Hepatoid adenocarcinoma—Clinicopathological features and molecular characteristics

• Published in: Cancer letters Vol. 559; p. 216104
• Main Authors: Li, Ming, Mei, Yan-Xia, Wen, Ji-Hang, Jiao, Yu-Rong, Pan, Qiang-Rong, Kong, Xiang-Xing, Li, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 10.04.2023
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - drug therapy; Alpha-fetoprotein; alpha-Fetoproteins; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - pathology; Clinical feature; Histopathology; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Malignant phenotype; Molecular characterization; Stomach Neoplasms - pathology; Clinical feature; Histopathology; Molecular characterization; Malignant phenotype; Alpha-fetoprotein
• ISSN: 0304-3835; 1872-7980
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216104

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare, malignant, extrahepatic tumor with histologic features similar to those of hepatocellular carcinoma. HAC is most often associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). HAC can occur in multiple organs, including the stomach, esophagus, colon, pancreas, lungs, and ovaries. HAC differs greatly from typical adenocarcinoma in terms of its biological aggression, poor prognosis, and clinicopathological characteristics. However, the mechanisms underlying its development and invasive metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to summarize the clinicopathological features, molecular traits, and molecular mechanisms driving the malignant phenotype of HAC, in order to support the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HAC. •Analyze all extrahepatic hepatoid adenocarcinoma(HAC), not just the stomach alone.•Focus on the latest progress of molecular mechanisms such as NGS and provide potential targets for the treatment of HAC.•Explore the mechanism of AFP pro-malignant phenotype.•First exploration of immunotherapy biomarkers for HAC and their role in predicting immunotherapy response.