Applications and advances of bile-based omics technologies in the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is challenging to diagnose due to its subtle symptoms and the limited sensitivity and specificity of conventional diagnostic modalities. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective detection strategies. Bile, a fluid directly secreted by the biliary system, offers a unique advantage in the diagnosis of CCA by providing a more precise representation of tumor-associated molecules, coupled with its relative ease of collection. The rapid advancement of omics technologies has significantly facilitated the investigation of bile samples. This review explores the applications and advancements of bile-based omics in the diagnosis of CCA from multiple perspectives, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, aiming to provide new theoretical foundations and technical support for the diagnosis of this malignancy.