Surveillance for the early diagnosis of familial pancreatic cancer (Expert consensus)

Abstract

The incidence of pancreatic cancer in families with at least two affected first-degree relatives who have pancreatic cancer is significantly higher than in the general population. In 2014, the Japan Pancreas Society started the nationwide Japan Familial Pancreatic Cancer Registry to investigate familial pancreatic cancer in Japan. The aim of this paper is to describe an expert consensus for surveillance in people with an increased risk using the Japan Familial Pancreatic Cancer Registry. A working group constituted by experts in imaging and genetic diagnosis of pancreatic cancer first proposed 22 statements regarding (1) the definition of those at high risk, (2) initial work-up and (3) follow-up of the high-risk group. Agreement of the councilors of Japan Pancreas Society was obtained for the 21 of the 22 statements by a vote. We expect that this expert consensus will contribute to the early diagnosis and an improved prognosis in people with familial pancreatic cancer.