Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a useful cytological finding for diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Introduction Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts that play a crucial role in the invasiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, the cytological features and diagnostic significance of CAFs based on pancreatic duct brushing cytology (PDBC) were evaluated. Methods The prevalence of fibrous stroma (FS) including CAFs on PDBC in 42 PDAC cases and 33 benign cases was retrospectively investigated. The average nuclear size of fibroblasts was compared between PDAC and benign cases to distinguish CAFs from normal FS. Results Overall, FS was observed in 25 PDAC cases (60%) and eight benign cases (24%). The average nuclear size of FS in PDAC cases was significantly larger than that in benign cases. From the receiver operating characteristics analysis, the cut-off value of the nuclear size of FS for the diagnosis of PDAC was defined as 10.22 mu m. FS with nuclei over 10.22 mu m in size in PDAC cases had clear prominent nucleoli. In contrast, FS in benign cases had no clear nucleoli. Thus, CAFs on PDBC were considered to be FS with nuclei over 10.22 mu m in size and prominent nucleoli. The presence of CAFs on PDBC had 100% positive predictive value and specificity for the diagnosis of PDAC. Conclusions This study suggested that CAFs on PDBC could be distinguished from normal FS by large nuclear size (over 10.22 mu m) and prominent nucleoli and that CAFs on PDBC may be used for the diagnosis of PDAC.