The efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation of pancreatic cysts with alcohol and paclitaxel: a systematic review

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Jan;31(1):1-9. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000001297.

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreatic cyst ablation with alcohol lavage or paclitaxel-based regimens are investigative modalities. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided pancreatic cyst ablation with alcohol lavage or paclitaxel-based regimens. A systematic review of computerized bibliographic databases was carried out for studies of EUS-guided pancreatic cyst ablation with alcohol lavage or paclitaxel-based regimens from January 1980 to February 2018. EUS-guided cyst ablation-related outcomes (cyst resolution) and complications. Data were extracted from six studies (N=207 patients) for EUS-guided cyst ablation with alcohol lavage and eight studies (N=347 patients) for EUS-guided cyst ablation with paclitaxel-based regimens. The pooled proportion of patients with complete cyst resolution was 68/207 (32.8%) for EUS-guided cyst ablation with alcohol lavage and 221/347 (63.6%) for EUS-guided cyst ablation with paclitaxel. Postablation adverse events with EUS-guided ablation with alcohol lavage were 44/207 (21.7%), and those with EUS-guided ablation with paclitaxel-based regimens were 52/347 (15%). Limitations of this study are because of the variability in study design and regimens tested, paucity of randomized trials, and differences in pancreatic cyst types receiving treatment. EUS-guided cyst ablation appears to be effective and safe. The effect on pancreatic cancer incidence is unknown; EUS-guided pancreatic cyst ablation modalities require further improvement and validation to determine their role in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cystic lesions.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques* / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Endosonography*
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage*
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage*
  • Paclitaxel / adverse effects
  • Pancreatic Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Cyst / pathology
  • Pancreatic Cyst / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Ethanol
  • Paclitaxel