Genetic counselling and personalised risk assessment in the Australian pancreatic cancer screening program

Screening of pancreatic cancer: Target population, optimal timing and how?

Pancreatic cancer patients usually present at a late stage due to subtle clinical manifestations. One of the most predictive prognostic factors in pancreatic cancer is the pancreatic cancer stage at diagnosis; therefore, early diagnosis is essential. Until now, pancreatic cancer screening has not become a standard practice for the general population due to the low incidence. In current circumstances, targeting individuals with a high risk of pancreatic cancer may be more rational. Several screening modalities for pancreatic cancer have also become debatable topics. Therefore, this article will review current evidence and recommendations regarding pancreatic screening cancer protocol in general and in high-risk populations.

Impact of comprehensive family history and genetic analysis in the multidisciplinary pancreatic tumor clinic setting

BACKGROUND

Genetic testing is recommended for all pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Prior research demonstrates that multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer clinics (MDPCs) improve treatment- and survival-related outcomes for PDAC patients. However, limited information exists regarding the utility of integrated genetics in the MDPC setting. We hypothesized that incorporating genetics in an MDPC serving both PDAC patients and high-risk individuals (HRI) could: (1) improve compliance with guideline-based genetic testing for PDAC patients, and (2) optimize HRI identification and PDAC surveillance participation to improve early detection and survival.

METHODS

Demographics, genetic testing results, and pedigrees were reviewed for PDAC patients and HRI at one institution over 45 months. Genetic testing analyzed 16 PDAC-associated genes at minimum.

RESULTS

Overall, 969 MDPC subjects were evaluated during the study period; another 56 PDAC patients were seen outside the MDPC. Among 425 MDPC PDAC patients, 333 (78.4%) completed genetic testing; 29 (8.7%) carried a PDAC-related pathogenic germline variant (PGV). Additionally, 32 (9.6%) met familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) criteria. These PDAC patients had 191 relatives eligible for surveillance or genetic testing. Only 2/56 (3.6%) non-MDPC PDAC patients completed genetic testing (p < 0.01). Among 544 HRI, 253 (46.5%) had a known PGV or a designation of FPC, and were eligible for surveillance at baseline; of the remainder, 15/291 (5.2%) were eligible following genetic testing and PGV identification.

CONCLUSION

Integrating genetics into the multidisciplinary setting significantly improved genetic testing compliance by reducing logistical barriers for PDAC patients, and clarified cancer risks for their relatives while conserving clinical resources. Overall, we identified 206 individuals newly eligible for surveillance or genetic testing (191 relatives of MDPC PDAC patients, and 15 HRI from this cohort), enabling continuity of care for PDAC patients and at-risk relatives in one clinic.

Imaging Modalities for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Current State and Future Research Opportunities

Simple Summary

While survival rates for many cancers have improved dramatically over the last 20 years, patients with pancreatic cancer have persistently poor outcomes. The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer are not suitable for potentially curative surgery due to locally advanced or metastatic disease stage at diagnosis. Therefore, early detection would potentially improve survival of pancreatic cancer patients through earlier intervention. Here, we present clinical challenges in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, characterise high risk groups for pancreatic cancer and current screening programs in high-risk individuals. The aim of this scoping review is to investigate the role of both established and novel imaging modalities for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we investigate innovative imaging techniques for early detection of pancreatic cancer, but its widespread application requires further investigation and potentially a combination with other non-invasive biomarkers.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal malignancies, is increasing in incidence. While survival rates for many cancers have improved dramatically over the last 20 years, people with pancreatic cancer have persistently poor outcomes. Potential cure for pancreatic cancer involves surgical resection and adjuvant therapy. However, approximately 85% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are not suitable for potentially curative therapy due to locally advanced or metastatic disease stage. Because of this stark survival contrast, any improvement in early detection would likely significantly improve survival of patients with pancreatic cancer through earlier intervention. This comprehensive scoping review describes the current evidence on groups at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer, including individuals with inherited predisposition, pancreatic cystic lesions, diabetes, and pancreatitis. We review the current roles of imaging modalities focusing on early detection of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, we propose the use of advanced imaging modalities to identify early, potentially curable pancreatic cancer in high-risk cohorts. We discuss innovative imaging techniques for early detection of pancreatic cancer, but its widespread application requires further investigation and potentially a combination with other non-invasive biomarkers.

Significant detection of new germline pathogenic variants in Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program participants

BACKGROUND

The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program (APCSP) offers endoscopic ultrasound surveillance for individuals at increased risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with all participants requiring assessment by a Familial Cancer Service before or after study enrolment.

METHODS

Individuals aged 40-80 years (or 10 years younger than the earliest PDAC diagnosis) were eligible for APCSP study entry if they had 1) ≥ two blood relatives with PDAC (at least one of first-degree association); 2) a clinical or genetic diagnosis of Hereditary Pancreatitis or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome irrespective of PDAC family history; or 3) a known PDAC predisposition germline pathogenic variant (BRCA2, PALB2, CDKN2A, or Lynch syndrome) with ≥one PDAC-affected first- or second-degree relative. Retrospective medical record review was conducted for APCSP participants enrolled at the participating Australian hospitals from January 2011 to December 2019. We audited the genetic investigations offered by multiple Familial Cancer Services who assessed APCSP participants according to national guidelines, local clinical protocol and/or the availability of external research-funded testing, and the subsequent findings. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

Of 189 kindreds (285 participants), 50 kindreds (71 participants) had a known germline pathogenic variant at enrolment (BRCA2 n = 35, PALB2 n = 6, CDKN2A n = 3, STK11 n = 3, PRSS1 n = 2, MLH1 n = 1). Forty-eight of 136 (35%) kindreds with no known germline pathogenic variant were offered mutation analysis; 89% was clinic-funded, with increasing self-funded testing since 2016. The relatively low rates of genetic testing performed reflects initial strict criteria for clinic-funded genetic testing. New germline pathogenic variants were detected in five kindreds (10.4%) after study enrolment (BRCA2 n = 3 kindreds, PALB2 n = 1, CDKN2A n = 1). Of note, only eight kindreds were reassessed by a Familial Cancer Service since enrolment, with a further 21 kindreds identified as being suitable for reassessment.

CONCLUSION

Germline pathogenic variants associated with PDAC were seen in 29.1% of our high-risk cohort (55/189 kindreds; 82/285 participants). Importantly, 10.4% of kindreds offered genetic testing were newly identified as having germline pathogenic variants, with majority being BRCA2. As genetic testing standards evolve rapidly in PDAC, 5-yearly reassessment of high-risk individuals by Familial Cancer Services is warranted.

Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound as a one-off pancreatic cancer screening tool for 122 high- and moderate-risk patients

Background and Aim

Pancreatic cancer (PC) carries a poor prognosis and is often detected at later stages. Screening programs for moderate- and high-risk people are still under debate. We present the results from a prospective study on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as a one-off screening tool for pancreatic cancer screening.

Methods

Asymptomatic patients with moderate- or high-risk of PC were invited to participate. Moderate risk consisted of one first-degree and at least one second-degree relative with PC and no PC-associated genetic mutations. High risk consisted of >1 first-degree relatives with PC or PC-associated mutations (i.e. BRCA2, Lynch Syndrome, Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome, STK11, or PALB2). All included patients had genetic counseling and a screening EUS done. Primary outcome was the detection of PC on EUS. Secondary outcomes assessed the evolution of psychological symptoms based on the Impact of Events Scale (IES) and Personal Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) before and after the screening took place.

Results

A total of 122 patients had a screening EUS performed between 2013 and 2019; 60 were male, 55.8 years was the mean age, 78 were at high risk for PC, and 25 had PC-associated mutations. No pancreatic cancers were identified at the one-off EUS screening. Overall, patients' IES/PCQ scores did not change after screening and feedback of no malignancy, with the exception of females (less concerned about PC after screening EUS).

Conclusions

EUS did not detect any PCs in either a moderate- or high-risk population as a one-off screening method. The EUS procedure and genetic counseling improved psychological symptoms for the female subset of this population.

Comparing the clinical impact of pancreatic cyst surveillance programs: A trial of the ECOG-ACRIN cancer research group (EA2185)

BACKGROUND

The optimal surveillance strategy for pancreatic cysts, which occur in up to 20% of the adult population, is ill defined. The risk of malignant degeneration of these cysts is low, however the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatic cancer are high. Two clinical surveillance guidelines are in regular use. Both the Fukuoka and American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines rely on radiographic and endoscopic imaging. They differ primarily in their recommended frequencies of interval surveillance imaging. While evidence driven clinical guidelines should promote higher quality care, competing guidelines on the same topic may provide discordant recommendations and potential reduction in the quality and/or value of care.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective is to compare the clinical effectiveness of the two surveillance guidelines to identify patients most likely to benefit from pancreatic resection. Secondary objectives include comparison of resource utilization, patient reported outcomes, incidental findings are other clinical outcomes.

METHODS

4606 asymptomatic patients with newly identified pancreatic cysts ≥1 cm in diameter will be randomized 1:1 to high intensity (Fukuoka) or low intensity (AGA) surveillance. All participants will be followed prospectively for 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Differing guidelines confuse providers, patients and policymakers. This large, prospective, randomized trial will compare the clinical effectiveness and resource allocation requirements of two guidelines addressing a common clinical entity. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT04239573.