The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Cytologic Diagnosis of Pancreatic Lesions.

de Biase D, Visani M, Acquaviva G, Fornelli A, Masetti M, Fabbri C, Pession A, Tallini G1.

Author information

Abstract

CONTEXT:

- Integration of the analysis of genetic markers with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and cytologic evaluation has increased the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. The application of high-throughput gene panel analysis using next-generation sequencing platforms is now offering a great opportunity for further improvements.

OBJECTIVE:

- To review the application of next-generation sequencing to the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

DATA SOURCES:

- For data acquisition, a PubMed search using the terms next-generation sequencing, pancreas, pancreatic lesions, pancreatic tumors, and EUS-FNA was performed covering the years 2000-2017.

CONCLUSIONS:

- KRAS remains the gene most widely studied for preoperative single-gene tests. Next-generation sequencing reliably allows analysis of multiple gene markers starting from limited amounts of DNA. The study of multigene panels has become a very attractive option for the management and preoperative risk stratification of patients with pancreatic cancer.