Computed Tomography-guided 125I Radioactive Seed Implantation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Pain.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the short-term curative effect of computed tomography (CT) guided radioactive 125I (125-Iodine) seed implantation (CTRISI) therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer patients pain.
Study Design: Interventional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Imaging Department and Oncology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China, from January 2015 to March 2017.
Methodology: A total of thirty-seven patients with advanced pancreatic cancer pain who underwent CTRISI were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were coagulation disorder, multi-organ failure, co-existent pancreatitis and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Cancer pain levels and daily hydroxycodone dose were compared before and after CTRISI, using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Complication after procedure were also noted.
Results: All patients were successfully implanted with 125I seeds via CT. After 1-week, 1-month and 2-month of implantation, the NRS scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores (p<0.05). The daily dose of hydroxycodone in one week and one month after operation were significantly lower than preoperation (p<0.001). However, after 2-month of implantation, the daily hydroxycodone dose was not different from the preoperative dose (p=0.198). No patient experienced serious complications.
Conclusion: CTRISI could relieve pain effectively in the patients and suppress local tumor progress. This technique helps to relieve the pain symptoms, reduce the amount of painkillers, and improve the quality of life of patients. Key Words: Pancreatic cancer, 125I, radioactive seed implantation, pain, hydroxycodone.