Molecular classification of hepatocellular adenomas

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign liver tumors, primarily affecting premenopausal women.
• HCAs present diagnostic challenges, particularly in assessing malignant transformation risk in young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular classification of hepatocellular adenomas.
• To correlate molecular pathways with HCA subgroups, risk factors, and malignant potential.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in HCA molecular biology.
• Identification of key molecular pathways implicated in HCA development.

Main Results:

• Three major molecular pathways are altered in distinct HCA subgroups: HNF1A inactivation, WNT/β-catenin activation (CTNNB1 mutations), and IL6/STAT3 pathway activation (IL6ST, GNAS, STAT3 mutations).

Conclusions:

• Molecular classification provides a framework for understanding HCA heterogeneity.
• This classification aids in predicting malignant transformation risk and guiding clinical management.