Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided interstitial chemotherapy in the pancreas: results in a canine model.

Sun S, Wang S, Ge N, Lei T, Lu Q, Zhou Z, Yang A, Wang Z, Sun M

Endoscopy Center, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. Sunsy@cmu2h.com

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Interstitial chemotherapy using surgically implanted, biodegradable polymers has been reported. Our aim in this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided interstitial chemotherapy of the pancreas in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A therapeutic 19-gauge needle with a large channel was inserted into the pancreas under EUS guidance. The polymers for sustained intratumoral release of 5-fluorouracil were implanted into the tissue by the needle. After 14 days of clinical observation, the animals were sacrificed and the tissue response to the local chemotherapy was examined. RESULTS: All the polymers were implanted successfully and no implant migration occurred. Localized tissue fibrous necrosis was achieved in the pancreas, without significant complications. The apoptotic index of the tissue within 1 cm of the focus increased. Biochemical parameters were normal in all the dogs. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided implantation of polymers is a safe, simple, and minimally invasive technique for interstitial chemotherapy in the pancreas.

Published 7 June 2007 in Endoscopy, 39(6): 530-4.
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