Detecting K-ras and p53 gene mutation from stool and pancreatic juice for diagnosis of early pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To explore new methods for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through detection of K-ras and p53 mutations in pancreatic juice and stool.

METHODS

201 patients in PUMC Hospital from 1994 - 2000 and 60 control individuals were enrolled in this study. K-ras point mutation was detected by PCR-RFLP while p53 mutation was detected by PCR-SSCP.

RESULTS

K-ras mutation was found in pancreatic juice in 87.8% (36/41) of pancreatic cancer patients and 23.5% (4/17) of benign pancreatic disease patients. In 261 stool specimens, amplification found mutations successfully in 235 patients (90%). K-ras mutation was found in stool in 88% (66/75) of pancreatic cancer patients, 51.1% (24/47) of benign pancreatic disease patients and 19.6% (9/46) of normal individuals. p53 mutation was found in pancreatic juice in 47.4% (18/38) of pancreatic cancer patients and 12.5% (2/16) of benign pancreatic disease patients. p53 mutation was found in stool in 37.1% (23/62) and 19.1% (4/21) of chronic pancreatitis patients.

CONCLUSION

K-ras mutation in pancreatic juice has higher diagnosis sensitivity and specificity, and therefore may be used as a supplement in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Detection of K-ras mutation combined with p53 mutation in stool can aid in the screening of pancreatic cancer.