Ameloblastoma: A succinct review of the classification, genetic understanding and novel molecular targeted therapies.

Abstract

Ameloblastomas are benign but locally invasive neoplasms which may grow to massive proportions and cause significant morbidity. Although some types of ameloblastoma can be treated predictably with aggressive surgical treatment, recurrent ameloblastoma and metastasising ameloblastoma are still difficult to treat. Recent studies have identified recurrent somatic and activating mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signalling pathways in ameloblastoma. This development provided a possibility that molecular targeted therapies can be used as neoadjuvant treatment. In this review, we provide a summary of the latest WHO classification of ameloblastoma, the current understanding of genetic mutations and novel molecular targeted therapies arising from the recent developments.

• Authors: Hongyi Adrian Shi, Chee Wee Benjamin Ng, Chong Teck Kwa, Qiu Xia Chelsia Sim
• Journal: The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland (Surgeon) Vol. 19 Issue 4 Pg. 238-243 (Aug 2021) ISSN: 1479-666X [Print] Scotland
• PMID: 32712102 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Hedgehog Proteins
• Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Topics

• Ameloblastoma (drug therapy, genetics)
• Hedgehog Proteins (genetics)
• Humans
• Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (genetics)
• Molecular Targeted Therapy
• Mutation