Magnetic resonance imaging surveillance detects early-stage pancreatic cancer in carriers of a p16-Leiden mutation

Gastroenterology. 2011 Mar;140(3):850-6. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.11.048. Epub 2010 Dec 1.

Abstract

Background & aims: Surveillance of high-risk groups for pancreatic cancer might increase early detection and treatment outcomes. Individuals with germline mutations in p16-Leiden have a lifetime risk of 15% to 20% of developing pancreatic cancer. We assessed the feasibility of detecting pancreatic cancer at an early stage and investigated the outcomes of patients with neoplastic lesions.

Methods: Individuals with germline mutations in p16-Leiden (N = 79; 31 male; mean age, 56 years; range, 39-72 years) were offered annual surveillance by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Those found to have neoplastic lesions were offered options for surgery or intensive follow-up. Individuals found to have possible neoplastic lesions were examined again by MRI/MRCP within 2 to 4 months.

Results: After a median follow-up period of 4 years (range, 0-10 years), pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in 7 patients (9%). The mean age at diagnosis was 59 years (range, 49-72 years). Three of the tumors were present at the first examination, and 4 were detected after a negative result in the initial examination. All 7 patients had a resectable lesion; 5 underwent surgery, 3 had an R0 resection, and 2 had lymph node metastases. Possible precursor lesions (ie, duct ectasias, based on MRCP) were found in 9 individuals (11%).

Conclusions: MRI/MRCP detects small, solid pancreatic tumors and small duct ectasias. Although surveillance increases the rate of resectability, carriers of a p16-Leiden mutation develop aggressive tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance*
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Genes, p16*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Netherlands
  • Pancreas / pathology*
  • Pancreas / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Phenotype
  • Precancerous Conditions / diagnosis*
  • Precancerous Conditions / genetics
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology
  • Precancerous Conditions / surgery
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Registries
  • Time Factors