CD44 and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Prior research has established that the engagement of the SPP1‐CD44 axis is instrumental in fostering the stem‐like properties of tumor cells, which in turn enhances their proliferative capacity and induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes (Figure 7C, top).[20] This is consistent with the aforementioned characteristics of ICC tumor cells we have found in this region.