MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to mRNAs. miRNAs affect the course of processes of fundamental importance for the proper functioning of the organism. These processes include cell division, proliferation, differentiation, cell apoptosis and the formation of blood vessels. Altered expression of individual miRNAs has been shown in numerous cancers, which may indicate the oncogenic or suppressor potential of the molecules in question. This paper discusses the current knowledge about the possibility of using miRNA as a diagnostic marker and a potential target in modern anticancer therapies.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ribonucleic acid molecules that play a key role in regulating gene expression. The increasing number of studies undertaken on the functioning of microRNAs in the tumor formation clearly indicates their important potential in oncological therapy. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. The expression of miRNAs released into the bloodstream appears to be a good indicator of progression and evaluation of the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, as indicated by studies. The work reviewed the latest literature on the importance of miRNAs for pancreatic cancer development.

AIM: To assess the value of D-dimer level in determining resectability of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Preoperative prediction of pancreatic head cancer resectability remains inaccurate. The use of hemostatic factors may be of potential help, since D-dimers correlate with tumor stage. Single center clinical trial study comprised patients with potentially resectable pancreatic head tumor and without detectable venous thrombosis (n = 64). Resectability was defined as no evidence of nodal involvement, distant spread and no invasion of mesenteric vessels. Final decision of resectability was confirmed intraoperatively. Experienced pancreatic surgeon performed all surgeries. Following the dissection of hepatoduodenal ligament, samples of portal blood and bile were taken. Peripheral blood via central line and urine via Foley catheter were sampled. D-dimer levels were further measured. RESULTS: At laparotomy only 29 (45.3%) tumors were found to be resectable. Our analysis showed higher by 57.5% (P < 0.001) mean D-dimer values in peripheral and 43.7% (P = 0.035) in portal blood of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Significant differences were not observed when analyzing D-dimer levels in bile and urine. Peripheral D-dimer level correlated with pancreatic cancer resectability. When cut-off D-dimer value of 570.6 μg/L was used, the sensitivity for assessment of tumor unresectability was 82.8%. Furthermore, D-dimer level in peripheral blood of metastatic disease (n = 15) was significantly higher when compared to locally advanced (n = 20) pancreatic cancer (2470 vs 1168, P = 0.029). The area under ROC curve for this subgroup of patients was 0.87; for determination of unresectable disease when threshold of 769.8 μg/L was used, sensitivity and specificity was 86.6% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer based on preoperative imaging studies and high D-dimer level may be considered unresectable due to occult hepatic metastases. These patients may benefit from diagnostic laparoscopy to avoid exploratory laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) will have been the second leading cancer-related death in the United States by 2020, according to current estimation. Its late manifestation and the lack of good early detection methods are the cause of extremely

Currently pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Because of its late manifestation and consequent dismal prognosis, there is an urgent need to develop highly sensitive and specific marker. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) recently emerged as a protein playing an important role in carcinogenesis of various neoplasms. Our aim was to assess the potential of urine and bile concentration of NGAL in differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis. Forty-two patients operated on due to pancreatobiliary lesions were enrolled in this study. All enrolled patients had eGFR within reference range. Levels of CEA, CA 125 and Ca19-9 were assessed using standard laboratory protocols. A sample of urine was collected prior to the surgery. Intraoperatively a 5 ml sample of bile was collected directly from the common bile duct. Bile and urine levels of NGAL were measured using a ELISA kit. After standard pathological examination of specimens obtained during surgery, patients were divided into 2 groups: 21 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 15 patients with focal chronic pancreatitis. NGAL concentration in bile in patients with PDAC vs CP was 75.72 ± 16.05 ng/mL vs 62.62 ± 18.6 ng/mL respectively (p= 0,011). NGAL concentration in urine was 43.26 ± 21.21 ng/mL vs 17.96 ± 14.58 ng/mL (p= 0.002) respectively. In order to compare these markers with routinely used ones, ROC curve was built for Ca125 to establish cutoff point and in case of CA19-9 clinically used cutoff (≥ 37U/mL) was applied. Sensitivity and specificity for NGALurine with cutoff value of 27 ng/mL was 80.95% and 80% respectively, while these values for NGALbile were 71.43% and 80% respectively. Ca19-9 measured in plasma with clinically used cutoff value had sensitivity of 71.43% and specificity of 73.33%. Sensitivity and specificity for Ca 125 measured in plasma with cutoff value of 13 U/mL were 85.71% and 66.67% respectively. In conclusion, NGAL in urine and bile are remarkably accurate in differentiating pancreatic mass due to chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore, NGAL concentrations in bile and urine should be further investigated in order to assess their usefulness in early pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis.

Cancer stem cells (CSC) play an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis and prognosis. The study aimed at examining the expression of CD24, CD44, and CD133 in human PDAC and CP in order to evaluate its clinicopathological correlations and the clinical significance. Surgical specimens from 23 patients with PDAC and 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis after pancreatic resection were stained with CD24, CD44, and CD133 antibodies. The intensity of staining was scored from 0 (negative) to 3 (strongly positive). Results. Mean CD24 staining score in PDAC was 1.38 ± 0.76 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 0.70 ± 0.53 (p<0.01); CD44 score in PDAC was 2.23 ± 0.42 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 1.87 ± 0.55 (p<0.05); CD133 score 0.93 ± 0.58 was not different from CP: 0.71 ± 0.43 (p>0.05). CD44 immunoreactivity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in pT1 and pT2 patients together as regards pT3: 2.45 ± 0.37 versus 2.06 ± 0.38 as well as in N0 patients compared to N1 patients: 2.5 ± 0.38 versus 2.04 ± 0.34. Conclusions. CD24 and CD44 are upregulated in human pancreatic cancer compared to chronic pancreatitis. CD44 immunoreactivity decreases with the tumor advancement and may represent the negative PDAC prognostic factor. Each CSC marker was differently related to PDAC advancement. CD133 may lack clinical significance in PDAC.