CT-Guided Percutaneous Radioactive ¹²⁵I Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) presents significant treatment challenges.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ¹²⁵I source implantation using a coaxial puncture technique for LAPC treatment.
• To assess patient outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 40 LAPC patients treated with CT-guided ¹²⁵I particle implantation.
• Preoperative planning using a treatment system and coaxial puncture for particle delivery.
• Postoperative CT follow-up at 2, 4, and 6 months to assess treatment response and complications.

Main Results:

• Successful implantation in all patients with a high overall response rate (50.0% at 6 months).
• Median OS of 11.0 months and median PFS of 9.0 months.
• Low rates of severe intraoperative complications and manageable side effects; no acute radiation damage above grade II observed.

Conclusions:

• Coaxial puncture ¹²⁵I source implantation is a safe and effective percutaneous minimally invasive option for LAPC.
• The technique demonstrates potential for improving survival outcomes in LAPC patients.
• Further research into this promising therapeutic approach is warranted.