Background: Intraoperative interstitial brachytherapy has been effective when used at laparotomy to improve local control in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Our aim in this study was to investigate the feasibility and the safety of EUS-guided brachytherapy of the pancreas in a porcine model.
Methods: A modified 18-gauge needle with radioactive seeds was inserted, under EUS guidance, into the pancreas. The radioactive seeds were implanted into the tissue by the needle. After 14 days of clinical observation, the animals were euthanized, and the tissue response to brachytherapy was examined.
Observations: All the seeds were successfully implanted, and no migration occurred. Localized tissue necrosis and fibrosis was achieved in the pancreas, without significant complication. One pig had mild hyperlipasemia. Biochemical parameters were normal in the remaining pigs.
Conclusions: EUS-guided implantation of radioactive seeds is a safe, simple, and minimally invasive technique for interstitial brachytherapy.