BACKGROUND One of the major genetic alterations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the point mutation of K-ras gene. Plectin-1 was also recently identified as PDAC specific biomarker. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement of diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) by using additional K-ras mutation analysis and Plectin-1 staining in patients with pancreatic mass.

METHODS A total of 85 study patients with pancreatic mass underwent EUS-FNA and the final diagnoses were as follows; PDACs: 70 patients, pancreas neuroendocrine tumor: 4, metastasis to pancreas: 5, autoimmune pancreatitis: 3, chronic pancreatitis: 1, tuberculous lymphadenitis: 1, pseudocyst: 1.

RESULTS Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of pathologic diagnosis in EUS-FNA specimen were 81%, 80% and 79% accordingly. When we combine K-ras gene mutation analysis with histological assessment, we could get the following results for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy; cytology and K-ras mutation analysis: 93%, 87%, and 92%, cytology, K-ras mutation analysis, and Plectin-1 staining: 96%, 93%, and 95%.

CONCLUSIONS Triple combinations of the techniques; cytology, K-ras gene mutation analysis, Plectin-1 staining could increase accuracy in diagnosis of PDACs. Further investigation of using minimal specimens from EUS-FNA may give us insight to understand the biological behavior of PDAC.