Endosonographic diagnosis of advanced neoplasia in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate with minimal proven interventions. Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) are known precursor lesions for pancreatic cancer. Identification of pancreatic cysts has improved from advances in abdominal imaging. Despite multiple revisions of the international consensus recommendations and various guidelines by other major societies, successful risk stratification of the malignant potential of mucinous pancreatic cysts remains challenging. Specifically, detection and accurate classification of advanced neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia and/or adenocarcinoma) in IPMNs is suboptimal with current diagnostic strategies. Development of interventional techniques utilizing endoscopic ultrasound include - through-the-needle microforceps biopsy, next-generation or whole genome molecular analysis of cyst fluid, and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy. These techniques suffer from a series of limitations in technical success, diagnostic yield, and clinical feasibility, but a combination approach may offer a solution that optimizes their cyst evaluation and risk stratification. Assessment and comparison of these techniques is restricted by lack of adequate surgical specimens for testing of diagnostic accuracy, resulting in a possible sample bias. Additional large-scale multicenter studies are needed to accumulate evidence for the utility and feasibility of their translation into clinical practice. Great strides have been made in pancreatic cyst evaluation, but further research is required to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical management of IPMNs.

Keywords: Pancreatic cyst, Confocal endomicroscopy, Microforceps biopsy, Cyst fluid molecular analysis, Endoscopic ultrasound, Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Core tip: Current International Consensus Guidelines for the assessment of pancreatic cysts are insufficient in the detection of advanced neoplasia in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. This manuscript summarizes the advances in endosonographic methods aiming to address this critical need and suggests additional research is necessary for more conclusive clinical management recommendations.