Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation

Organoid models of fibrolamellar carcinoma mutations reveal hepatocyte transdifferentiation through cooperative BAP1 and PRKAR2A loss

“Organoids,” three-dimensional cell cultures that mimic critical features of normal human organs, are a novel tool to study fundamental steps in the development of cancers. The authors of this paper, a team from Utrecht, The Netherlands, wanted to understand how specific genetic alterations contribute to the transformation of normal liver cells into fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). …

DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion neoantigens elicit rare endogenous T cell responses that potentiate cell therapy for fibrolamellar carcinoma

In this study, published in March 2024, the researchers looked at how a patient’s immune system responds to the protein produced by the fusion of the genes DNAJB1 and PRKACA in FLC. Specifically, the team aimed to understand how the immune system’s “killer” T cells (CD8s) respond to this mutation and evaluate T cell receptors …

The genomic landscape of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: whole genome sequencing of ten patients

This study sequenced the DNA from FLC tumors and compared the results to the DNA from non-cancerous tissue from the same patients to identify the specific mutations that had occurred in the cancer. In the 10 samples examined, the only consistent mutation was the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion gene. Since the only consistent mutation found was the …

Clinical and demographic predictors of survival for fibrolamellar carcinoma patients—A patient community, registry‐based study

This study looked for associations between demographic, clinical factors and overall survival using data from the Fibrolamellar Registry. Several key findings emerged: In conclusion, while this study provides insights into factors associated with survival in FLC patients, further research is needed to better understand this rare cancer. The full text of the publication can be …

Molecular testing for the clinical diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma

Historically, fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) has been diagnosed by analyzing the histology (microscopic anatomy) and morphology (shape, size and structure) of the tumor tissue. Frequently, that examination is combined with immunostaining for cytokeratin 7 and CD68. That immunostaining uses antibodies to see if proteins typically found in FLC are present. However, accurate diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma …

An acquired scaffolding function of the DNAJ-PKAc fusion contributes to oncogenic signaling in fibrolamellar carcinoma

Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is driven by the fusion protein DNAJ-PKAc. That protein is made up of two different parts, one that helps with protein folding (DNAJB1) and another (protein kinase A) that’s typically involved in cell signaling. In this study, researchers have found that DNAJ-PKAc acts like a scaffold, bringing together other proteins that contribute …

Using dual checkpoint blockade to treat fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

This is the first published case report of a near-complete clinical remission of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) in a patient treated with immunotherapy. A 22-year-old woman had advanced disease with widespread metastases. Chemotherapy did not halt the progression of the cancer. Drs. Enrico De Toni and Daniel Roessler (University Hospital, Munich, Germany) elected to try a …

Fibrolamellar carcinoma transcriptomic-based treatment prediction: complete response after nivolumab and ipilimumab

This paper discusses a case study of a patient in her mid 30s whose FLC had recurred and persisted despite resection and multiple lines of treatment, including use of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (atezolizumab – an anti-PD-L1 agent). Following molecular profiling of her tumor and computational analysis of the tumor’s transcriptome (RNA), a combination of …

Road map for fibrolamellar carcinoma: progress and goals of a diversified approach

The second Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation Scientific Summit was held in Stamford, CT, USA, in November 2017. The goals of this meeting were to gather a diverse set of investigators, stimulate new collaborations, and devise new ways to inspire additional interest in the field. This meeting summary outlines the work supported by the Foundation and presented …