsFever without a clear causeFeeling full quickly after eating
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventCABOMETYX: FDA approved
Treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableCABOMETYX
Treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy a…
Treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has the cancer spread beyond the liver, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Is surgery or liver transplantation an option for me, and what are the risks?,Should my tumor tissue be tested for specific genetic mutations that might guide treatment?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What are the realistic goals of treatment — cure, controlling the cancer, or managing symptoms?,What support services, such as palliative care or nutrition counseling, are available to me?,Should my family members be tested for any hereditary cancer syndromes?
Common questions about Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract
What is Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract?
Undifferentiated carcinoma of the liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is a very rare and aggressive form of liver cancer. Unlike more common liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma, this tumor is called 'undifferentiated' because the cancer cells look so abnormal under a microscope that doctors cannot tell which type of liver or bile duct cell they originally came from. It may also be referred to as undifferentiated liver carcinoma or undifferentiated hepatic carcinoma. This cancer grows in the liver or in the bile ducts located inside the liver (called int
How is Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract inherited?
Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract typically begin?
Typical onset of Undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.