Aim
This study explores the efficacy of multisite intratumoral injections in improving a drug's distribution while minimizing its side effects.
Conclusions
Multisite intratumoral therapy in tandem with systemic treatment holds promise for reducing the tumor size and enhancing the overall survival in LAPC.
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 (p < 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 (p < 0.008). When combined with intravenous FOLFIRINOX (FFX), multisite intratumoral oxaliplatin reduced the tumor weight by 35% compared with single-site injection (p = 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 (p = 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.