Thermal Liquid Biopsy: A Promising Tool for the Differential Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions and Malignancy Detection

Millastre, Judith (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Hermoso-Durán, Sonia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Solórzano, María Ortiz de ; Fraunhoffer, Nicolas ; García-Rayado, Guillermo (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Vega, Sonia ; Bujanda, Luis ; Sostres, Carlos (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lanas, Ángel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Velázquez-Campoy, Adrián (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Abian, Olga (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Background/Objectives: Mucinous epithelial pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are premalignant lesions readily detectable through imaging techniques such as multidetector computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). However, distinguishing these from other PCLs with lower or no malignant potential, and the early identification of those undergoing malignant transformation, remains a diagnostic challenge. Current methods, including biochemical markers in intracystic fluid (ICF) and genomic studies, offer some assistance but are not always reliable or accessible. Thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) is a novel diagnostic tool that examines the thermal profile (thermogram) of biological samples, reflecting their response to heat and thereby revealing characteristics of their overall composition or disease-induced alterations. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 35 ICF samples (49% mucinous) obtained via EUS-FNA (fine needle aspiration) were analyzed using TLB. Thermogram data were utilized to develop predictive models for differential diagnosis between mucinous and non-mucinous PCLs or malignancy detection through machine learning algorithms. Results: Two classification models were developed: TLB1 (“mucinous” vs. “non-mucinous” PCLs) and TLB2 (“benign mucinous” vs. “malignant mucinous” PCLs). The TLB1 model demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% and a negative predictive value of 86%, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 (0.59–0.99), indicating good discriminative ability between the two groups. The TLB2 model exhibited excellent predictive capability, with an AUC of 1.00. Conclusions: TLB analysis of PCLs is a promising tool that could significantly enhance the differential diagnosis of PCLs, enabling the efficient identification of mucinous lesions and even those undergoing malignant transformation.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/cancers16234024

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Cancers 16, 23 (2024), 4024 [16 pp.]
ISSN: 2072-6694

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/B25-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E45-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII-ERDF-ESF/PI18-00349-Investing in your future
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII-ERDF-ESF/PI21-00394
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/AEI/PID2021-127296OB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN-AEI/PRTR-C17.I1

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Area Medicina (Dpto. Medicina, Psiqu. y Derm.)
Área (Departamento): Área Bioquímica y Biolog.Mole. (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)