The intraoperative staging systems in the management of peritoneal surface malignancy

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastases

Gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases (GC-PM) carries a poor prognosis and estimated survival is less than 6 to 12 months. One potential treatment of GC-PM is cytoreduction surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Success of this treatment largely relies on tumor biology and patient selection. These operations carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality and their efficacy in GC-PM remains controversial. This study will review the updated literature for CRS ± HIPEC in patients with GC-PM.

Risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury after CRS + HIPEC is a serious postoperative complication, but only a few studies have reported its postoperative risk factors. In addition, there are large discrepancies in the results of available observational studies.

METHODS

We searched The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science,and PubMed to identify observational studies reporting risk factors for AKI after CRS + HIPEC. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of various preoperative and intraoperative risk factors on AKI after CRS + HIPEC.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies were included in this study, comprising 1550 patients who developed AKI after CRS + HIPEC. The results of meta-analysis showed that the significant preoperative risk factors were age, sex, BMI, eGFR, Hb, PCI, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. IO cisplatin, IO SBP < 100 was identified as an intraoperative risk factor, whereas IO mitomycin emerged as a protective factor for postoperative AKI. In addition, the risk of postoperative AKI varied by primary tumor site, with Appendix being less prone to AKI, while mesothelioma and ovarian, two sites with a greatly elevated risk of postoperative AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis identified a number of risk factors for postoperative AKI after CRS + HIPEC. By identifying these risk factors, it is more beneficial for clinicians to perform early preoperative interventions and select the most appropriate treatment strategy for their patients, thus minimizing the risk of postoperative AKI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024585269.

Emerging Trends in the Management of Gastric Malignancy with Peritoneal Dissemination: Same Disease, Heterogeneous Prognosis

Gastric cancer is a significant global contributor to cancer-related mortality. Stage IV gastric cancer represents a significant percentage of patients in Western countries, with peritoneal dissemination being the most prevalent site. Peritoneal disease comprises two distinct entities, macroscopic (P1) and microscopic (P0CY1), which are associated with poor long-term survival rates. Although the present standard of treatment is palliative chemotherapy, a global controversy has arisen concerning specific patients with limited disease burden or conversion to negative lavage cytology following chemotherapy. Available approaches include systemic or intraperitoneal chemotherapy, upfront gastrectomy, and conversion surgery. This review consolidated the current evidence regarding multimodal management, indicating prolonged survival for this distinct subgroup of patients. Considering the complexity of peritoneal metastases, the potential of the multimodal approach unveils promising prospects for identifying the optimal treatment for this particular subset of stage IV patients and thus enhancing their survival outcomes.

INDEPSO-ISPSM Consensus on Peritoneal Malignancies: Management of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases

PURPOSE

This manuscript reports the results of the Indian Network for Development of Peritoneal Surface Oncology and Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (INDEPSO-ISPSM) consensus that aimed to provide recommendations for some important aspects management of patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) and address some issues unique to India.

METHODS

The modified Delphi technique was used with two rounds of voting. There were 29 questions on nine main topics-the role of cytoreductive surgery (CRS), patient selection for CRS, preoperative workup, role of systemic chemotherapy (SC), CPM with other visceral metastases, molecular profile, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and other modalities of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC), prophylactic/preventive strategies, and surveillances after CRS. A consensus was achieved if anyone option received >70 votes (strong consensus >90%).

RESULTS

Forty-eight surgical (n = 41) and gastrointestinal (n = 7) oncologists were invited; 44 agreed to participate. The response rate was 95.4% (42/44) in round 1 and 93.1% (41/44) in round 2. Overall, a consensus was achieved on 23/29 (79.3%) questions (strong consensus on 6/29 [20.6%]). The panel strongly recommended considering surgery for limited CPM with limited liver metastases (92.5%), not altering the surgical approach in patients with KRAS mutations (91.67%), and limiting the use of IPC for unresectable CPM outside clinical trials (95%). Adjuvant SC was recommended for all patients undergoing CRS (89.47%). CRS is a therapeutic option for selected patients with CPM including those with metachronous CPM (79.49) and signet ring cell cancers (76.92%). HIPEC was recommended outside clinical trials only for patients with peritoneal cancer index 11-15(80%).

CONCLUSION

The panel recommended CRS for most indications but was very selective in recommending HIPEC and IPC outside clinical trials. These recommendations should be a useful resource in clinical decision making for clinicians treating CPM in India and regions with a similar sociodemographic background.

Risk factors for postoperative complications in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is one of the most effective treatments for intraperitoneal malignancies. However, current research on risk factors for postoperative complications needs to be more consistent. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the risk factors for postoperative complications in CRS + HIPEC patients.

METHODS

Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were screened by searching the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases. RevMan and STATA software were used to analyze the data extracted from the included articles.

RESULTS

A total of 15 articles with 4021 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that sex, elevated peritoneal cancer index, prolonged duration of surgery and smoking habits were risk factors for postoperative complications in CRS + HIPEC patients. In contrast, BMI, eGFR, age, history of preoperative chemotherapy, history of preoperative surgery, and history of neoadjuvant therapy had no significant effect on postoperative complications in the CRS + HIPEC group. The effects of diabetes, hypertension, preoperative albumin level, tumor location and chemotherapy regimen on the occurrence of complications need to be further investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several risk factors for postoperative complications after CRS + HIPEC, which should help clinicians minimize the incidence of postoperative complications and make more beneficial decisions for cancer patients who need treatment.

Laparoscopic Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Peritoneal Metastasis: Improved Short-term Outcomes Revealed Through Propensity Score Matching Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is the standard of care for selected cases of primary or secondary peritoneal surface malignancies. The study aims to verify the postoperative advantages of laparoscopic CRS-HIPEC.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC at our institution was performed. Records were extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into two groups, laparoscopic CRS-HIPEC and open CRS-HIPEC, and matched for age, ASA, comorbidities, Prior Surgical Score (PSS), and Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) using propensity score analysis. Demographics, clinical, and operative data were compared between the two groups using chi-square or Fisher's exact test and T-test or Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Between 2016 and 2022, 13 patients underwent laparoscopic CRS-HIPEC. These were matched to 32 open CRS-HIPEC patients (1:2.5), obtaining comparable demographics and clinical and preoperative variables. The two groups had a similar duration and complexity of surgery; however, the mean estimated blood loss was lower during laparoscopic procedures (p = 0.008). Overall morbidity rates were lower after laparoscopic CRS-HIPEC (p = 0.043); however, grade III-IV complications, reintervention, and 90-day readmission rates were comparable between the two groups. A faster postoperative recovery in all aspects of the postoperative course was observed, including hospital length of stay (6 vs. 9.5 days, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic CRS-HIPEC is a feasible and safe procedure and shows improved short-term postoperative outcomes in selected patients with limited peritoneal disease compared to the open approach.

Effective Treatment of Anlotinib Combined With Chemotherapy in Children With Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: A Case Series in a Single-center and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a highly aggressive primitive sarcoma with a 5-year survival rate estimated at only 15% to 30%. Although few curative treatment options exist, patients are most often treated with a combination of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Targeted therapy inhibitors of platelet-derived growth factor A, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, which are almost uniformly overexpressed in DSRCT, have largely failed in clinical trials. Anlotinib is a multitarget receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-4, platelet-derived growth factor receptor α/β, c-Kit, and Met. In this study, we presented 3 cases of DSRCT treated effectively with anlotinib combined with chemotherapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

Three children DSRCT patients were enrolled from September 2020 to December 2021 and monitored until August 30, 2022. The clinical data were prospectively studied. The peritoneal cancer index classified all 3 patients as stage IV. After surgery, all 3 patients received anlotinib in combination with chemotherapy and reacted to the medication. For all 3 patients, clinical symptoms were substantially eased, and the size of the masses was reduced. Patient 1 and patient 3's progression-free survival had been extended, and anlotinib was continued as a maintenance medication in the 2 patients who were in good health at the end of the follow-up. Patient 2 died of postoperative complications 1 month after second-stage surgery. The main side effects of anlotinib were fatigue and hypertension. However, its toxicity was controllable and tolerable in children patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report that anlotinib is effective in children with DSRCT. This report may provide an additional option for the treatment of metastatic DSRCT.

Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus R0 resection for resectable colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases and low peritoneal cancer index scores: a collaborative observational study from Korea and Japan

BACKGROUND

The benefits of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis (CPM) remain controversial. R0 resection without peritoneal stripping might be as effective as CRS plus HIPEC. The authors aimed to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with CPM and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) scores less than or equal to 6 who underwent R0 resection in Japan with those who underwent CRS plus HIPEC in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This international, retrospective cohort study was conducted in Korea and Japan using a prospectively collected clinical database. Patients who underwent surgery from July 2014 to December 2021 for CPM with a PCI score of less than or equal to 6 and completeness of the cytoreduction score-0 were included. The primary outcome was relapse-free survival (RFS), and the secondary outcomes were overall survival, peritoneal RFS (PRFS), and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The 3-year RFS was significantly longer in the CRS+HIPEC group than in the R0 resection group: 35.9% versus 6.9% ( P <0.001); 31.0% versus 6.7% ( P =0.040) after propensity score matching. The median PRFS was significantly longer in the CRS+HIPEC group than in the R0 resection group: 24.5 months versus 17.2 months ( P =0.017). The 3-year overall survival and postoperative complications did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RFS and PRFS rates were significantly prolonged after CRS plus HIPEC, whereas postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were not increased. Therefore, curative CRS plus HIPEC may be considered a treatment strategy for selected patients with resectable CPM and low PCI scores.

Combination therapy of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata with endometriosis: A case report

Background

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a non-metastatic, homologous, multicentric benign disorder characterized by small leiomyomas scattered over the peritoneum and omentum. It is a rare and benign disease with invasive potential. LPD mainly attacks women of childbearing age but has also been reported in post-menopausal women, men, and young children. Non-specific clinical and imaging findings of LPD lead to difficult diagnoses and treatment.

Case presentation

This study reports the case of a patient with recurrent LPD with endometriosis after multiple myomectomies and hysterectomy, who presented recurrent abdominal pain with progressive exacerbation. Imaging examinations showed irregular shadows in the pelvic cavity and multiple nodular changes in the peritoneum, which were considered malignant lesions. A solid mass sized 10 cm × 9 cm × 10 cm in the inferior pelvis and nodules scattered over the surface of pelvic and abdominal organs and the peritoneum were detected during the surgery. The patient was treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), peritonectomy, ovarian ablation, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The surgery was challenging, and the intraoperative bleeding reached 900 ml. However, the patient recovered well and achieved a tumor-free survival of 13 months.

Conclusions

It was concluded that a combination of CRS, ovarectomy, and HIPEC might be one of the therapeutic strategies for recurrent LPD.

The Role of Staging Laparoscopy for Gastric Cancer Patients: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

A significant proportion of patients diagnosed with gastric cancer is discovered with peritoneal metastases at laparotomy. Despite the continuous improvement in the performance of radiological imaging, the preoperative recognition of such an advanced disease is still challenging during the diagnostic work-up, since the sensitivity of CT scans to peritoneal carcinomatosis is not always adequate. Staging laparoscopy offers the chance to significantly increase the rate of promptly diagnosed peritoneal metastases, thus reducing the number of unnecessary laparotomies and modifying the initial treatment strategy of gastric cancer. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature regarding the role of staging laparoscopy in the management of gastric cancer. Indications, techniques, accuracy, advantages, and limitations of staging laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology were discussed. Furthermore, a focus on current evidence regarding the application of artificial intelligence and image-guided surgery in staging laparoscopy was included in order to provide a picture of the future perspectives of this technique and its integration with modern tools in the preoperative management of gastric cancer.

Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies by Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Spain: Results of the National Registry of the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Oncologic Surgery (REGECOP)

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (PSM) with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has achieved results never seen before in these patients, which classically have a poor prognosis. The possibility of conducting clinical trials in these diseases is complicated, since some of them are rare, so the analysis of large databases provides very valuable scientific information. The aim of this study is to analyze the global results of the National Registry of the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Oncologic Surgery (REGECOP), whose objective is to register all patients scheduled for HIPEC nationwide.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the data recorded in the REGECOP from 36 Spanish hospitals from 2001 to 2021. There were 4159 surgical interventions in 3980 patients.

RESULTS

66% are women and 34% are men with a median age of 59 years (range 17-86). 41.5% of the patients were treated for Peritoneal Metastases (PM) of colorectal cancer (CRC); 32.4% were women with ovarian cancer (OC) with PM; 12.8% were treated for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP); 6.2% had PM from gastric cancer (GC); 4.9% had PM of non-conventional origin; and, finally, 2.1% of cases were patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. The median Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was 9 (0-39), and complete cytoreduction was achieved in 81.7% of the procedures. Severe morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grade III-IV) was observed in 17.7% of surgeries, with 2.1% mortality. Median hospital stay was 11 days (0-259). Median overall survival (OS) was 41 months for CRC patients, 55 months for women with OC, was not reached in PMP patients, was 14 months for GC patients, and 66 months in mesothelioma patients.

CONCLUSIONS

large databases provide extremely useful data. CRS with HIPEC in referral centers is a safe treatment with encouraging oncologic results in PSM.

Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases: Current Status and Prospects for Treatment

Gastric cancer (GC) has a poor prognostic and only one in four patients will have survived by 5 years after diagnosis. These poor results are due to the fact that most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages; peritoneal metastases (PM) are especially frequent and are difficult to treat. Currently, PM are considered a terminal stage of GC with a poor survival rate and are treated with palliative systemic chemotherapy. Since the beginning of the century, the treatment of PM from different origins has evolved; cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have become the treatment of choice for many malignant diseases that affect the peritoneum. CRS and HIPEC have also been used for patients with GC and PM, achieving survival results that have never been achieved when using systemic chemotherapy alone. The use of HIPEC can even prevent the development of peritoneal recurrences in patients with locally advanced GC as adjuvant therapy, can reduce the volume of peritoneal disease as neoadjuvant therapy, and can control symptoms in a palliative setting. The aim of this review is to collate the current scientific evidence regarding the treatment of PM of GC origin with surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Is Routine Omentectomy a Necessary Component of Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC?

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases traditionally includes omentectomy, even in the absence of visible omental metastases. We sought to determine the rate of occult histologic omental metastasis (OHOM), evaluate morbidity with omentectomy, and examine the rate of omental recurrence among patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

METHODS

All CRS-HIPEC procedures from August 2007 to August 2020 were included in this single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Procedures were divided into those that included greater omentectomy (OM) and those that did not (NOM). The incidence of OHOM was evaluated specifically among the OM group with a grossly normal omentum. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate return of bowel function, ileus, and morbidity in the OM and NOM groups.

RESULTS

Among 683 CRS-HIPEC procedures, 578 (84.6%) included omentectomy and 105 (15.4%) did not. The OM group had higher operative time, blood loss, peritoneal cancer index, number of visceral resections, and length of stay. In the OM group, 72 (12.5%) patients had a grossly normal omentum, and 23 (31.9%) of these had OHOM. Risk-adjusted return of bowel function, ileus, and 60-day complications were no different in the OM and NOM groups. Among 43 patients with residual omentum, 24 (55.8%) recurred, including 9 (20.9%) with omental recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Histologically occult metastasis was present in one-third of patients undergoing omentectomy during CRS-HIPEC. Omentectomy did not increase the rate of overall morbidity, and one-fifth of patients with residual omentum later developed omental recurrence. Thus, omentectomy is warranted in the absence of gross metastases during CRS-HIPEC.

Case Report: Stage IIIc primary malignant mixed Müllerian tumor of the fallopian tube: A case of 5-year disease-free survival after cytoreductive surgery combined with peritoneal resection and adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus carboplatin

Malignant mixed Müllerian tumor (MMMT) of the fallopian tube is rare and has a poor prognosis. For the patient with fallopian tube MMMT, complete resection of the tumor invading the viscera and the peritoneum is a prerequisite for long-term survival. We report a case of stage IIIc MMMT of the fallopian tube treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS), peritoneal resection, and adjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel plus carboplatin), with 5-year tumor-free survival. Postoperative chemotherapy combining platinum and paclitaxel is the most potent adjuvant therapy.

The Impact of Computed Tomography Measurements of Sarcopenia on Postoperative and Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is a treatment option for peritoneal metastases (PM) but is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of computed tomographic (CT)-measured sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes and survival in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC for PM from various origins. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2012 and 2020. Three-hundred and twelve patients (mean age 57.6 ± 10.3, 34.3% male) were included, of which 88 (28.2%) were sarcopenic. PM from a colorectal origin was the most common in both groups. The proportion of major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) was not higher in the sarcopenic group (15.9% in sarcopenic patients vs. 23.2% in nonsarcopenic patients, p = 0.17). The mean Comprehensive Complication Index scores, HIPEC-related toxicities, length of hospital stay, and duration of parenteral nutrition were comparable regardless of sarcopenia status. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis of severe complications, only peritoneal carcinomatosis index reached statistical significance (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.08, p = 0.007). Sarcopenia did not impact origin-specific overall survival on Cox regression analysis. Sarcopenia was not associated with worse rates of postoperative severe complications or worse survival rates. Future prospective studies are required before considering sarcopenia as part of preoperative risk assessment.

HIPEC as a risk factor for postoperative coagulopathy after cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases

AIM OF THE STUDY

Postoperative coagulopathy is a poorly investigated condition after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). This study aims to evaluate the occurrence and risk factors of coagulative disorders after surgery for peritoneal metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records were extracted from a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent CRS between January 2018 and September 2020. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee. For each patient, the coagulation profile (CP), which included international normalized ratio (INR), partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelets (PLTS) before surgery, intensive care unit admission,1st, 3rd, 5th postoperative day (POD) and the day before discharge was collected. Risk factors for postoperative coagulopathy were identified at multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 125 patients were included in the study. Among these, 48 (38.4%) underwent CRS only, and 77 (61.6%) CRS followed by HIPEC. Twenty-one patients (16.8%) developed severe coagulopathy, 5 (10.4%) after CRS and 16 (20.8%) after CRS-HIPEC. At multivariate analysis, HIPEC and blood loss ≥ 500 ml represented independent risk factors for severe alteration of INR > 1.5 (p = 0.05, OR 1.2) and PLTS < 75 10⁹/L (p = 0.03, OR 1.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

HIPEC is an independent risk factor for postoperative coagulopathy after CRS. Further studies are necessary to assess the usefulness of the point-of-care test in patients treated with CRS-HIPEC.

GECOP-MMC: phase IV randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with mytomicin-C after complete surgical cytoreduction in patients with colon cancer peritoneal metastases

BACKGROUND

The French PRODIGE 7 trial, published on January 2021, has raised doubts about the specific survival benefit provided by HIPEC with oxaliplatin 460 mg/m² (30 minutes) for the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. However, several methodological flaws have been identified in PRODIGE 7, specially the HIPEC protocol or the choice of overall survival as the main endpoint, so its results have not been assumed as definitive, emphasizing the need for further research on HIPEC. It seems that the HIPEC protocol with high-dose mytomicin-C (35 mg/m²) is the preferred regime to evaluate in future clinical studies.

METHODS

GECOP-MMC is a prospective, open-label, randomized, multicenter phase IV clinical trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HIPEC with high-dose mytomicin-C in preventing the development of peritoneal recurrence in patients with limited peritoneal metastasis from colon cancer (not rectal), after complete surgical cytoreduction. This study will be performed in 31 Spanish HIPEC centres, starting in March 2022. Additional international recruiting centres are under consideration. Two hundred sixteen patients with PCI ≤ 20, in which complete cytoreduction (CCS 0) has been obtained, will be randomized intraoperatively to arm 1 (with HIPEC) or arm 2 (without HIPEC). We will stratified randomization by surgical PCI (1-10; 11-15; 16-20). Patients in both arms will be treated with personalized systemic chemotherapy. Primary endpoint is peritoneal recurrence-free survival at 3 years. An ancillary study will evaluate the correlation between surgical and pathological PCI, comparing their respective prognostic values.

DISCUSSION

HIPEC with high-dose mytomicin-C, in patients with limited (PCI ≤ 20) and completely resected (CCS 0) peritoneal metastases, is assumed to reduce the expected risk of peritoneal recurrence from 50 to 30% at 3 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT number: 2019-004679-37; Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05250648 (registration date 02/22/2022, ).

Implications of peritoneal cancer index distribution on patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Objectives

Peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score is a common prognostication tool in peritoneal metastases (PM). We hypothesize that the distribution of PCI score and involvement of specific regions affects survival and morbidity outcomes.

Methods

Data was collected from a prospective database of patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PM at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. We evaluate the relationship between PCI, PCI distribution, and survival and morbidity outcomes.

Results

One hundred and fifty-two patients underwent CRS and HIPEC with a median PCI score of nine (range 0–31). Median overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were 43 and 17 months, respectively. Region six (pelvis) was most commonly involved and had the highest frequency of heavy disease burden. Presence of PM in the lower abdomen, flanks, and small bowel were associated with poorer OS (p=0.01, 0.03, <0.001) and PFS (p=0.04, 0.02, <0.001). Involvement of porta hepatitis predicted poorer OS but not PFS (p=0.03). Involvement of the gastric antrum resulted in higher rates of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The pattern of PCI distribution may be associated with varying survival and morbidity outcomes.

Intraperitoneal therapy for gastric cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis

INTRODUCTION

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Multidisciplinary therapies are used in its treatment, but the prognosis for GAC patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) remains poor and there is no effective established approach.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the results of recent clinical studies and recent advances in the management, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In this review, keywords were searched in combination with 'peritoneal carcinomatosis' and 'gastric cancer' in PubMed, and then studies that evaluated peritoneal carcinomatosis associated with gastric cancer were identified through reading them. Several studies were quoted at second hand. Despite recent advances in therapeutic approaches such as systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, debulking surgery, thermal hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and best supportive therapy, further studies are necessary. This review also summarizes molecular biology of GAC patients with PM.

EXPERT OPINION

Each modality is advancing and some have shown therapeutic effects, but none have become standard treatments that exhibit remarkable effects. To improve the prognosis of GAC patients with PM, large-scale clinical trials and further basic research are required.

The many faces of intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy may offer chance for cure for patients with peritoneal metastasis. Many variations emerged, causing uncertainty when choosing the most suitable variant. By reviewing variability encountered in the management of peritoneal metastasis, we aim to raise awareness about this issue and hopefully initiate efforts to solve it. We review variance encountered in all aspects of this complex field of surgical oncology, indications, patient selection criteria, definition and extent of cytoreductive surgery and the numerous variables of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Best benefit was achieved with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and to lesser extent in colorectal, ovarian and gastric cancer, but Indications keep expanding to include other tumors pathologies. Selection of patients depends on numerous prognostic indicators and criteria, according to tumor extent and pathology. The standard definition of cytoreductive surgery remains the same, but the boundaries of resection expand. Numerous chemotherapy regimens and administration methods are used, in search for best possible benefit. This variance must be reduced, to make the best use of, and further spread this treatment combination. Practical simple guidelines are needed for surgical oncologists willing to utilize this treatment for their patients, to be considered a true standard of care.

The Landmark Series: Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastases

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal metastases (PM) are a form of metastatic spread affecting approximately 5-15% of colon cancer patients. The attitude towards management of peritoneal metastases has evolved from therapeutic nihilism towards a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, in large part due to the development of cytoreductive surgery (CRS), usually coupled with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), along with the constant improvement of systemic chemotherapy of colorectal cancer. Several landmark studies, including 5 randomized controlled trials have marked the development and refinement of surgical approaches to treating colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases.

METHODS

This review article focuses on these landmark studies and their influence in 4 key areas: the evidence supporting surgical resection of peritoneal metastases, the identification and standardization of important prognostic variables influencing patient selection, the role of surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy in prevention of colorectal PM and the role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy as an adjuvant to surgical resection.

RESULTS

These landmark studies indicate that surgical resection of colorectal PM should be considered as a therapeutic option in appropriately selected patients and when adequate surgical expertise is available. Standardized prognostic variables including the Peritoneal Cancer Index and the Completeness of Cytoreduction Score should be used for evaluating both indications and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not support the use of second look surgery with oxaliplatin HIPEC or prophylactic oxaliplatin HIPEC in patients with high risk colon cancer nor the use of oxaliplatin HIPEC with CRS of colorectal PM.

Ki67 does not predict recurrence for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms with peritoneal dissemination after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) can disseminate to become low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (LGMCP), which is optimally treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Approximately half of the patients with LGMCP recur despite complete cytoreduction, and risk factors for recurrence are poorly understood. We sought to evaluate if Ki67 predicts progression of LGMCP after CRS/HIPEC. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients treated with complete CRS/HIPEC for LGMCP from 2008 to 2019 with Ki67 assessed. Patient characteristics, histologic data, average and focally high "hotspot") Ki67 index, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Ki-67 immunostain was performed on the histologic section with the highest cellularity and architectural complexity. Forty-four patients with LGMCP (55% male, median age 61) were identified. The median Ki67 score and hotspot Ki67 score was 15% (1-70) and 50% (1-90), respectively. On univariate analysis, average Ki67 and hotspot Ki67 were not predictive of PFS when analyzed as continuous normalized values (HR 1.0, p = 0.79 and HR 1.1, p = 0.38, respectively) or as categorical values when stratified by the median (HR 0.9, p = 0.67 and HR 1.0, p = 0.93). This remained true on multivariate analysis when stratified for peritoneal cancer index, CEA, and completeness of cytoreduction score for both normalized Ki67 and hotspot Ki67 (HR 0.9 [95% CI 0.8-1.3], p = 0.94 and HR 1.04 [95% CI 0.8-1.3], p = 0.73, respectively). Ki67 failed to predict disease recurrence for patients with LGMCP in this cohort.

Review of management and treatment of peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer origin

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, with less than 25% survivors at 5 years. These results are largely related to the high incidence of peritoneal metastases (PM) in these patients. Nowadays, the standard treatment for GC with PM is palliative systemic chemotherapy (SCT) with a survival of 6 months. From the 2000s, the combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been gaining popularity for different neoplastic diseases that involve the peritoneal surface. The use of CRS and HIPEC has been studied for GC with PM, with promising results in selected patients, obtaining survival rates never seen before. Moreover, HIPEC and other intraperitoneal chemotherapy techniques have been used to prevent peritoneal recurrences in patients diagnosed on locally advanced GC without macroscopic PM (adjuvant or prophylactic HIPEC). Even, intraperitoneal chemotherapy [laparoscopic HIPEC and neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (NIPS)] has been used as neoadjuvant treatment to reduce peritoneal disease burden in order to improve the rate of patients in whom complete cytoreduction can be achieved. Finally, patients with high volume peritoneal disease can be treated by palliative intraperitoneal chemotherapy to control the symptoms resulting from malignant ascites, using laparoscopic HIPEC or pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). This review aims to update the management of PM from GC origin in these different clinical scenarios, based on the literature and the experience of the authors.

Consensuses and controversies on pseudomyxoma peritonei: a review of the published consensus statements and guidelines

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a clinical malignant syndrome mainly originating from the appendix, with an incidence of 2–4 per million people. As a rare disease, an early and accurate diagnosis of PMP is difficult. It was not until the 1980s that the systematic study of this disease was started.

Main body

As a result of clinical and basic research progress over the last 4 decades, a comprehensive strategy based on cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been established and proved to be an effective treatment for PMP. Currently, CRS + HIPEC was recommended as the standard treatment for PMP worldwide. There are several consensuses on PMP management, playing an important role in the standardization of CRS + HIPEC. However, controversies exist among consensuses published worldwide. A systematic evaluation of PMP consensuses helps not only to standardize PMP treatment but also to identify existing controversies and point to possible solutions in the future. The controversy underlying the consensus and vice versa promotes the continuous refinement and updating of consensuses and continue to improve PMP management through a gradual and continuous process. In this traditional narrative review, we systemically evaluated the consensuses published by major national and international academic organizations, aiming to get a timely update on the treatment strategies of CRS + HIPEC on PMP.

Conclusion

Currently, consensuses have been reached on the following aspects: pathological classification, terminology, preoperative evaluation, eligibility for surgical treatment, maximal tumor debulking, CRS technical details, and severe adverse event classification system. However, controversies still exist regarding the HIPEC regimen, systemic chemotherapy, and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Effect of Cilastatin on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Patients Undergoing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents in oncology, although its nephrotoxicity limits application and dosage. We present the results of a clinical study on prophylaxis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC-cisplatin). Prophylaxis was with imipenem/cilastatin. Cilastatin is a selective inhibitor of renal dehydropeptidase I in the proximal renal tubule cells that can reduce the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin. Unfortunately, cilastatin is not currently marketed alone, and can only be administered in combination with imipenem. The study has a retrospective part that serves as a control (n = 99 patients receiving standard surgical prophylaxis) and a prospective part with imipenem/cilastatin prophylaxis corresponding to the study group (n = 85 patients). In both groups, we collected specific data on preoperative risk factors of renal damage, fluid management, hemodynamic control, and urine volume during surgery (including the hyperthermic chemotherapy perfusion), as well as data on hemodynamic and renal function during the first seven days after surgery. The main finding of the study is that cilastatin may exert a nephroprotective effect in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal cisplatin perfusion. Creatinine values remained lower than in the control group (ANOVA test, p = 0.037). This translates into easier management of these patients in the postoperative period, with significantly shorter intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay.

Total Pelvic Exenteration, Cytoreductive Surgery, and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Rectal Cancer with Associate Peritoneal Metastases: Surgical Strategies to Optimize Safety

Simple Summary

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a curative treatment for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Pelvic exenteration is an established treatment option for locally advanced pelvic malignancy. Based on the argument that high-risk complications arise from each procedure, the majority of researchers do not recommend performing a CRS/HIPEC with pelvis exenteration. Herein, we critically analyzed the data from 16 patients treated by these two procedures for 15 rectal and one appendiceal adenocarcinomas. Clear resection (R0) margins were achieved in 81.2% of cases. The median hospital stay was 46 days (26–129), and nine patients (56.2%) experienced severe complications that led to death in two cases (12.5%). Survival rates were not clarified, since the follow-up is ongoing. Pelvis exenteration associated with CRS/HIPEC may be a reasonable procedure in selected patients at expert centers. Pelvic involvement should not be considered a definitive contraindication for CRS/HIPEC if a R0 resection could be achieved. However, the morbidity and the mortality are high with this combination of treatment, and further research is needed to assess the oncologic benefit and quality of life before such a radical approach can be recommended.

Abstract

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a curative treatment option for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) is an established treatment option for locally advanced pelvic malignancy. These two procedures have high mortality and morbidity, and therefore, their combination is not currently recommended. Herein, we reported our experience on TPE associated with CRS/HIPEC with a critical analysis for rectal cancer with associate peritoneal metastases. Methods: From March 2006 to August 2020, 319 patients underwent a CRS/HIPEC in our hospital. Among them, 16 (12 men and four women) underwent an associated TPE. The primary endpoints were perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results: There was locally recurrent rectal cancer in nine cases, six locally advanced primary rectal cancer, and a recurrent appendiceal adenocarcinoma. The median Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was 8. (4–16). Mean duration of the surgical procedure was 596 min (420–840). Complete cytoreduction (CC0) was achieved in all patients, while clear resection (R0) margins on the resected pelvic organs were achieved in 81.2% of cases. The median hospital stay was 46 days (26–129), and nine patients (56.2%) experienced severe complications (grade III to V) that led to death in two cases (12.5%). The total reoperation rate for patients was 6/16 (37.5%) and 3/16 (18.75%) with percutaneous radiological-guided drainage. Conclusions: In summary, TPE/extended TPE (ETPE) associated with CRS/HIPEC may be a reasonable procedure in selected patients at expert centers. Pelvic involvement should not be considered a definitive contraindication for CRS/HIPEC in patients with resectable peritoneal surface diseases if a R0 resection could be achieved on all sites. However, the morbidity and the mortality are high with this combination of treatment, and further research is needed to assess the oncologic benefit and quality of life before such a radical approach can be recommended.

Clinical and predictive value of blood lactate levels during cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): a comparative analysis

Postoperative outcome after cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is strongly related to surgical and anesthesiologic expertise. This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance and prognostic value of lactate levels (LL) measured during CRS-HIPEC on postoperative outcome compared to similar major surgical procedures. Patients who were treated between January and September 2019 at our Institute and met the inclusion criteria were selected. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: patients who underwent major surgical procedures; group 2: patients who underwent CRS without HIPEC; group 3: patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC. Intraoperative LL were analyzed and correlated with surgical procedure and postoperative outcome. We observed a significant increase of LL during surgical/CRS phase (group 1: p = 0.0001; group 2: p = 0.001; group 3: p = 0.057), rather than during the HIPEC phase in group 3 (p = ns). In patients undergoing CRS and peritonectomies, the mean LL were significantly higher compared to group 1 (p = 0.05). Although not statistically significant, the complication rate was higher in patients with end-CRS lactate values > 2 mMol/l, especially in the group undergoing CRS plus HIPEC. Our pilot study shows that higher LL during peritoneal cancer surgery are expected compared to major surgical procedures. Cytoreductive phase, rather than HIPEC, is related to an increase of LL. The role of LL as an early marker of postoperative complications after CRS-HIPEC should be further verified in properly designed studies.

Peritoneal Cell-Free Tumor DNA as Biomarker for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

BACKGROUND

Disease burden in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is difficult to estimate. We evaluate whether peritoneal cell-free tumor DNA can be used as a measure of disease burden.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Malignant ascites or peritoneal lavage fluids were collected from patients with PC under approved IRB protocol. Cell-free DNA was extracted from peritoneal fluid. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was performed using a commercially available KRAS G12/G13 screening kit. Mutant allele frequency (MAF) was calculated based on the numbers of KRAS wild-type and mutant droplets. Clinicopathological, treatment and outcome data were abstracted and correlated with MAF of cell-free KRAS mutant DNA.

RESULTS

Cell-free KRAS mutant DNA was detected in 15/37 (40%) malignant peritoneal fluids with a MAF of 0.1% to 26.2%. While peritoneal cell-free KRAS mutant DNA was detected in all the patients with KRAS mutant tumors (N = 10), 3/16 (19%) patients with KRAS wild-type tumors also had peritoneal cell-free KRAS mutant DNA. We also found that 71% (5/7) of patients with disease amenable to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) had a MAF of < 1% (median: 0.5%, range: 0.1-4.7%), while 75% (6/8) of patients with unresectable disease had a MAF of > 1% (median: 4.4%, range: 0.1-26.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot proof-of-principle study suggests that peritoneal cell-free tumor DNA detected by ddPCR may enable prediction of disease burden and a measure of disease amenable to CRS in patients with PC.

An overview and update of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Despite, the strong rationale and evidence of the benefit of postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer, it has not been widely adopted, mainly due to its high morbidity and logistical difficulties. Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a more tolerable and technically feasible method of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, whereas other potential advantages include homogenous drug distribution, application before tumor regrowth and combination with hyperthermia, which is directly cytotoxic and enhances the efficacy of many drugs.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors explain the rationale and indications for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC in advanced ovarian cancer. Data of major clinical studies, meta-analyses, and recent randomized trials are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

After many encouraging clinical studies and meta-analyses, a recent randomized study demonstrated survival benefit for HIPEC during interval CRS in primary ovarian cancer, without increased morbidity, whereas another implied its benefit in recurrent ovarian cancer. Results of recently completed and numerous ongoing randomized studies will further determine the benefit of HIPEC in ovarian cancer at different time points. Patient selection and appraisal of the best protocols are crucial. The field of gynecological oncology will most likely evolve to include HIPEC eventually as a routine treatment for ovarian cancer.

Successful treatment of peritoneal recurrence after gastric cancer surgery with intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S-1 chemotherapy: a case report

Background

Despite recent advances in systemic chemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer still remains poor. Nonetheless, several efficacious intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimens have recently been developed for patients with peritoneal metastases. However, no study has investigated the effectiveness of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for metachronous peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer after curative surgery.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of a 65-year-old man who had metachronous peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer after curative total gastrectomy who had been successfully treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy. One month after surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was initiated given a final pathological stage of IIIB (pT4aN2M0). However, during adjuvant chemotherapy 12 months after surgery, tumor marker levels, which had been within normal range before surgery, increased with abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealing pelvic ascites. Thereafter, staging laparoscopy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer. Following staging laparoscopy, an intraperitoneal access port was subcutaneously implanted for subsequent intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Combined chemotherapy with intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of paclitaxel and oral S-1 was then provided. After one course of combined chemotherapy, peritoneal lavage cytology was negative for malignancy. CT showed gradually decreasing ascites, whereas tumor marker levels returned to normal. The patient continued chemotherapy without major side effects and remained progression-free for 33 months with 36 chemotherapy cycles.

Conclusions

A combination regimen including intraperitoneal chemotherapy could be a promising option for patients with peritoneal recurrence after gastric cancer surgery.

Adding diagnostic laparoscopy to computed tomography for the evaluation of peritoneal metastases in patients with colorectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite its widespread use, computed tomography (CT) is not perfect for evaluating peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin before cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). We therefore evaluated the value of adding diagnostic laparoscopy to CT when assessing patient eligibility for CRS + HIPEC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of 112 patients evaluated systematically by diagnostic laparoscopy and CT between January 2012 and January 2018. Patient eligibility for CRS + HIPEC was assessed by the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) both at the time of initial diagnostic laparoscopy and during the retrospective review of CT images. Two experienced radiologists who were blinded to the PCI result at laparoscopy then independently estimated the PCI based on CT imaging. The primary outcome was the number of patients eligible for CRS + HIPEC by each method.

RESULTS

We identified 112 patients, of whom 95 (85%) were eligible for CRS + HIPEC based on diagnostic laparoscopy and 84 underwent CRS + HIPEC. Overall, 14 patients (17%) experienced an "open-and-close" procedure. In contrast to diagnostic laparoscopy, 100 patients (89%) were identified as being eligible for CRS + HIPEC by CT (p = 0.13), which would have resulted in an additional five open-and-close procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding diagnostic laparoscopy to CT produced a clinically relevant, but statistically non-significant, reduction in the number of patients eligible for CRS + HIPEC. We conclude that diagnostic laparoscopy may be of use in preoperative assessments when systematic analysis by CT scores the PCI as greater than ten. Future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness of this approach.

An update on preoperative assessment of the resectability of advanced ovarian cancer

The best prognosis for advanced ovarian cancer is provided by no residual disease after primary cytoreductive surgery. It is thus important to be able to predict resectability that will result in complete cytoreduction, while avoiding unnecessary surgery that may leave residual disease. No single procedure appears to be sufficiently accurate and reliable to predict resectability. The process should include a preoperative workup based on clinical examination, biomarkers, especially tumor markers, and imaging, for which computed tomography, as well as sonography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron-emission tomography, can be used. This workup should provide sufficient information to determine whether complete cytoreduction is possible or if not, to propose neoadjuvant chemotherapy which is preferable in this case. For the remaining patients, laparoscopy is broadly recommended as an ultimate triage step. However, its modalities are still debated, and several scores have been proposed for standardization and improving accuracy. The risk of false negatives requires a final assessment of resectability as the first stage of cytoreductive surgery by laparotomy. Composite models, consisting of several criteria of workup and, sometimes, laparoscopy have been proposed to improve the accuracy of the predictive process. Regardless of the modality, the process appears to be accurate and reliable for predicting residual disease but less so for predicting complete cytoreduction and thus avoiding unnecessary surgery and an inappropriate treatment strategy. Overall, the proposed procedures are heterogeneous, sometimes unvalidated, or do not consider advances in surgery. Future techniques and/or models are still needed to improve the prediction of complete resectability.

Can machine learning predict resecability of a peritoneal carcinomatosis?

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of initially eligible patients in a HIPEC procedure eventually underwent a simple surgical exploration. These procedures are called 'open & close' (O & C) representing up to 48% of surgery. The objective of this study was to predict the resecability of peritoneal carcinomatosis using a machine-learning model for decision-making support, for eligible patients of HIPEC.

METHODS

The study was conducted as an intention to treat based on three databases including a prospective, between January 2000 and December 2015. A propensity score allowed us to obtain two groups of comparable and matched patients. Subsequently, several algorithm models of classification were studied (simple classification, conditional tree, support vector machine, random forest) to determine the model having the best performance and accuracy.

RESULTS

Two groups of 155 patients were obtained: one group without resection and one group with resection. Nine criteria of non-resecability reflecting the organ involvement have been retained. They were coded according to their importance. Five classification algorithms were tested. The training data included 218 patients and 92 test data. The random forest model exhibited the best performance with an accuracy of close to 98%. Only two errors of predictions were observed.

DISCUSSION

The largest number of patients will allow us to improve the precision prediction. Gathering more data such as biologic, radiologic, and even laparoscopic features, should improve the knowledge of the disease and decrease the number of 'O & C' procedures.

The use of cisplatin plus doxorubicin or paclitaxel in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for stage IIIC or IV epithelial ovarian cancer: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Our main aim is to analyze the survival results in women operated on for advanced ovarian cancer with two different HIPEC regimens (cisplatin plus doxorubicin versus paclitaxel).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort of patients with stage IIIC or IV epithelial ovarian cancer operated on with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, from October-2008 to February-2016, was retrospectively analyzed. The two drugs used, cisplatin/doxorubicin (Group A) and paclitaxel (Group B), were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC; 19 patients (46%) were in Group A and 22 (54%) were in Group B. The extent of peritoneal disease was comparable between groups (Peritoneal Cancer Index of 10 in Group A versus PCI of 12.5 in Group B). There were no differences in morbidity between groups, with a severe morbidity (Dindo-Clavien III or IV) of 36.8% versus 27.3%, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality. Median follow-up was 39 months. Median overall survival was 79 months. Overall survival at 3 years in Group A was 66% versus 82.9% in Group B (p = 0.248). Incomplete cytoreduction (macroscopic residual tumour after surgery) was identified as the only independent factor that influenced overall survival (HR 12.30, 95% CI 1.28-118.33, p = 0.03). The cytostatic used in HIPEC had no influence in overall survival.

CONCLUSION

The cytostatic used in HIPEC did not have a negative effect in the prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

A proposal of Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO/SBCO) for standardizing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedures in Brazil: pseudomixoma peritonei, appendiceal tumors and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Cytoreductive surgery plus hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has emerged as a major comprehensive treatment of peritoneal malignancies and is currently the standard of care for appendiceal epithelial neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome as well as malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there are some worldwide variations of the cytoreductive surgery and hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy techniques since no single technique has so far demonstrated its superiority over the others. Therefore, standardization of practices might enhance better comparisons between outcomes. In these settings, the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology considered it important to present a proposal for standardizing cytoreductive surgery plus hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedures in Brazil, with a special focus on producing homogeneous data for the developing Brazilian register for peritoneal surface malignancies.

Preoperative Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis is an Independent Predictor of Progression-Free Survival

BACKGROUND

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a useful tool for detecting genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). To date, most ctDNA tests have been performed on patients with widely metastatic disease. Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (metastases) present unique prognostic and therapeutic challenges. We therefore explored preoperative ctDNA in patients with peritoneal metastases undergoing surgery.

METHODS

Patients referred for surgical resection of peritoneal metastases underwent preoperative blood-derived ctDNA analysis (clinical-grade NGS [68-73 genes]). ctDNA was quantified as the percentage of altered circulating cell-free DNA (% cfDNA).

RESULTS

Eighty patients had ctDNA testing: 46 (57.5%) women; median age 55.5 years. The following diagnoses were included: 59 patients (73.8%), appendix cancer; 11 (13.8%), colorectal; five (6.3%), peritoneal mesothelioma; two (2.5%), small bowel; one (1.3%) each of cholangiocarcinoma, ovarian, and testicular cancer. Thirty-one patients (38.8%) had detectable preoperative ctDNA alterations, most frequently in the following genes: TP53 (25.8% of all alterations detected) and KRAS (11.3%). Among 15 patients with tissue DNA NGS, 33.3% also had ctDNA alterations (overall concordance = 96.7%). Patients with high ctDNA quantities (≥ 0.25% cfDNA, n = 25) had a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those with lower ctDNA quantities (n = 55; 7.8 vs. 15.0 months; hazard ratio 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.43-7.28, p = 0.005 univariate, p = 0.044 multivariate).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of patients with peritoneal metastases referred for surgical intervention have detectable ctDNA alterations preoperatively. Patients with high levels of ctDNA have a worse prognosis independent of histologic grade.

Neoadjuvant Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin (BEP) Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Extensively Advanced Yolk Sac Tumors: A Single Center Experience

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of neoadjuvant bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) regimen in patients with extensively advanced yolk sac tumors (YSTs).

Methods

Between July 1982 and December 2015, a total of 58 patients with YST were initially treated at our institution, among which 18 were evaluated to be inoperable and received neoadjuvant BEP regimen. They were either too debilitated by the disease [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale (ECOG ps) ≥2] to undergo a major surgery or were with too extensively disseminated lesions to be optimally debulked. This cohort of patients was retrospectively reviewed.

Results

One or 2 cycles of BEP regimen were prescribed to the majority of patients preoperatively. At the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 17 of them had ECOG ps of 1 or less. Seventeen (94.4%) exhibited clinical partial tumor regression, and 1 (5.6%) had clinical stable disease. Pathological complete tumor regression was observed in 2 (11.1%) patients, whereas the remaining 16 (88.9%) had nearly complete pathological regression. Seventeen patients were cytoreduced to no macroscopic residual disease; the remaining 1 was cytoreduced to macroscopic residual disease of 2 cm or less. No major surgical complications occurred. After a median follow-up of 83.5 months, 17 patients were free of recurrence. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were both 94.4%. Fertility-sparing surgery was carried out in all the 17 patients with the desire to preserve their fertility, and 5 infants were delivered in 6 patients who attempted conception.

Conclusions

One or 2 cycles of neoadjuvant BEP regimen followed by cytoreductive surgery offer a chance for cure in extensively advanced patients with YSTs and help pave the way for fertility-sparing surgery.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced CT combined with 18-FDG PET in patients selected for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

PURPOSE

Aim of the study is to assess the reliability and correlation with surgical peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of combined PET/CT and ceCT scans (PET/ceCT) performed in a session in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis candidates for cytoreductive surgery (CS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data collected from 27 patients with different types of peritoneal carcinomatosis candidates to CS + HIPEC who underwent FDG PET/ceCT in a single session. Two nuclear medicine physicians and two radiologists independently and blindly evaluated PET/CT and ceCT imaging, respectively. In the case of discordance, the consensus was reached by a discussion between the specialists. Moreover, the combined images were evaluated by all the specialists in consensus. The PCIs obtained from surgical look, PET/CT, ceCT, and PET/ceCT were compared with each other. The coefficients of correlation (r) were calculated. The study was conducted after approval of local ethics committee.

RESULTS

Surgical PCI was available in 21 patients. The coefficient of correlation between PCI of PET/CT and surgery was 0.528, while it resulted higher between PET/ceCT and surgery (r = 0.878), very similar to ceCT and surgery (r = 0.876). The r coefficient between surgical PCI and PET/CT was higher in patients with a non-mucinous cancer (n = 12) than the counterpart (0.601 vs. 0.303) and the addition of ceCT significantly increases the correlation (r = 0.863), which is anyway similar to ceCT alone (r = 0.856).

CONCLUSIONS

PET/ceCT as single examination is more accurate than PET/CT but not than ceCT alone for the definition of PCI in a selected group of patients candidates to CS + HIPEC.

Laparoscopy as a useful selection tool for patients with prior surgery and peritoneal metastases suitable for multimodality treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

Complete macroscopic cytoreduction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is the basic requirement for long-term survival. Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) can be difficult and of limited clinical value secondary to postoperative or tumor-induced adhesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of DL in patients with prior surgery and PC.

METHODS

The database of the surgical department of the University Medical Center of Regensburg was reviewed (9/2010-10/2014) selecting for DL in patients with PC. The operative report had a standardized format allowing for the determination of the extent of the intra-abdominal visible area and the extent of tumor on the surface of the small intestine. For the classification we used our own developed score.

RESULTS

DL was performed in 102 patients. The complete abdominal cavity was evaluable in 48%. At least two quadrants and the largest part of the small intestine could be assessed in 70%. 37% of the patients had massive tumor manifestation on the small intestine or its mesentery. PCI (Peritoneal Cancer Index) could not be calculated in 71% of the patients due to incomplete visualization of the abdominal cavity and/or multiple tumor manifestations on the small intestine. 54% of patients were classified as non-resectable and 85% who seemed suitable for cytoreductive surgery underwent a CCR-0 resection and HIPEC.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of prior surgery and PC, DL is frequently possible and a useful tool to define the extent of tumor spread. Lots of patients can be prevented from needless open laparotomy. The extent of tumor involvement of the small intestine seems to be more relevant than calculation of the PCI to determine the potential for complete resection. Therefore, in the presence of adhesions, inspection of the complete abdominal cavity does not offer added clinical benefit and further adhesiolysis can be avoided.

Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy - Practical aspects

INTRODUCTION

Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) has been introduced as novel treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Only proper patient selection, stringent safety protocol and careful surgery allow for a secure procedure. We hereby report the essentials for safe implementation.

METHODS

All consecutive procedures within 20 months after PIPAC implementation were analyzed with regards to practical and surgical aspects. Special emphasis was laid on modifications of technique and safety measures during the implementation process with systematic use of a dedicated checklist. Further, surgical difficulty was documented by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

127 PIPAC procedures were performed in 58 patients from January 2015 until October 2016. 81% of patients had at least one previous laparotomy. Median operation time was 91 min (87-103) for the first 20 cases, 93 min (IQR 88-107) for PIPAC21-50, and 103 min (IQR 91-121) for the following 77 procedures. Primary and secondary non-access occurred in 3 patients (2%), all of them having prior hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Using open Hasson technique, one single bowel lesion occurred, which was the only intraoperative complication. One 5 mm and another 10/12 mm trocar were used in 88% of procedures while additional trocars were needed in 12%. No leak of cytostatics was observed and no procedure needed to be stopped. VAS for overall difficulty of the procedure was 3 ± 2.4, and 3 ± 2.9 and 3 ± 2.5, respectively, for abdominal access and intraoperative staging.

CONCLUSIONS

With standardized surgical approach and dedicated safety checklist, PIPAC can be safely introduced in clinical routine with minimal learning curve.

Recommendations and consensus on the treatment of peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin: a systematic review of national and international guidelines

AIM

This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of (inter)national guidelines on the treatment of peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer origin (PMCRC) and to determine the degree of consensus and available evidence with identification of topics for future research.

METHOD

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed as well as Tripdatabase, National Guideline Clearinghouse, BMJ Best Practice and Guidelines International Network was performed to identify (inter)national guidelines and consensus statements from oncological or surgical societies on PMCRC. The quality of guidelines was assessed using the AGREE-II score. Topics followed by recommendations were extracted from the guidelines. The recommendations, highest level of supporting evidence and the degree of consensus were determined for each topic.

RESULTS

Twenty-one guidelines were included, in most (15) of which cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) was recommended in selected patients based on level 1b evidence. Substantial consensus was also reached on the benefit of multidisciplinary team discussion and the achievability of a (near) complete cytoreduction (CC0-1) without supporting evidence. Both evidence and consensus were lacking regarding other aspects including preoperative positron emission tomography/CT, second look surgery in high risk patients, the optimal patient selection for CRS/HIPEC, procedural aspects of HIPEC and (perioperative) systemic therapy.

CONCLUSION

In currently available guidelines, evidence and consensus on the treatment strategy for PMCRC are lacking. Updates of guidelines are ongoing and future (randomized) clinical trials should contribute to multidisciplinary and international consensus on treatment strategies for PMCRC.

Feasibility and Safety of Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) has been introduced as a novel repeatable treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis. The available evidence from the pioneer center suggests good tolerance and high response rates, but independent confirmation is needed. A single-center cohort was analyzed one year after implementation for feasibility and safety. Methods. PIPAC was started in January 2015, and every patient was entered into a prospective database. This retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients operated until April 2016 with emphasis on surgical feasibility and early postoperative outcomes. Results. Forty-two patients (M : F = 8 : 34, median age 66 (59–73) years) with 91 PIPAC procedures in total (4×: 1,  3×: 17,  2×: 12, and  1×: 12) were analyzed. Abdominal accessibility rate was 95% (42/44); laparoscopic access was not feasible in 2 patients with previous HIPEC. Median initial peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was 10 (IQR 5–17). Median operation time was 94 min (89–108) with no learning curve observed. One PIPAC application was postponed due to intraoperative intestinal lesion. Overall morbidity was 9% with 7 minor complications (Clavien I-II) and one PIPAC-unrelated postoperative mortality. Median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (2-3). Conclusion. Repetitive PIPAC is feasible in most patients with refractory carcinomatosis of various origins. Intraoperative complications and postoperative morbidity rates were low. This encourages prospective studies assessing oncological efficacy.