Renumathy Dhanasekaran, MD, PhD

Pilot Research Award
$50,000 over one year

Stanford University

Spatial and Molecular Mapping for Risk Stratification in Hepatic Adenomas

Hepatic adenomas are rare, non-cancerous liver tumors that mostly affect young women, often those who use hormonal medications or have underlying metabolic conditions. While most of these tumors are harmless, a small number can turn into liver cancer. Currently, doctors rely on the size of the tumor and imaging tests to assess risk, but these tools are not always accurate. Many patients face uncertainty, repeated scans, or even surgery — without clear answers about whether their tumor is dangerous.

Our research aims to find better ways to predict which hepatic adenomas are likely to become cancerous. We are studying tissue samples from patients whose benign tumors later developed into cancer. By using advanced technologies that can analyze gene activity and immune response in very specific regions of the tumor, we hope to identify early warning signs of transformation. In a second part of the project, we will also explore whether a simple blood test can detect signs of a dangerous tumor before it becomes cancer.

This project combines cutting-edge lab techniques with real patient samples to solve a problem that affects a small but vulnerable group — often young women — who currently lack reliable tools to guide their care. The ultimate goal is to develop a noninvasive test that can help patients and doctors make more informed decisions, reduce unnecessary surgeries, and catch cancer risk early, when it is most preventable.