Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02687-6 (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Systematic review of cholangiocarcinoma in Africa: epidemiology,
management, and clinical outcomes
Version: 
0 
Date: 
26 Sep 2022
Reviewer's report:
(1) The age at which cholangiocarcinoma develops is shown in this article about
ten years earlier than the previous prevalent age (52.5-61yrs vs 60-70yrs).
What are the possible causes and reasons in people of Africa?
(2) In most eastern developing countries(social-economic status), hygienic
environment, parasite infection (liver flukes), PSC, viral hepatitis and bile duct
stones are important causes of cholangiocarcinoma(iCCA). However,
autoimmune cholangiopathy, choledochal cyst, and abnormal biliopancreatic
duct junction may be the major etiology of (dCCA). Does this review can (in the
African region) further provide a substantial and robust cause in pathogenesis?
(3) Does the author analyze the pathogenic factors of intrahepatic
cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) in
this article, and whether there are differences in clinical observations?
(4)Based on my personal opinion, it is very important to combine biochemical
data and medical images to determine the cause and diagnosis of the CCA.
Because it will affect or change the decision-making and prognosis of treatment.
This article is limited to the collection of background materials. I look forward to
the author completing a larger study in the future.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
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Yes
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Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes