Detection of c-Ki-ras point mutation from pancreatic juice. A useful diagnostic approach for pancreatic carcinoma

Int J Pancreatol. 1993 Oct;14(2):145-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02786120.

Abstract

Cytological diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma sometimes poses difficulties in distinguishing malignant from benign cells. Recent molecular study of pancreatic carcinoma has revealed a very high incidence of a point mutation of the c-Ki-ras oncogene at codon 12 in this neoplasm. To take advantage of this technique for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, we attempted to amplify the c-Ki-ras gene from endoscopically obtained pancreatic juice by isolation of DNA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). PCR was possible in approx 70% of the cases. A point mutation was nonradioisotopically detected in 4 of 6 pancreatic carcinomas and in one intraductal papillary neoplasm, whereas no mutation was detected in other cases. Thus, this method was thought to be useful for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Codon
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Genes, ras*
  • Humans
  • Pancreatic Juice / chemistry*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Point Mutation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Codon
  • DNA, Neoplasm