<p>Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have discovered the cell of origin of mixed liver/biliary duct carcinomas, a rare type of liver cancer, in mice. </p>.<p>Interleukin 6 is a pro-inflammatory immunological messenger that has been linked to cancer development (IL-6). The amount and size of tumour were reduced in mice after IL-6 was blocked. The journal Hepatology published the study's findings. Hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic biliary duct carcinoma, and a hybrid form known as combined liver/biliary duct carcinoma (cHCC/CCA) are all included in the term ‘liver cancer’. The cHCC/CCA cells display characteristics of both cancer types. This uncommon cHCC/CCA is thought to be extremely aggressive and responds terribly to current therapies.</p>