| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of the p53 protein for diagnosing cancer in pancreatic cells obtained by using endoscopic pancreatic duct brushing. METHODS: Immunohistochemical methods were used to assay the amount of p53 protein in cytological specimens. The results were compared with those obtained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS: Detection of the p53 protein by staining cytological specimens with H&E diagnosed pancreatic cancer with 53% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 70% accuracy. Using immunohistochemical methods, pancreatic cancer was diagnosed with 59% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 74% accuracy. The methods in combination produced a test with 71% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 81% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Hematoxylin and eosin staining combined with p53 protein detection in cells obtained by using endoscopic pancreatic duct brushing is a useful tool in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and in the differentiation of benign and malignant pancreatic disease. |
