BMC Cancer (Mar 2025)

Establishment and characterization of CHC-X1: the third human combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma cell line

  • Huan Tang,
  • Changpeng Chai,
  • Xin Miao,
  • Yuanhui Su,
  • Cheng Yu,
  • Jianfeng Yi,
  • Zhengfeng Wang,
  • Hui Zhang,
  • Zhenjie Zhao,
  • Linpei Wang,
  • Wence Zhou,
  • Hao Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-13876-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) represents an uncommon variant of primary liver cancer. In recent years, its incidence rate has increased. Thus, it is essential to perform comprehensive investigations into cHCC-CCA to develop suitable treatment strategies. So far, only two cell lines (CLs) of this cancer type have been reported. More cHCC-CCA CLs need to be established for research purposes. In this investigation, we developed a stable cHCC-CCA CL, named CHC-X1. STR analysis confirmed that CHC-X1 is a new human cHCC-CCA CL. CHC-X1 is a complex karyotype. Its population doubling time is 50.72 h. Under suspended conditions, CHC-X1 can form tumor spheres and organoids in Matrigel. These cells exhibit sensitivity to paclitaxel while demonstrating resistance against oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, and 5-FU. After inoculation into NXG mice, CHC-X1 can quickly form subcutaneous transplant tumors, exhibiting a tumor establishment rate of 67%. Immunohistochemical staining showed that CHC-X1 is a tumor CL with both liver cell differentiation and bile duct cell differentiation characteristics. It may function as a useful model for identifying the origins of cHCC-CCA and the advancement of potential treatments.

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