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Current Gastroenterology Reports
Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports 8/2023

06-07-2023 | Pancreatic Cyst

The Use of Integrated Molecular Testing in the Assessment and Management of Pancreatic Cysts

Authors: Joshua D. Kirschenbaum, Tamas A. Gonda

Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports | Issue 8/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

As abdominal imaging becomes more sensitive and regularly used, pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are being diagnosed more frequently. A small but clinically significant minority of these lesions have a predisposition to either harbor malignancy or undergo malignant transformation. This review highlights the current state and performance of cystic fluid biomarkers and how they may be incorporated into management.

Recent Findings

Among the major domains of molecular testing for PCLs, DNA based analyses have demonstrated the highest accuracy in identifying cyst type and have the most data to support their clinical use. However, epigenetic and protein biomarker based molecular assessments have emerged with the potential to complement DNA based approaches. In addition, recent studies have increasingly demonstrated the value associated with combinations of mutations and other biomarkers in identifying higher grade mucinous cystic lesions.

Summary

We present the performance of individual biomarkers in cyst fluid analysis with an emphasis on an algorithmic approach to improve the accurate identification of both cyst type and risk of malignant transformation.
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Metadata
Title
The Use of Integrated Molecular Testing in the Assessment and Management of Pancreatic Cysts
Authors
Joshua D. Kirschenbaum
Tamas A. Gonda
Publication date
06-07-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Gastroenterology Reports / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 1522-8037
Electronic ISSN: 1534-312X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-023-00877-6
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