Feasibility of EUS-guided injection of irinotecan-loaded microspheres into the swine pancreas.
BACKGROUND
LC beads (Biocompatibles International plc) are designed for the time-released delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent irinotecan into focal, hypervascularized, hepatic tumors.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of EUS-guided injection of LC beads (with/without irinotecan) into the swine pancreas.


METHODS
Survival animal study.


METHODS
Academic center.


METHODS
This study involved 12 Yorkshire swine.


METHODS
LC beads without irinotecan and loaded with up to 300 mg of irinotecan were injected under EUS guidance with a 19-gauge needle into the tail of the pancreas. CT scanning and necropsy with histology were performed at day 7.


METHODS
Feasibility of the injections, gross and microscopic evidence of pancreatic inflammation, and clinical tolerance by the animals.


RESULTS
After injection of LC beads with/without irinotecan, in 10 of 12 animals an intrapancreatic, hyperechoic focus with an average diameter of 2.2 cm was visible by EUS, and a hypodense area in the tail of the pancreas was visible by contrast CT. In 2 animals (1 with irinotecan and 1 without) no beads were seen on CT. In 10 of 12 animals, a depot of beads was located in the tail of the pancreas on gross inspection and histology. Drug depot with only localized pancreatic tissue reactions was seen on histopathologic review.


CONCLUSIONS
Animal study.


CONCLUSIONS
The EUS-guided injection of LC beads (with/without irinotecan) into the pancreas of the pig is feasible and safe. This technique is a potential minimally invasive local treatment option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Cetin
C
Karaca
Sevdenur
S
Cizginer
Yusuf
Y
Konuk
Avinash
A
Kambadakone
Brian G
BG
Turner
Mari
M
Mino-Kenudson
Dushyant V
DV
Sahani
Chelsea
C
Macfarlane
William
W
Brugge
D000818:Animals; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007267:Injections; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008863:Microspheres; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin