EUS-guided photodynamic therapy of the pancreas: a pilot study.
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.
Chan
Hoi-Hung
HH
Gastrointestinal Unit, Gastrointestinal Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Nishioka
Norman Shizuaki
NS
Mino
Mari
M
Lauwers
Gregory Yves
GY
Puricelli
William Peter
WP
Collier
Kerry Naomi
KN
Brugge
William Robert
WR
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019160:Endosonography; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013552:Swine