Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, toxicity and survival of intraoperative 125I brachytherapy combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Methods: Thirty-six patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were randomized to two groups: brachy-chemotherapy group (n = 18) and control group (n = 18). For the combined group, intraoperative 125I implantation and gemcitabine, 5-Fu were given. For the control group, intratumoral injection of absolute alcohol was done.
Results: The CR + PR rate of brachy-chemotherapy group was 38.9% with pain relief in 77.8%, while that of control group was 0 with pain relief in 22.2% (P < 0.05). Although there were some toxicity in brachy-chemotherapy group, treatment was well tolerated. The 6-, 12-month survival rates of brachy-chemotherapy group were 71.4% and 21.4% and those of control group were 38.5% and 7.7%, respectively. The median survival time was 10.6 months and 5.2 months for the two groups, between which the difference was significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Interoperative 125I brachytherapy combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer can control tumor, relieve pain and improve quality of life. It is safe and effective.