HBV DNA Integration into Telomerase or MLL4 Genes and TERT Promoter Point Mutation as Three Independent Signatures in Subgrouping HBV-related HCC with distinct features

Introduction: A set of genetic mutations to classify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) useful to clinical studies is an unmet need. Hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-HCC) harbors a unique genetic mutation, namely the HBV integration, among other somatic endogenous gene mutations. We explored a combination of HBV DNA integrations and common somatic mutations to classify HBV-HCC by using a capture-sequencing platform. Methods: A total of 153 HBV-HCCs after surgical resection were subjected to capture-sequencing to identify HBV integrations and three common somatic mutations in genomes. Three mutually exclusive mutations, HBV DNA integration into the TERT promoter, HBV DNA integration into MLL4, or TERT promoter point mutation, were identified in HBV-HCC. Results: They were used to classify HBV-HCCs into four groups: G1 with HBV-TERT integration (25.5%); G2 with HBV-MLL4 integration (10.5%); G3 with TERT promoter mutation (30.1%); and G4 without these three mutations (34.0%). Clinically, G3 has the highest male-to-female ratio, cirrhosis rate and associated with higher early recurrence and mortality after resection, but G4 has the best outcome. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a grouping different from the published ones, and G2 with an active immune profile related to immune checkpoint inhibitor response. Analysis of integrated HBV DNA provided clues for HBV genotype and variants in carcinogenesis of different HCC subgroup. This new classification was also validated in another independent cohort. Discussion/Conclusion: A simple and robust genetic classification was developed to aid in understanding HBV-HCC and in harmonizing clinical studies.

Automated summary

This study developed a simple and robust genetic classification for HBV-HCC, which divided it into 4 groups: G1 with HBV-TERT integration (25.5%); G2 with HBV-MLL4 integration (10.5%); G3 with TERT promoter mutation (30.1%); and G4 without these three mutations (34.0%). G3 had the highest male-to-female ratio and cirrhosis rate, and was associated with higher early recurrence and mortality after resection, while G4 had the best outcome.