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Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Jan 2024Within pancreatic cysts, the lymphoepithelial variant is considered a highly atypical condition with few reported cases in the literature. Following a case managed in...
Within pancreatic cysts, the lymphoepithelial variant is considered a highly atypical condition with few reported cases in the literature. Following a case managed in our hospital, we aim to shed more light on this entity as an incidental finding, providing a temporal description until its excision, along with radiological, surgical, and histological images.
PubMed: 38205705
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.10091/2023 -
Gastroenterology Research and Practice 2019Frequent use of high-quality cross-sectional imaging has led to a significant rise in diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Despite the fact that enormous... (Review)
Review
Frequent use of high-quality cross-sectional imaging has led to a significant rise in diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Despite the fact that enormous effort has been put into the research of PCLs within the last two decades and multiple guidelines have been developed, our clinical decision-making especially in regard to mucinous lesions remains limited. Currently, clinical assessment, cross-sectional imaging and EUS with fluid analysis (if appropriate) belong to the standard care in patients with PCLs. For differentiation of mucinous from nonmucinous cysts, the sensitivity of cytological investigation and CEA in the cyst fluid is 42% and 52-79%, respectively. Due to the limited accuracy, further diagnostic tools are warranted. Two EUS-guided approaches have been introduced recently. Through-the-(19-gauge EUS) needle Moray microforceps have been developed, and several studies have acknowledged their contribution to the correct diagnosis as they help to overcome limited cellularity of the EUS-guided cyst fluid aspiration and traditional cytology. Confocal laser endomicroscopy offers real-time images and seems to be a promising method for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pancreatic PCLs. Example images of the needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy criteria for the diagnosis of PCLs have been suggested recently. Before both, Moray microforceps and confocal laser endomicroscopy can be widely accepted, further studies are necessary to determine the real diagnostic yield and the clinical efficacy.
PubMed: 31611915
DOI: 10.1155/2019/3431048 -
Cancers Jan 2022Pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are lethal diseases mainly diagnosed at an inoperable stage. As pancreatobiliary surgical specimens are often unavailable for... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are lethal diseases mainly diagnosed at an inoperable stage. As pancreatobiliary surgical specimens are often unavailable for further molecular testing, this review aimed to highlight the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed on distinct small biopsies, including endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspirations and biopsies of pancreatic solid and cystic lesions, biliary duct brushings, and also "liquid biopsies" such as the pancreatic juice, bile, and blood. NGS could clarify indeterminate pancreatic lesions or biliary strictures, for instance by identifying TP53 or SMAD4 mutations indicating high-grade dysplasia or cancer. It could also stratify pancreatic cystic lesions, by distinguishing mucinous from non-mucinous cysts and identifying high-risk cysts that should be excised in surgically fit patients, whereas the combination of cytology, elevated cystic CEA levels and NGS could improve the overall diagnostic accuracy. When NGS is performed on the pancreatic juice, it could stratify high-risk patients under surveillance. On the plasma, it could dynamically monitor the disease course and response to therapy. Notably, the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels have been associated with staging, grading, and survival. Lastly, NGS has shown potential in identifying potentially actionable molecular alterations. In conclusion, NGS applied on small biopsies could carry significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value.
PubMed: 35053560
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020397 -
Annals of Gastroenterology 2023Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option in cases of malignant biliary obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and other... (Review)
Review
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option in cases of malignant biliary obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and other pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Intraductal biliary RFA is safe, effective, and confers a survival advantage over stenting alone, where it should be used an adjunct to biliary stenting. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided RFA can also provide pancreatic cyst resolution in patients who are not ideal operative candidates. The aim of this review is to describe the endoscopic applications and associated outcomes of RFA.
PubMed: 37664225
DOI: 10.20524/aog.2023.0828 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Oct 2019Cathepsin E (CTSE) is an intracellular, hydrolytic aspartic protease found to be expressed in cells of the immune and gastrointestinal systems, lymphoid tissues,... (Review)
Review
Cathepsin E (CTSE) is an intracellular, hydrolytic aspartic protease found to be expressed in cells of the immune and gastrointestinal systems, lymphoid tissues, erythrocytes, and cancer cells. The precise functions are not fully understood; however, various studies have investigated its numerous cell-type specific roles. CTSE expression has been shown to be a potential early biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC patients have low survival rates mostly due to the lack of early detection methods. CTSE-specific activity probes have been developed and tested to assist in tumor imaging and functional studies investigating the role of CTSE expression in PDAC tumors. Furthermore, a CTSE protease-specific, photodynamic therapy pro-drug was developed to explore its potential use to treat tumors that express CTSE. Since CTSE is expressed in pancreatic diseases that are risk factors for PDAC, such as pancreatic cysts and chronic pancreatitis, learning about its function in these disease types could assist in early PDAC detection and in understanding the biology of PDAC progression. Overall, CTSE expression and activity shows potential to detect PDAC and other pancreatic diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand its functions and potential translational applicability.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Cathepsin E; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 31582345
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2019.09.009 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Jan 2020Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are very common, and their detection is increasing with the advances in imaging techniques. Because of the major implications for... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT.—
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are very common, and their detection is increasing with the advances in imaging techniques. Because of the major implications for management, distinguishing between neoplastic and nonneoplastic PCLs is critical. Neoplastic cysts with potential to progress into cancer include mucinous PCLs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms) and nonmucinous cysts (solid pseudopapillary tumors, serous cystic neoplasms, and neuroendocrine tumors with cystic degeneration). Nonneoplastic cysts with no risk of malignant transformation include pseudocysts, retention cysts, lymphoepithelial cysts, cystic pancreatic lymphangioma, and duplication cyst/ciliated foregut cysts. The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology with cyst fluid analysis in the diagnosis of PCLs has evolved during the last decade; however, a definitive diagnosis on cytologic specimens is hampered by the sparse cellularity and can be challenging. EUS-FNA can play an important role to differentiate low-risk from high-risk pancreatic cysts and to distinguish between patients with cysts who need clinical follow-up versus those who require surgery.
OBJECTIVE.—
To provide an integrative approach to diagnose pancreatic cystic lesions using EUS-FNA cytology and cyst fluid analysis, along with clinical, radiologic, histologic, genetic, and molecular characteristics.
DATA SOURCES.—
The review and analysis of the latest literature describing pancreatic cystic lesions.
CONCLUSIONS.—
Accurate diagnosis of PCLs requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal team approach, including the integration of clinical findings, imaging, cytology, cyst fluid analysis, and molecular testing.
Topics: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Humans; Pancreatic Cyst; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 31538798
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0308-RA -
PloS One 2023Although main pancreatic duct dilatation and pancreatic cysts are risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer, limited data exist regarding these findings in relatives...
Although main pancreatic duct dilatation and pancreatic cysts are risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer, limited data exist regarding these findings in relatives and spouses of pancreatic cancer patients. The frequency of these findings was examined using long-term follow-up data and transabdominal ultrasonography focusing on the pancreas. We prospectively enrolled 184 relatives and spouses of pancreatic cancer patients and performed special pancreatic ultrasonography to detect main pancreatic duct dilatation and pancreatic cysts. First-degree relatives (148 participants) of patients with pancreatic cancer were significantly younger than the spouses (36 participants; 41 vs. 65 years old). The frequency of ultrasonographic findings was significantly different between the relative (8.8%) and spouse (33.3%) groups. Main pancreatic duct dilatation and pancreatic cysts were observed in seven (4.7%) and seven (4.7%) participants in the relative group, and in nine (25.0%) and five (13.9%) participants in the spouse group, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age was an independent risk factor for the ultrasonographic findings. The frequency of ultrasonographic findings was significantly higher in spouses than in first-degree relatives of patients with pancreatic cancer and was strongly influenced by the age gap between the groups. Main pancreatic duct dilatation was frequently observed, especially in the spouse group.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Spouses; Dilatation; Pancreatic Ducts; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Cyst; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Dilatation, Pathologic
PubMed: 36630426
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280403 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Aug 2023Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are both common and often incidental. These encompass a range of pathologies with varying degrees of concern for malignancy. Although... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are both common and often incidental. These encompass a range of pathologies with varying degrees of concern for malignancy. Although establishing a diagnosis is helpful for determining malignant potential, many PCLs are either too small to characterize or demonstrate nonspecific morphologic features. The most salient modalities involved in diagnosis and surveillance are magnetic resonance imaging, multidetector computerized tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound. Fine needle aspiration has a role in conjunction with molecular markers as a diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying malignant lesions. Although several major consensus guidelines exist internationally, there remains uncertainty in establishing the strength of the association between all PCLs and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and in showing a benefit from extended periods of imaging surveillance. No consensus exists between the major guidelines, particularly regarding surveillance duration, frequency, or endpoints. This review paper discusses PCL subtypes, diagnosis, and compares the major consensus guidelines with considerations for local adaptability along with questions regarding current and future priorities for research.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Cyst; Adenocarcinoma; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Pancreas
PubMed: 36220377
DOI: 10.1177/08465371221130524 -
Cells Aug 2022The dysregulation of microRNAs has recently been associated with cancer development and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and cystic pancreatic... (Review)
Review
The dysregulation of microRNAs has recently been associated with cancer development and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and cystic pancreatic lesions. In solid pancreatic tumor tissue, the dysregulation of miR-146, miR-196a/b, miR-198, miR-217, miR-409, and miR-490, as well as miR-1290 has been investigated in tumor biopsies of patients with PDAC and was reported to predict cancer presence. However, the value of the predictive biomarkers may further be increased during clinical conditions suggesting cancer development such as hyperinsulinemia or onset of diabetes. In this specific context, the dysregulation of miR-486 and miR-196 in tumors has been observed in the tumor tissue of PDAC patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Moreover, miR-1256 is dysregulated in pancreatic cancer, possibly due to the interaction with long non-coding RNA molecules that seem to affect cell-cycle control and diabetes manifestation in PDAC patients, and, thus, these three markers may be of special or "sentinel value". In blood samples, Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has also identified a set of microRNAs (miR-20a, miR-31-5p, miR-24, miR-25, miR-99a, miR-185, and miR-191) that seem to differentiate patients with pancreatic cancer remarkably from healthy controls, but limited data exist in this context regarding the prediction of cancer presences and outcomes. In contrast to solid pancreatic tumors, in cystic pancreatic cancer lesions, as well as premalignant lesions (such as intraductal papillary neoplasia (IPMN) or mucinous-cystic adenomatous cysts (MCAC)), the dysregulation of a completely different expression panel of miR-31-5p, miR-483-5p, miR-99a-5p, and miR-375 has been found to be of high clinical value in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Interestingly, signal transduction pathways associated with miR-dysregulation seem to be entirely different in patients with pancreatic cysts when compared to PDAC. Overall, the determination of these different dysregulation "panels" in solid tumors, pancreatic cysts, obtained via fine-needle aspirate biopsies and/or in blood samples at the onset or during the treatment of pancreatic diseases, seems to be a reasonable candidate approach for predicting cancer presence, cancer development, and even therapy responses.
Topics: Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Humans; MicroRNAs; Pancreatic Cyst; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 35954223
DOI: 10.3390/cells11152374 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2023: The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of pancreatic cystic tumors (PCTs). : A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 124... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
: The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of pancreatic cystic tumors (PCTs). : A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 124 patients, 102 (69%) women and 46 (31%) men, who had undergone surgery for pancreatic cystic tumors in 2014-2018. Among 148 pancreatic cysts, 24 (16%) were non-neoplasmatic and 124 (84%) were neoplasmatic. The neoplasmatic cysts ( = 124) were included in our analysis. There were five main types of PCTs: IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) ( = 45), MCN (mucinous cystic neoplasm) ( = 30), SCN (serous cystic neoplasm) ( = 28), SPN (solid pseudopapillary neoplasm) ( = 8), and CPEN (cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasm) ( = 8), as well as mixed-type tumors ( = 5). A statistically significant dependency between PCT type and age was proven (= 0.0001): IPMNs were observed in the older group of patients with an average age of 66.12 (40-79) years while SPNs were noted in the youngest group of patients with an average age of 36.22 (22-55) years. A statistically significant association between PCT type and gender ( = 0.0001) was found: IPMNs occurred among 24 (53.33%) men and 21 (46.6%) women. In the MCN and SPN groups, all patients were female (100%). Among the SCN group, the majority were women (27 (96.43%)), and there was only 1 (3.57%) man. A statistically significant dependency between PCT type and size was proven ( = 0.0007). The mean size of IPMNs was the smallest 2.95 (0.6-10 cm) and the mean size of MCNs was the largest 6.78 (1.5-19 cm). A statistically significant dependency between PCT type and tumor location was proven ( = 0.000238). The most frequent location of IPMN was the pancreatic head: 27 (60%). MCN was most frequently located in the pancreatic tail (18 (60%)). Most (10/28) SCNs were found in the pancreatic tail (10 (35.71%)). CPENs were most frequently located in the pancreatic tail (three (37.5%)) and pancreatic body and tail (three (37.5%)). SPNs were located commonly in the pancreatic head (five (62.5%)). The type of surgery depended on the tumor location. The most frequent surgery for IPMNs was pancreatoduodenectomy (44.4%), while for MCNs and SCNs, it was distal pancreatectomy (81%). The postoperative morbidity and mortality were 34.68% and 1.61%, respectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was the most frequent (29%) complication. : IPMN was the most frequent resected PCT in our material. A statistically significant association between the type of cyst and location within the pancreas, size, local lymph node involvement, and patient's age and sex was proved. POPF was the most frequent postoperative complication. In patients with PCTs, due to substantial postoperative morbidity, adequate patient selection, considering both the surgical risk as well as the long-term risk of malignant transformation, is very important during qualification for surgery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Pancreatic Intraductal Neoplasms; Pancreas; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 36837443
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020241