A Multi-Institutional Safety and Feasibility Study Exploring the Use of Hydrogel to Create Spatial Separation between the Pancreas and Duodenum in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

The administration of dose-escalated radiation for pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains challenging due to the proximity of dose-limiting stomach and bowel, particularly the duodenum for pancreatic head tumors. We explore whether endoscopic injection of a temporary, absorbable hydrogel into the pancreatico-duodenal (PD) groove is safe and feasible for the purpose of increasing spatial separation between pancreatic head tumors and the duodenum.Six patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent endoscopic injection of hydrogel into the PD groove. Safety was assessed based on the incidence of procedure-related adverse events resulting in a delay of radiation therapy initiation. Feasibility was defined as the ability to create spatial separation between the pancreas and duodenum, as assessed on simulation CT.All six patients were able to undergo endoscopic injection of hydrogel into the PD groove. No device-related events were experienced at any point in follow-up. Presence of hydrogel in the PD groove was apparent on simulation CT in all six patients. Mean space created by the hydrogel was 7.7 mm +/- 2.4 mm. In three patients who underwent Whipple resection, presence of hydrogel in the PD groove was pathologically confirmed with no evidence of damage to the duodenum.Endoscopic injection of hydrogel into the PD groove is safe and feasible. Characterization of the dosimetric benefit that this technique may offer in the setting of dose-escalated radiation should also be pursued, as should the ability of such dosimetric benefit to translate into clinically improved tumor control.