Utility of DNA Profiling From Main Pancreatic Duct Fluid by Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography to Screen for Malignant Potential.

OBJECTIVES

The yield of genetic testing of main pancreatic duct (MPD) fluid collected during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) versus endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is unclear.

METHODS

Consecutive MPD fluid samples obtained by endoscopic ultrasound/ERCP with DNA profiling were reviewed, excluding specimens designated "no amplification." Invasive disease included invasive cancer or malignant cytology.

RESULTS

One hundred ten samples from 109 patients who underwent ERCP (n = 32) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (n = 78) were analyzed (2007-2018). Leading indications were dilated MPD and suspected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Elevated DNA quantity, KRAS, loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and GNAS mutations occurred in 61.5%, 25.5%, 16.4%, and 8.7% of samples, respectively. Elevated DNA quantity occurred more frequently in ERCP samples (84.4% vs 51.9%, P = 0.002); other mutation yields were similar (P > 0.05). Invasive pathology (P = 0.032) was associated with LOH in the subset of patients who underwent surgery (n = 44). Adverse events occurred more frequently after ERCP (28.1% vs 9.0%, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic MPD fluid sampling may yield genetic data to improve diagnosis and risk stratification. In our surgical cohort, LOH was the sole predictor of invasive pathology. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of MPD fluid, when possible, is preferred because of superior safety profile.