EUS-guided photodynamic therapy of the pancreas: a pilot study

Gastrointest Endosc. 2004 Jan;59(1):95-9. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(03)02361-7.

Abstract

Background: Photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer by using percutaneously placed light catheters has been reported. The feasibility and safety of EUS-guided photodynamic therapy of the pancreas was studied in a porcine model.

Methods: After injection of porfimer sodium, a 19-gauge needle was inserted into the pancreas, the liver, the spleen, and the kidney under EUS guidance. A small diameter quartz optical fiber was passed through the EUS needle and used to illuminate the tissue with laser light. The tissue response to photodynamic therapy was examined.

Results: Localized tissue necrosis was achieved in all organs, without significant complication. There was no significant difference in inflammation induced by photodynamic therapy within the various organs.

Conclusions: EUS-guided photodynamic therapy is a safe and simple technique that can induce small areas of focal tissue ablation within the liver, the pancreas, the kidney, and the spleen, and potentially could be used to treat a variety of benign and malignant conditions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endosonography*
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Swine