Multisite Is Superior to Single-Site Intratumoral Chemotherapy to Retard the Outcomes of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in a Murine Model

Introduction: Locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has a dismal prognosis, with intratumoral therapies showing limited benefits. We assume that the dense stroma within these tumors hampers drug dispersion. Aim: This study explores the efficacy of multisite intratumoral injections i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Janette Lazarovits, Ron Epelbaum, Jesse Lachter, Yaron Amikam, Jacob Ben Arie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Cancers
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/24/5801
Description
Summary:Introduction: Locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has a dismal prognosis, with intratumoral therapies showing limited benefits. We assume that the dense stroma within these tumors hampers drug dispersion. Aim: This study explores the efficacy of multisite intratumoral injections in improving a drug’s distribution while minimizing its side effects. Methods and Results: In mice with orthotopic LAPC tumors, weekly intratumoral injections of oxaliplatin at four separate sites reduced the tumor growth by 46% compared with saline (<i>p</i> < 0.003). Oxaliplatin exhibited the greatest impact on the tumor microenvironment relative to gemcitabine, Abraxane, or their combination, with increased necrosis, apoptosis, fibroblasts, inflammation, and infiltrating lymphocytes (<i>p</i> < 0.008). When combined with intravenous FOLFIRINOX (FFX), multisite intratumoral oxaliplatin reduced the tumor weight by 35% compared with single-site injection (<i>p</i> = 0.007). No additional visible toxicity was observed even at a 10-fold occurrence of intratumoral treatment. This co-modality treatment significantly improved survival compared with other groups (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Conclusions: Multisite intratumoral therapy in tandem with systemic treatment holds promise for reducing the tumor size and enhancing the overall survival in LAPC.
ISSN:2072-6694