X-ray Visualization of Intraductal Ethanol-based Ablative Infusion for Prevention of Breast Cancer in Rabbit Models

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women, with limited proactive interventions for average-risk individuals.
• Prophylactic mastectomy is effective for high-risk women but is highly invasive, necessitating less invasive alternatives.
• Previous research demonstrated the efficacy of intraductal (ID) ethanol delivery in rodent models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a non-invasive ID delivery procedure for targeted ablation of mammary epithelial cells.
• To establish a large-animal model (rabbit) that closely mimics human breast ductal anatomy for preclinical testing.
• To address technical challenges in scalability, real-time imaging, and multi-duct delivery for potential clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Intraductal delivery of 10-70% ethanol solutions containing iohexol (X-ray contrast agent) into the rabbit mammary gland multi-ductal system.
• Utilized fluoroscopy-guided delivery for real-time imaging and precise instrument placement.
• Conducted tissue analysis to assess epithelial ablation and collateral damage.

Main Results:

• Successfully established a fluoroscopy-guided, multi-duct ID delivery protocol in a rabbit model.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of delivering ablative solutions throughout the ductal tree.
• Initiated tissue analysis to optimize ethanol concentration for maximal efficacy and minimal damage.

Conclusions:

• The rabbit mammary gland serves as a suitable large-animal model for developing ID ablative procedures.
• Fluoroscopy-guided ID ethanol delivery is a technically feasible approach for targeting mammary epithelial cells.
• This research provides a foundation for future clinical trials evaluating ID ethanol ablation for breast cancer primary prevention.