ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of CT-guided ~(125)I seed implantation with simple Gemcitabine chemotherapy for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Forty-six untreated patients with unresectable advanced pancreatic carcinoma were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 22), treated with ~(125)I seed implantation and group B (n = 24), treated with intravenous chemotherapy using Gemcitabine only. The clinical benefit response (CBR), objective tumor response (OTR), safety and the improvement of living quality were evaluated and analyzed. Results Three months after the treatment, the OTR rate of group A and group B was 45.5% and 8.33% respectively (P < 0.05). The CBR rate of group A and group B was 47.1% and 25% respectively (P < 0.05). No significant difference in PFS between group A and group B (P > 0.05). And also, the incidence of hematological toxicity and complication between two groups were of no significant difference. Conclusion For the treatment of advanced unresectable pancreatic carcinoma, both simple Gemcitabine chemotherapy and ~(125)I seed implantation are able to obtain a moderate objective response, although ~(125)I seed implantation seems to be more effective than Gemcitabine in improving the living quality and survival rate.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous interstitial implantation of ~(125)I seeds into the pancreas of pig under CT-guidance. Methods Twelve healthy pigs were equally divided into 6 groups.~(125)I seed implantation into the pancreatic tail under CT-guidance was performed in pigs of study groups (group A-E), while ghost seeds that contained no radioactive materials were used in the control group (group F). Imaging examination and laboratory tests, including serum amylase, hepatic and renal functions, were conducted before and 1, 7, 15, 21, 30, 60 days after the procedure. Every two pigs (group A-E) were sacrificed each time at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after treatment, and specimens of pancreas, duodenum, liver, kidney, etc. were collected and sent for pathologic examination. Results The ~(125)I seeds were successfully implanted in all pigs. During the follow-up period, no severe complications occurred. Imaging and pathologic studies demonstrated that in study groups necrosis of pancreatic tissue appeared around the implanted ~(125)I seeds in 15 days, the necrosis area increased significantly in 45 and 60 days, and in 75 days the necrosis size remained quite the same as seen in 60 days. No necrosis was found in the control group (group F) 60 days after treatment. No serious complications, such as effusions, hemorrhage or necrosis of the adjacent duodenum, stomach, liver or kidney, occurred 75 days after the treatment. Conclusion Percutaneous interstitial implantation of ~(125)I seeds into the pig's pancreas under CT-guidance is safe and feasible.