EUS-guided photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for ablation of normal pancreatic tissue: a pilot study in a porcine model (with video).
BACKGROUND
EUS-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the photosensitizing agent porfimer sodium has been shown to be effective in ablation of pancreatic tissue.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of EUS PDT with verteporfin, a photosensitizer associated with less photosensitivity.


METHODS
Prospective investigation of 6 swine that received an IV injection of 6 mg/m2 of verteporfin before EUS.


METHODS
Hospital animal laboratory.


METHODS
The tail of the pancreas was located with EUS and was used to guide the placement of a light catheter. The pancreatic tail was exposed to 10, 15, or 20 minutes of laser light (689 nm).


METHODS
Follow-up abdominal CT, liver and renal function tests, and serum pancreatic enzymes levels were performed. Histology of the pancreas was obtained 7 days after the procedure on necropsy.


RESULTS
Localized tissue necrosis within the pancreatic tail (range 6.6-30.5 mm in diameter) was seen in all animals. The diameter of the necrotic tissue was directly related to the dose of light. No post-procedural complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Normal animal model (lack of malignant tissue).


CONCLUSIONS
EUS-guided PDT of porcine pancreas with verteporfin achieved localized pancreatic tissue ablation in a dose-related fashion.
Yusuf
Tony E
TE
GI Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Matthes
Kai
K
Brugge
William R
WR
D000818:Animals; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin