Measuring kras mutations in pancreatic cyst fluid by droplet digital pcr and next-generation sequencing

DNA-based testing of pancreatic cyst fluid, obtained with endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), may be useful in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN). Mutations in KRAS/GNAS are highly specific for mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasm and can be detected by next generation sequencing (NGS; multiple genes simultaneously) or by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR; one gene at a time, but presumed higher sensitivity). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate and compare NGS and ddPCR for measuring KRAS mutations in cyst fluid.