Objective: To verify the feasibility of regional intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with gemcitabine for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Methods: 10 Beagle dogs were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. In the experimental group, gemcitabine (45 mg/kg) were infused via a transfemorally placed catheter into the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. IAC was given over 30 min with the help of DSA. In the control group, chemotherapy was performed via peripheral veins with the same dosage as the experimental group. Blood samples, heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and parapancreatic tissues were obtained for drug concentration determination and pathological examination.
Results: The serum concentration of experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group 2 hr, 4 hr and 8 hr after treatment (P < 0.05). Area under curve after dosage-based calibration in experimental group was much higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The mean retention time of the drug in the animal body was significantly longer in experimental group than in control group. Pancreatic gemcitabine titer in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group 4 hr and 8 hr after drug administration. There were a large number of red blood cells in the renal glomerulus and tubules, congestion and hemorrahge in the pulmonary capillaries and myocardium in the control group according to pathological examinations. However, infiltration of neutrophilic white blood cells, hemorrahge and fibrinous exudation were present in parapancreatic tissues which were absent in the group.
Conclusion: Regional intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with gemcitabine could increase serum and pancreatic drug concentration, prolongs retention time of the drug in the animal body, and is feasible in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.