Hereditary pancreatitis, or HP, confers a 40% to 60% chance of developing pancreatic cancer. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Linda Hasadsri, M.D., Ph.D., and Huong T. Cabral, M.S., C.G.C., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' curated panel facilitates accurate diagnosis of HP, to guide cancer monitoring.

"Testing for hereditary pancreatitis is recommended for all patients with two or more episodes of unexplained pancreatitis, especially if those episodes — or even just symptoms — started in childhood," Dr. Hasadsri says.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories was among the first to offer testing for HP and has deep expertise with the condition. The lab's next-generation sequencing panel includes the four genes (PRSS1, CFTR, SPINK1 and CTRC) with the strongest causative links to HP.

A number of competitors' panels include additional genes that lack proven clinical utility. "Therefore, any results you get from these genes could be equivocal at best," Dr. Hasadsri says. "Bigger isn't necessarily better — especially when it comes to a complex disorder like pancreatitis."

Mayo Clinic Laboratories' panel also includes a custom-developed Sanger sequencing assay. "That bespoke assay helps us avoid the false positive results seen by other labs. It really can make the difference when it comes to this condition," Dr. Hasadsri says.

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' hereditary pancreatitis panel.

Note: Podcasts will not play back on Internet Explorer. Please use an alternative web browser, or listen from your mobile device on a preferred listening app.

Testing

HPANP   | Hereditary Pancreatitis Gene Panel, Varies

The latest

Unique Test Screens for Recently Identified Peripheral Neuropathy: Matthew Schultz, Ph.D., and Amy White, M.S., CGC

September 24, 2024

Matthew J. Schultz, Ph.D., and Amy L. White, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique urine assay (Mayo ID: SORD) screens for peripheral neuropathy arising from SORD gene variants. Although recently identified, SORD-related peripheral neuropathy is fairly common.

Panel Detects Demyelinating Neuropathy Biomarkers: John Mills, Ph.D., and Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S.

September 17, 2024

John Mills, Ph.D., and Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new test panel can distinguish among various potential causes of demyelinating neuropathies. Test results are important for managing these devastating autoimmune conditions.

Genetic Tests Identify Risk of Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Toxicity: Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D.

September 10, 2024

Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique genetic tests identify patients at high risk of severe reactions to fluoropyrimidines — a type of chemotherapy drug. Test results can guide clinical decision-making for safer cancer treatment.

View MoreView Less