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.