Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

08:16
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
7.1K
PIK3CA Mutational Analysis of Parathyroid Adenomas
Aaliyah Riccardi1, Carolina Lemos1, Ryan Ramos1
1Center for Molecular Oncology University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington CT USA.
JBMR Plus
|June 16, 2020
Summary
Activating mutations in PIK3CA are rare in benign parathyroid adenomas, suggesting a strong association with malignant parathyroid neoplasia. However, these PIK3CA mutations alone are insufficient for definitively diagnosing parathyroid carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Benign parathyroid adenoma is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Malignant parathyroid carcinoma is rare and difficult to distinguish from benign adenomas, often delaying diagnosis.
- Identifying molecular differences could aid in early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specificity of PIK3CA hotspot mutations in distinguishing parathyroid carcinoma from benign parathyroid adenomas.
- To assess the frequency of PIK3CA mutations in sporadic parathyroid adenomas.
Main Methods:
- PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of PIK3CA codons 111, 542/545, and 1047 in 391 parathyroid adenomas.
- Analysis of genomic DNA from typical, sporadic parathyroid adenomas.
Main Results:
- Activating PIK3CA mutations were found in 1% of benign parathyroid adenomas.
- These mutations were subclonal, somatic, and heterozygous.
- The rarity in benign adenomas suggests a strong link to malignant parathyroid neoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Tumorigenic activation of PIK3CA is strongly associated with malignant parathyroid neoplasia.
- PIK3CA mutations alone are not sufficient for the definitive molecular diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma.
- Further research into molecular markers is needed for earlier diagnostic discrimination.

