Circulating tumor DNA tracking in patients with pancreatic cancer using next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most devastating malignancies due to the absence of techniques for early diagnosis and the lack of target therapeutic options for advanced disease. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) generates high throughput and valuable genetic information when evaluating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however clinical utility of liquid biopsy in pancreatic cancer has not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether results from a Next Generation Sequencing panel on plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients could have a clinical significance. METHODS: From December 2016 to January 2020, plasma samples from 27 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at two different tertiary Spanish Hospitals underwent ctDNA testing using a commercial NGS panel of 65 genes. Clinical data were available for these patients. VarsSome Clinical software was used to analyse NGS data and establish pathogenicity. RESULTS: Evaluable NGS results were obtained in 18 out of the 27 plasma samples. Somatic pathogenic mutations were found mainly in KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 and HNF1A, genes. Pathogenic mutations were detected in 50% of plasma samples from patient diagnosed at stages III-IV samples. FLT3 mutations were observed in 22.22% of samples which constitute a novel result in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid biopsy using NGS is a valuable tool but still not sensitive or specific enough to provide clinical utility in pancreatic cancer patients.

CA19-9 capability as predictor of pancreatic cancer resectability in a Spanish cohort.

CA19-9 serum has been suggested as a marker of unresectability but different cut-off levels have been published. A cut-off of 500 U/ml is currently considered in an international consensus as biological criteria of borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. To evaluate whether serum CA19-9 threshold of 500 U/ml could be adequate predictor of resectability in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Multicenter, observational, prospective study performed in Spain including 203 patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 43 (21.2%) cases were resectable and 160 (78.8%) unresectable. Among the 176 preoperative CA19-9 available values, 98 (58.3%) were ≤ 500 U/ml and 73 (42.7%) > 500 U/ml. Resectability rate in those patients with CA19-9 ≤ 500 U/ml was 60% while it was found to be 18% when CA19-9 > 500 U/ml. Statistical model to predict resectability based on CA19-9 provide an AUC of 0.6618 (95% CI 0.53-0.83) when only CA19-9 values > 500 U/ml are studied. Serum levels of CA19-9 higher than 500 U/ml are indicative of unresectable disease, however reduced sensitivity and specificity lead to a limited clinical applicability for resectability.

Usefulness of the ARCHITECT Chagas® assay as a single test for the diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease.

OBJECTIVES: Imported Chagas disease (CD) is an emerging health problem in Europe due to immigration from endemic countries. Although WHO currently recommends two different serological methods to establish diagnosis, new tools like the ARCHITECT Chagas assay have potential for use as a single diagnostic test. Our objective was to determine an optimal signal-to-cut-off (S/CO) value for the ARCHITECT Chagas assay to diagnose CD with a single test. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). All patients with requests for Chagas screening between January 2014 and August 2017 were consecutively included. All samples were routinely tested with the ARCHITECT assay. Negative samples (S/CO < 0.8) required no further testing. Immunochromatographic testing (ICT) and/or indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) was used to confirm samples with S/CO ≥ 0.8. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the ARCHITECT S/CO value that yielded 100% specificity and positive predictive value. SPSS software, version 22.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4153 samples were analysed; 361 (8.69%) gave a reactive ARCHITECT Chagas result. 261/361 (72.3%) were women; median age was 38 years old (2-79). 92.8% were Bolivian. A total of 307 (85.0%) were confirmed as cases of Chagas; 52 (14.4%) were not infected; two (0.6%) were not evaluable. Seroprevalence was 7.39%. An S/CO ≥ 3.80 yielded 100% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.00) and 100% positive predictive value (95% CI, 0.99-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Using S/CO ≥ 3.80, the ARCHITECT Chagas could be used as a single test for diagnosis of chronic CD in Bolivian immigrants. Patients with S/CO between 0.80 and 3.80 would require additional testing.

Acute esophageal necrosis resolved in 72 hours.

We report a case of acute esophageal necrosis whose initial symptom was sudden dysphagia and was completely resolved in 72 hours.

Impact of the endoscopist's experience on the negative predictive value of capsule endoscopy. / Influencia de la experiencia acumulada del explorador en el valor predictivo negativo de la cápsula endoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the accumulated experience of the capsule endoscopy (CE) reader on the accuracy of this test is discussed. AIM: To determine whether the negative predictive value of CE findings changes along the learning curve. METHODS: We reviewed the first 900 CE read by 3 gastroenterologists experienced in endoscopy over 8 years. These 900 CE were divided into 3 groups (300 CE each): group 1 consisted of the sum of the first 100 CE read by each of the 3 endoscopists; group 2, the sum of the second 100 and groups 3, the sum of the third 100. Patients with normal CE were monitored for at least 28 months to estimate the negative predictive value. RESULTS: A total of 54 (18%) CE in group 1, 58 (19.3%) in group 2 and 47 (15.6%) in group 3 were normal, although only 34 patients in group 1, 38 in group 2 and 36 in group 3 with normal CE completed follow up and were eventually studied. The negative predictive value was 88.2% in group 1, 89.5% in group 2 and 97% in group 3 (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The negative predictive value tended to increase, but remained high and did not change significantly after the first 100 when readers are experienced in conventional endoscopy and have preliminary specific training.

Effect of cryotherapy duration on experimentally induced connective tissue inflammation in vivo.

Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that cryotherapy duration influences lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in a rat model. Materials and Methods: Six Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were used. Five sites were selected per animal and divided into 5 groups: a negative control group (NC), 2 positive control groups (PC1 and PC2), and 2 experimental groups (E1 and E2). Cryotherapy was applied for 1 minute (E1) or 5 minutes (E2). An acute inflammatory response was induced in the PC and E groups via subcutaneous administration of 0.5 mL/kg. In the PC2 group, a catheter was inserted without additional treatment. For the E1 and E2 groups, 2.5°C saline solution was administered through the implanted catheters for 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The rats were sacrificed, and samples were obtained and processed for histological analysis, specifically examining the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and hemorrhage. The χ2 test was used to compare the presence of acute inflammation across groups. Dependent variables were compared using the linear-by-linear association test. Results: Inflammation and hemorrhage varied significantly among the groups (p = 0.001). A significantly higher degree of acute inflammation was detected (p = 0.0002) in the PC and E1 samples than in the E2 group, in which cryotherapy was administered for 5 minutes. The PC and E1 groups also exhibited significantly greater numbers of neutrophils (p = 0.007), which were essentially absent in both the NC and E2 groups. Conclusions: Cryotherapy administration for 5 minutes reduced the acute inflammation associated with LPS and catheter implantation.

Predictive factors of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: relationship with metabolic syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proposed as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrom (Ms), with insulin resistance (IR) as the common pathophysiological mechanism. METHODS: We included 145 patients with NAFLD proven liver biopsy. NAS-score was employed to grading NAFLD. We determined anthropometric measurements, basal blood pression (BP), biochemical measurements including high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol), triglycerides and leptin levels, homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR), and abdominal ultrasound scan (US) was performed. Diagnosis of Ms was performed based on ATP III criteria. RESULTS: Average age was 43.6 + 11.2 years old and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 ± 10.7 kg/m2. Sex distribution was: females 66 and males 79. Forty patients (27.5%) presented a NAS score > = 5. Waist circumference (p = 0.007), systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003 respectively), (HOMA-IR) (p = 5. Independent factors associated to NAS-score > = 5 were Ms and BMI > 30. Leptin levels were higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (≥ F2) compared to patients with mild fibrosis (F0-F1) (75.5 + 50.2 ng/ml vs - 39.7 + 38.4 ng/ml respectively; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Presence of Ms and obesity (BMI >30) are the principal independent factors associated to NASH (NAS score > = 5). Leptin levels and BMI are higher in patients with advanced fibrosis.

La esteatohepatitis no alcoholica (EHNA) se ha propuesto como la manifestacion hepatica del sindrome metabolico (SM), con la resistencia a la insulina (IR) como mecanismo fisiopatologico comun. Métodos: se incluyeron 145 pacientes con biopsia hepatica con enfermedad por higado graso no alcoholica. NAS-score se utilizo para graduar la EHNA. Se realizaron las siguientes determinaciones; antropometria, presion arterial basal (BP), LDL colesterol, HDL colesterol, trigliceridos, leptina, resistencia a la insulina (HOMA- IR) y ecografia abdominal. El diagnostico de sindrome metabolico se realizo en base a los criterios del ATP III. Resultados: la edad fue 43,6 + 11,2 anos y la media de indice de masa corporal (IMC) 39 + 10.7 kg/ m2 (66 mujeres y 79 varones). Cuarenta pacientes (27,5%) presentaron una puntuacion NAS> = 5. La circunferencia de la cintura (p = 0,007), la presion arterial sistolica y diastolica (p = 0,002 y p = 0,003, respectivamente, la resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) (p = 5. Los factores independientes asociados a NAS-score > = 5 fueron el SM y el IMC > 30. Los niveles de leptina fueron mayores en pacientes con fibrosis avanzada (≥ F2) en comparacion con los pacientes con fibrosis leve (F0-F1) (75,5 + 50,2 ng / ml frente a 39,7 + 38,4 ng / ml, respectivamente; p = 0.002). Conclusión: la presencia de SM y obesidad (IMC> 30) son los principales factores independientes asociados a la EHNA (puntuacion NAS> = 5). Los niveles de leptina y el IMC son mayores en los pacientes con fibrosis avanzada.

Necrosis aguda de esófago resuelta en 72 horas / Acute esophageal necrosis resolved in 72 hours

No disponible

Influencia de la experiencia acumulada del explorador en el valor predictivo negativo de la cápsula endoscópica / Impact of the endoscopist's experience on the negative predictive value of capsule endoscopy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La influencia de la experiencia acumulada del médico que interpreta cápsulas endoscópicas sobre su capacidad diagnóstica es discutida. OBJETIVO: Determinar si existen diferencias en el valor predictivo negativo de las cápsulas endoscópicas informadas por los mismos endoscopistas a lo largo del tiempo. MÉTODOS: Revisamos las 900 primeras cápsulas endoscópicas realizadas por tres gastroenterólogos expertos en endoscopia durante 8 años. Se dividieron en 3 grupos de 300 cápsulas cada uno. El grupo 1 fue la suma de las tres primeras centenas informadas por cada uno, el grupo 2 la suma de las tres segundas centenas y el grupo 3 la suma de las tres terceras centenas. Se hizo un seguimiento mínimo de 28 meses a los casos con exploración normal. RESULTADOS: Aunque se consideraron normales el 18% de las cápsulas del grupo 1, el 19,3% de las del grupo 2 y el 15,6% de las del grupo 3, solo fue posible seguir y finalmente analizar a 34 enfermos en el grupo 1, a 38 en el 2 y a 36 en el 3. Sobre estos casos, el valor predictivo negativo fue del 88,2% en el grupo 1, del 89,5% en el grupo 2 y del 97% en el grupo 3 (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: El valor predictivo negativo de la cápsula endoscópica, aunque con tendencia a aumentar, se mantiene alto y sin diferencias significativas desde las 100 primeras exploraciones si los médicos que la interpretan son expertos en endoscopia convencional y tienen formación específica previa

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the accumulated experience of the capsule endoscopy (CE) reader on the accuracy of this test is discussed. AIM: To determine whether the negative predictive value of CE findings changes along the learning curve. METHODS: We reviewed the first 900 CE read by 3 gastroenterologists experienced in endoscopy over 8 years. These 900 CE were divided into 3 groups (300 CE each): group 1 consisted of the sum of the first 100 CE read by each of the 3 endoscopists; group 2, the sum of the second 100 and groups 3, the sum of the third 100. Patients with normal CE were monitored for at least 28 months to estimate the negative predictive value. RESULTS: A total of 54 (18%) CE in group 1, 58 (19.3%) in group 2 and 47 (15.6%) in group 3 were normal, although only 34 patients in group 1, 38 in group 2 and 36 in group 3 with normal CE completed follow up and were eventually studied. The negative predictive value was 88.2% in group 1, 89.5% in group 2 and 97% in group 3 (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The negative predictive value tended to increase, but remained high and did not change significantly after the first 100 when readers are experienced in conventional endoscopy and have preliminary specific training

Circulating tumor DNA tracking in patients with pancreatic cancer using next-generation sequencing / Evaluación de DNA circulante tumoral en paciente con Cáncer de páncreas empleando secuenciación de nueva generación

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most devastating malignancies due to the absence of techniques for early diagnosis and the lack of target therapeutic options for advanced disease. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) generates high throughput and valuable genetic information when evaluating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however clinical utility of liquid biopsy in pancreatic cancer has not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether results from a Next Generation Sequencing panel on plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients could have a clinical significance. Methods: From December 2016 to January 2020, plasma samples from 27 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at two different tertiary Spanish Hospitals underwent ctDNA testing using a commercial NGS panel of 65 genes. Clinical data were available for these patients. VarsSome Clinical software was used to analyse NGS data and establish pathogenicity. Results: Evaluable NGS results were obtained in 18 out of the 27 plasma samples. Somatic pathogenic mutations were found mainly in KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 and HNF1A, genes. Pathogenic mutations were detected in 50% of plasma samples from patient diagnosed at stages III-IV samples. FLT3 mutations were observed in 22.22% of samples which constitute a novel result in the field. Conclusions: Liquid biopsy using NGS is a valuable tool but still not sensitive or specific enough to provide clinical utility in pancreatic cancer patients.(AU)

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas es uno de los cánceres más devastadores debido a la falta de métodos que permitan un diagnóstico temprano y la ausencia de opciones terapéuticas en enfermedad avanzada. La técnica de secuenciación de nueva generación o Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) proporciona importantes resultados de alto rendimiento de información genética en muestras de DNA circulante tumoral (ctDNA); sin embargo, la utilidad clínica de la biopsia líquida en cáncer de páncreas no ha sido demostrado todavía. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si los resultados de un panel de secuenciación de nueva generación en muestras de plasma de pacientes con cáncer de páncreas podría tener un significado clínico. Métodos: Empleando un panel comercial de NGS con 65 genes se evaluaron 27 muestras de plasma de pacientes con cáncer de páncreas recogidas entre diciembre del 2016 y enero del 2020 en 2 hospitales españoles. En el estudio se disponía de datos clínicos correspondientes a los pacientes. Se empleó el software VarSome Clinical para analizar resultados y establecer patogenicidad de las variantes. Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados evaluables en 18 de las 27 muestras de plasma. Se encontraron mutaciones patogénicas en los genes KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 y HNF1A. El 50% de los pacientes diagnosticados en estadios ii-iv presentaron alteraciones patogénicas en plasma. Se observaron mutaciones en FLT3 en el 22,22% de las muestras, lo cual es un resultado novedoso. Conclusiones: La NGS en biopsia líquida es una herramienta valiosa pero todavía no sensible ni específica para proporcionar utilidad clínica en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas.(AU)

Predictive factors of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: relationship with metabolic syndrome / Factores predictivos de esteatohepatitis no alcohólica: papel del síndrome metabólico

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proposed as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrom (Ms), with insulin resistance (IR) as the common pathophysiological mechanism. Methods: we included 145 patients with NAFLD proven liver biopsy. NAS-score was employed to grading NAFLD. We determined anthropometric measurements, basal blood pression (BP), biochemical measurements including high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol), triglycerides and leptin levels, homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA–IR), and abdominal ultrasound scan (US) was performed. Diagnosis of Ms was performed based on ATP III criteria. Results: average age was 43.6 + 11.2 years old and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 ± 10.7 kg/m2 . Sex distribution was: females 66 and males 79. Forty patients (27.5%) presented a NAS score > = 5. Waist circumference (p = 0.007), systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003 respectively), (HOMA-IR) (p = 5. Independent factors associated to NAS-score > = 5 were Ms and BMI > 30. Leptin levels were higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (≥ F2) compared to patients with mild fibrosis (F0-F1) (75.5 + 50.2 ng/ml vs - 39.7 + 38.4 ng/ml respectively; p = 0.002). Conclusion: presence of Ms and obesity (BMI >30) are the principal independent factors associated to NASH (NAS score > = 5). Leptin levels and BMI are higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (AU)

La esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (EHNA) se ha propuesto como la manifestación hepática del síndrome metabólico (SM), con la resistencia a la insulina (IR) como mecanismo fisiopatológico común. Métodos: se incluyeron 145 pacientes con biopsia hepática con enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólica. NAS-score se utilizó para graduar la EHNA. Se realizaron las siguientes determinaciones; antropometría, presión arterial basal (BP), LDL colesterol, HDL colesterol, triglicéridos, leptina, resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) y ecografía abdominal. El diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico se realizó en base a los criterios del ATP III. Resultados: la edad fue 43,6 + 11,2 años y la media de índice de masa corporal (IMC) 39 + 10.7 kg/ m2 (66 mujeres y 79 varones). Cuarenta pacientes (27,5%) presentaron una puntuación NAS> = 5. La circunferencia de la cintura (p = 0,007), la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p = 0,002 y p = 0,003, respectivamente, la resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) (p = 5. Los factores independientes asociados a NAS-score > = 5 fueron el SM y el IMC > 30. Los niveles de leptina fueron mayores en pacientes con fibrosis avanzada (≥ F2) en comparación con los pacientes con fibrosis leve (F0-F1) (75,5 + 50,2 ng / ml frente a 39,7 + 38,4 ng / ml, respectivamente; p = 0.002). Conclusión: la presencia de SM y obesidad (IMC> 30) son los principales factores independientes asociados a la EHNA (puntuación NAS> = 5). Los niveles de leptina y el IMC son mayores en los pacientes con fibrosis avanzada (AU)