Early detection of pancreatic cancer: impact of high-resolution imaging methods and biomarkers.

High-resolution imaging methods (HRIMs) and biomarkers present the second step of pancreatic cancer (PC) diagnostics in at-risk individuals. These include patients with positive risk factors, early symptoms, nonresponders to the initial antidiabetic therapy, patients older than 50 years of age with new-onset unstable diabetes requiring insulin as well as patients with long-term insulin-non-dependent diabetes and recent (up to 6 months) failure of antidiabetic therapy. The procedures should be started without delay and the co-operation between the primary and tertiary medical centers is highly desirable. An early indication of HRIMs and biomarkers is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of a resectable PC. This publication reviews the recent contribution of HRIMs and biomarkers toward an early diagnosis of PC.

[Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I (Wermers Syndrome), Forms of Clinical Manifestation, 5 Case Studies]. / Mnohocetná endokrinní neoplazie I (Wermeruv syndrom) - formy klinické manifestace: 5 kazuistik.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) is a condition in which several endocrine organs of an individual are affected by adenoma, hyperplasia and less often carcinoma, either simultaneously or at different stages of life. Two existing syndromes, MEN1 and MEN2 (2A, 2B), in literature is also mentioned MEN4, are associated also with other non-endocrine disorders. MEN1 (Wermer syndrome) affects the pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreatic area. 95 % of patients show very early manifestation of hyperparathyroidism, often before 40 years of age. Multiple adenomas gradually involve all four parathyroid glands. The first clinical sign of MEN1 includes recurrent nephrolithiasis. The second most frequent manifestation of MEN1 is pancreatic area (pancreas, stomach and duodenum), again multiple malignancies of varying degree which can metastasize. Most often gastrinomas and insulinomas are involved. Pituitary adenomas occur in about one third of MEN1 patients and tend to be larger and less responsive to treatment. Tumors appearing most often are prolactinomas, tumors producing growth hormone, or afunctional adenomas. The other endocrine tumors include carcinoids and adrenal lesions. In the last year we have registered four MEN1 syndrome patients in our center and one patient has been already followed since 2008. In four out of five patients, nephrolithiasis after 30 years of age was the first clinical symptom, but only one of theses cases resulted in MEN1 diagnosis. In all patients, the clinical symptoms intensified and the diagnosis was established between 36 and 40 years of age. A crutial factor is a cooperation with the urology examination of kidney stones formation in young individuals with nephrolithiasis in order to reveal the potential cases of MEN1 syndrome very early on. Consider the MEN1 genetic diagnostics if recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism or recurrent gastroduodenal ulcer disease appear in patients under 40 years of age.Key words: carcinoid - gastrinoma - hyperparathyroidism - insulinoma - MEN1 - multiple endocrine neoplasia - nefrolithiasis - neuroendocrine tumor - pancreatic area - pituitary gland.

Early pancreatic carcinogenesis - risk factors, early symptoms, and the impact of antidiabetic drugs.

Risk factors (long-term diabetes, obesity) and early symptoms (new-onset diabetes, loss of weight, or persistent low body mass) are the initial symptoms of pancreatic carcinogenesis. They may be influenced by antidiabetic drugs and their correct evaluation is a prerequisite for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). We review the risk factors, early symptoms, and the impact of antidiabetic drugs on early pancreatic carcinogenesis. The main source of data was the database Medline/PubMed and abstracts of international congresses (DDW, UEGW). The risk factors and early symptoms are integral components of the familial PC surveillance and sporadic PC screening. Preventive programs should always be include multistep and multidisciplinary procedures. The correct evaluation of antidiabetic drugs and their interactions with other components of pancreatic carcinogenesis may influence the early diagnosis of PC.