ASGE Releases Updated Pancreatic Cancer Guidelines

The American College of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recently released updated guidelines relating to pancreatic cancer screenings for patients with additional genetic susceptibility. The guidelines were originally published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on May 1^st.

“These guidelines addressed the following clinical questions using the GRADE format,” the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy article reads.

• 1. Should individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer because of genetic susceptibility undergo screening for pancreatic cancer?
• 2. Should individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer because of genetic susceptibility undergo screening with endoscopic ultrasound EUS or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
• 3. (a) Should individuals with the BRCA2 pathogenic variant undergo screening for pancreatic cancer?
  • (b) Should individuals with the BRCA1 pathogenic variant undergo screening for pancreatic cancer?”

Prior to the updated pancreatic cancer guidelines, screenings were limited to those with a family history of the disease. Now, those who possess the BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant genes are now recommended for screenings regardless of family history.

With advancements in chemotherapy regiments combating BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancers, these guideline revisions fit perfectly into ASGE’s standard five-year guideline review process, and it is noted that the age to begin these screenings is dependent on each patient’s situation.

To read the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy article, click here.