Ruben Lopez-Benitez MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Levent Kara MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gregory Cruise, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To characterize gemcitabine loaded hydrogel elution devices (GLH-elution devices) using in vitro and in vivo methods as first intravascular prototypes for local treatment in pancreatic tumors.

To determine the in vitro elution, the GLH-elution devices were placed in 0.9% saline at 37 °C. Periodically, the saline was collected and analyzed for gemcitabine content using liquid chromatography. To determine the in vivo elution of gemcitabine a10 cm, 35-system gemcitabine-loaded hydrogel device was placed into the gastroduodenal artery of every pig. Blood samples were collected periodically for gemcitabine and 2’,2’-difluoro-2’-deoxyuridine quantitation using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Follow-up angiography was performed at 30 days post-embolization. Harvested tissues were evaluated histologically.  

All the evaluated devices demonstrated a certain degree of gemcitabine elution, in vitro as in vivo. The in vitro elution of gemcitabine from the embolic device was rapid, as elution ceased after 2 hours. All 6 pigs were successfully embolizated and survived the 30-day period. Similar to the in vitro elution, the plasma levels of gemcitabine spiked within 15 minutes of embolization and returned to baseline levels by 1 week post-embolization. As expected, the plasma levels of 2’,2’-difluoro-2’-deoxyuridine peaked later than gemcitabine, between 1 and 3 hours post-embolization. Histologically, no evidence of inflammatory changes were observed.

The first local elution devices designed for a porcine model with possible future applications in cases of pancreatic neoplams showed during the first experimental phase positive local drug elution.

With this model, it will be feasible to deliver a targeted therapy nearby pancreatic tumoral areas, with sustained local drug release.

Lopez-Benitez, R, Kara, L, Cruise, G, New Intravascular Elution Device for the Interventional Radiological Treatment of Pancreatic Neoplasms. In vitro an in vivo First Results.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14017857.html