Detection of K-ras gene mutation at codon 12 by pancreatic duct brushing for pancreatic cancer.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of endoscopic pancreatic duct brushing in detecting mutation of the K-ras gene at codon 12 in cytologic specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Thirty-five patients treated at Changhai Hospital, Shanghai between 1999 and 2001 were enrolled. Their cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were suspended with phosphate buffer solution (PBS). DNA of the cells was extracted and mutation of the K-ras gene at codon 12 detected by means of PCR-SSCP. RESULTS: The K-ras gene mutation rate of pancreatic cancer was 70%, which was higher than that of chronic pancreatitis (14%, P<0.05). K-ras gene mutation was not found in patients with pancreatic cystocarcinoma and duodenum carcinoma. As to the location of pancreatic cancer, no significant difference was observed between the head, the body and tail. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of pancreatic duct brushing in detecting pancreatic cancer was 70%, 94%, and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: K-ras analysis of pancreatic brushing samples is helpful in the diagnosis of patients with early pancreatic cancer.