Molecular analysis of pancreatic cyst fluid changes clinical management

Abstract

Background and Objectives:DNA molecular analysis has been suggested as a tool to evaluate pancreatic cysts. This study assesses whether the addition of DNA molecular analysis alters clinical management.Methods:This is a retrospective review of 46 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts with DNA molecular analysis at two major academic institutions. Cases were presented to two pancreaticobiliary surgeons first without and then with DNA molecular analysis data. The primary outcome was the frequency with which clinical management was altered with the addition of DNA molecular analysis.Results:Forty-six patients with a mean age of 62.0 (±13.4) years and mean cyst size of 3.2 (±2.3) cm were included in the study. Cyst carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was available in 30 patients and ranged from 0.4 to 15,927 ng/mL. DNA molecular analysis was described as benign in 23 (50%), statistically indolent in 13 (28%), statistically higher risk in 9 (20%), and indeterminate in 1 (2%). Surgeon #1 changed the management in 13/46 cases (28%) and surgeon #2 changed the management in 12/46 cases (26%) with the addition of DNA molecular analysis. When organized by CEA concentration, those with an intermediate CEA (45–800 ng/mL) or without a CEA concentration had a management changed more frequently (40%) compared to all others (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The addition of DNA molecular analysis alters the clinical management of pancreatic cystic lesions most often when CEA levels are intermediate (45–800 ng/mL) or when no CEA concentration is available. Use of DNA molecular analysis can be considered in this cohort. Further study of molecular markers in pancreatic cystic lesions is recommended.

Cystic pancreatic lesions, the endless dilemma

“…A study carried out by Arner et al [ 106 ] mentioned that “The addition of DNA molecular analysis alters the clinical management of PCLs most often when CEA levels are intermediate (45-800 ng/mL) or when no CEA concentration is available”.…”

Fine-needle aspiration technique under endoscopic ultrasound guidance: A technical approach for RNA profiling of pancreatic neoplasms

“…Previous studies that added next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to cytology exhibited a higher sensitivity (94.1% vs 87.1%) and specificity (100% vs 50%) compared with cytology alone for the detection of mucinous neoplasms and, in part, the detection of high-grade lesions[ 16 ]. Another study reported that the addition of molecular analysis altered disease management in approximately 25% of the patients and 40% of the cases when carcinoembryonic antigen levels were undetermined[ 17 ]. Several studies performed a molecular genetic analysis of cystic fluid based on RNA obtained using EUS-FNA used various methods of material transport and storage[ 4 , 18 ].…”