Original article	Endoscopy 2007; 39: 530-534 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966353
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided interstitial chemotherapy in the pancreas: results in a canine model
S.  Sun1, S.  Wang1, N.  Ge1, T.  Lei1, Q.  Lu1, Z.  Zhou1, A.  Yang2, Z.  Wang3, M.  Sun4
1 Endoscopy Center, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China 2 Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China 3 The China PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China 4 Endoscopy Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China

Background and study aim: Interstitial chemotherapy using surgically implanted, biodegradable polymers has been reported. Our aim in this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided interstitial chemotherapy of the pancreas in a canine model.

Materials and methods: A therapeutic 19-gauge needle with a large channel was inserted into the pancreas under EUS guidance. The polymers for sustained intratumoral release of 5-fluorouracil were implanted into the tissue by the needle. After 14 days of clinical observation, the animals were sacrificed and the tissue response to the local chemotherapy was examined.

Results: All the polymers were implanted successfully and no implant migration occurred. Localized tissue fibrous necrosis was achieved in the pancreas, without significant complications. The apoptotic index of the tissue within 1 cm of the focus increased. Biochemical parameters were normal in all the dogs.

Conclusions: EUS-guided implantation of polymers is a safe, simple, and minimally invasive technique for interstitial chemotherapy in the pancreas.