Recombinant human adenovirus-p53 improves the outcome of mid-late stage pancreatic cancer via arterial infusion

The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and clinical value of recombinant human adenovirus-p53 (rAd-p53) perfusion via the pancreatic artery for the treatment of mid-late stage pancreatic cancer. rAd-p53 (2×1012 virus particles) in 6 ml normal saline was pushed (intravenous bolus) into the gastroduodenal and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries via interventional superselection, with the catheter retained for subsequent drug administration at a 3-day interval for 4 cycles. Tumor changes in all patients were observed to evaluate tumor response by computed tomography (CT) at 2, 8 and 16 weeks post-treatment. The following improvements were noted in the 23-patient cohort: A total of 73.9% (17/23) of patients demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage (>20%); the symptoms of abdominal and back pain were relieved in 15 patients; the survival time was >12 months in 1 patient and >6 months in 14 patients; the patient's general condition, including appetite, was improved in 13 patients; body weight was increased in 9 patients; jaundice was attenuated in 12 patients; and ascites subsided in 10 patients. However, the therapeutic outcome was poor in 2 patients whose tumors size did not show significant change after treatment as detected by CT. These 2 patients succumbed within 6 months. In conclusion, rAd-p53 perfusion via the pancreatic artery is a safe and minimally invasive option for the treatment of mid-late stage pancreatic cancer.