Circulating Thrombospondin-2 enhances prediction of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Abstract Background IPMNs are cystic pancreatic lesions with variable malignant potential. Thrombospondin-2 (THBS2)—an endogenous, anti-angiogenic matrix glycoprotein—may modulate tumor progression. We hypothesized that circulating levels of THBS2 could aid in preoperative prediction of malignant IPMN. Methods Preoperative serum/plasma samples were procured from patients undergoing surgery. Circulating levels of THBS2 were measured (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and compared to surgical pathology IPMN dysplastic grade. Results 164 patients underwent THBS2 testing (100 Low/Moderate-IPMN; 64 High-Grade/Invasive-IPMN). Circulating THBS2 (mean ± SD) was greater in High-Grade/Invasive-IPMN than Low/Moderate-grade IPMN (26.6 ± 12.7 ng/mL vs. 20.4 ± 8.2 ng/mL; P  Conclusion Circulating THBS2 is correlated with IPMN dysplasia grade. THBS2 alone did not strongly predict IPMN grade but rather strengthened prediction models for High-Grade/Invasive IPMN when combined with other clinical/biomarker data.