ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of combined use of implantation of (125)I seeds with regional arterial infusion chemotherapy on late-staged pancreatic carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>During operation, (125)I seeds were implanted into tumor parenchyma or operative beds for 7 patients with pathological diagnosis of late-staged pancreatic carcinoma, then chemotherapy pump was implanted into common hepatic artery or celiac artery through left gastric artery or right epigastric artery. Gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2)) plus fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2)) was used for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy once a week for 7 consecutive weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean number of implanted (125)I seeds was 42 and the mean dose was 29.4 mCi. The mean follow-up time was 245 days. Rate of pain relief was 100%, metastasis foci was reduced in 2 cases. CA-19-9 Antigen level decreased to normal in all patients. Pancreatic fistula occurred in one case and was cured with conservative therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The combination therapy is effective for late-staged pancreatic carcinoma, it brings symptom relief and improvement in quality of life.</p>