CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of treatment with CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) of locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC). Methods Patients with unresectable radiographic stage ⅢLAPC were prospectively collected. Comprehensive blood and imaging (CT,MRI,PET-CT) baseline examinations were completed and analyzed preoperatively. Operations were performed under general anesthesia and the needles were inserted under the guidance of CT. Ablative parameters were altered depending on the tumor size, anatomical location, and the number of electrodes. Needle withdrawal combined segmental ablation was chosen and the active electrode exposure length was 1 cm. All the imaging and serological follow-up examinations were performed within 1 to 3 days after procedures, at day 7 postoperatively, 1 and 3 months postoperatively to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IRE(according to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumours of WHO). Results All the procedures were completed successfully. Immediately postoperative CT and/or MRI images showed all the ablation areas were well-defined and presented low-density necrosis without enhancement. The CT scans at day 7 postoperatively showed all the 14 lesions were drastically necrotized and the surrounding tissues were unharmed. CT and/or MRI scans at 1 month postoperatively revealed hypodense or low signal ablation areas without enhancement and the peritumoral and involved vessels and pancreatic duct were undamaged. All the patients had a CA199 transient rising, but it decreased progressively within 3 days and then markedly decreased at 1 weak and 1 month postoperatively. The laboratory carcino-embryonic antigen was almost within normal lists. Peripancreatic exudation was noted in 3 cases immediately after the procedures. One patient developed retroperitoneal infection. Mesenteric(2 of 4)and portal(2 of 4)venous thrombosis were found on MRI images in 4 patients. One patient had a duodenum stenosis and 1 died from serious gastrointestinal bleeding 2.5 months after IRE(unclear etiopathogenisis). The postoperative 3 months dynamic imaging showed that 4 of 13 reached complete response (CR) ,7 of 13 reached partial response (PR) and 2 of 13 had stable disease (SD). Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous IRE is safe and effective in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.