Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal peroperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the management of refractory malignant ascites: A multi-institutional retrospective analysis in 52 patients

Initial Experience Using Laparoscopic HIPEC for Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastasis: Safety and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal metastases (PM) develop in approximately 20% of patients with gastric cancer (GC). For selected patients, treatment of PM with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown promising results. This report aims to describe the safety and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic HIPEC for GC/PM.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who had GC and PM treated with laparoscopic HIPEC (2018-2022). The HIPEC involved cisplatin and mitomycin C (MMC) or MMC alone. The primary end point was perioperative safety.

RESULTS

The 22 patients in this study underwent 27 procedures. The mean age was 58 ± 13 years. All the patients were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 or 1 (55 and 45%, respectively). Five patients underwent a second laparoscopic HIPEC, with a median of 126 days (interquartile range [IQR], 117-166 days) between procedures. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was 4 (IQR, 2-9), and the median hospital stay was 2 days (IQR, 1-3 days). No 30-day readmissions or complications occurred. Eight patients (36%) underwent gastrectomy (CRS ± HIPEC). After an average follow-up period of 11 months, 7 (32%) of the 22 patients were alive. The median overall survival was 11 months (IQR, 195-739 days) from the initial procedure and 19.3 months (IQR, 431-1204 days) from the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic HIPEC appears to be safe with minimal perioperative complications. Approximately one third of the patients undergoing initial laparoscopic HIPEC ultimately proceeded to cytoreduction and gastrectomy. Preliminary survival data from this highly selected cohort suggest that the addition of laparoscopic HIPEC to systemic chemotherapy does not compromise other treatment options. These initial results suggest that laparoscopic HIPEC may offer benefit to patients with GC and PM and aid in the selection of patients who may benefit from curative-intent resection.

High-Risk Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Does Metronomic Chemotherapy Have a Role?

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, tolerance, and efficacy of OMCT (oral metronomic chemotherapy) after CRS + HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma in patients with poor prognostic factors: PCI > 20, incomplete CRS, poor performance status, or progression on systemic chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma and receiving OMCT for poor risk factors.

Results

Sixteen patients underwent CRS + HIPEC between 2013 and 2017. The median PCI was 31.5. Complete cytoreduction (CC-0/1) was obtained in 8 patients (50%). All 16 received HIPEC except one patient with baseline renal dysfunction.Thirteen patients had PCI > 20 where only 5 had CC-0/1. Of 8 suboptimal cytoreduction (CC-2/3), 7 received OMCT (6 for progression on chemotherapy and one for mixed histology). Three patients had PCI < 20 and all had CC-0/1 clearance. Only one received OMCT for progression on adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients receiving OMCT for progression on adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) were in poor PS.The median follow-up was 13.4 months. Five are alive with the disease (three are on OMCT). Six are alive without disease (2 are on OMCT). The mean OS was 24.3 months and the mean DFS was 18 months. Outcomes were similar between CC-0/1 and CC-2/3 groups, OMCT vs no OMCT groups.All patients receiving OMCT for progression on neoadjuvant chemotherapy had better survival (alive at 12, 20, 32, 36 months) compared to those receiving OMCT for progression on the ACT (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

OMCT is a good alternative in high-volume peritoneal mesothelioma with incomplete cytoreduction and progression on chemotherapy. OMCT may improve outcomes in these scenarios when started early.

The 2022 PSOGI International Consensus on HIPEC Regimens for Peritoneal Malignancies: Methodology

BACKGROUND

A group of experts from the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) and the BIG-RENAPE group carried out a consensus among surgeons experienced in treating peritoneal malignancies from around the world to derive recommendations on indications of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), choice and details of HIPEC regimens, and areas for future research. This manuscript describes the methodology of achieving this consensus and the degree of participation of experts.

METHODS

The Delphi technique was used and the questionnaire comprised three categories: evidence-based recommendations using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system with the PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) method, an opinion survey, and research recommendations. A consensus was achieved if any one option had >50% of votes, or positive or negative recommendations combined had > 70% of votes.

RESULTS

Of the 145 experts solicited, 71.1% in round I and 72.2% in round II took the survey. Participation was highest among surgeons treating both gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. Of 113 questions, after round I, a consensus was achieved for 72 (63.7%) questions, and after the second round, consensus was achieved for another 22 (19.4%) questions, making a total of 94 (83.1%) questions for which a consensus was achieved.

CONCLUSION

This consensus was carried out using a thorough review of literature and robust rating of evidence, and included key experts and opinion leaders from across the world. The results could guide clinicians on the use of HIPEC, both in their day-to-day clinical practice and in designing clinical trials.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma in a High Volume Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is a rare neoplasm, traditionally associated with a poor prognosis. There are other varieties of PM that are even less frequent and of uncertain malignancy. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has achieved prolonged survival in selected patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the patients with PM assessed in our center. Clinicopathological characteristics, diagnostic procedures and survival results from patients with PM appraised at our unit, according to the applied treatment, were analyzed. Seventeen patients were assessed between 2007 and 2019. Three cases had multicystic PM that were treated with complete CRS + HIPEC; all patients are alive and free of disease after a long follow-up. Three other cases had biphasic PM; a curative treatment could be performed in none of them, and their survival was minimal (<6 moths). Lastly, 11 cases with epithelioid PM were treated. Two cases were considered unresectable at laparoscopy (PCI 39); one of them had a long survival (67 months) with three iterative laparoscopic palliatives HIPECs for refractory ascites. The other nine cases were treated with curative CRS + HIPEC, with a median PCI of 14 (range 4–25), and a median overall survival (OS) of 58 months, with a 5-year OS of 47.4%. In conclusion, CRS + HIPEC, when possible, appears to be the optimal treatment for patients with PM. Knowledge of this therapeutic option is crucial, both to offer it to patients and to avoid delays in their referral to appropriate centers for treatment.

Temperature management during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

In addition to attaining complete or near complete cytoreduction, the instillation of select heated chemotherapeutic agents into the abdominal cavity has offered a chance for cure or longer survival inpatients with peritoneal surface malignancies. While the heating of chemotherapeutic agents enhances cytotoxicity, the resulting systemic hyperthermia has been associated with an increased risk of severe hyperthermia and its associated complications. Factors that have been associated with an increased risk of severe hyperthermia include intraoperative blood transfusions and longer perfusion duration. However, the development of severe hyperthermia still remains largely unpredictable. Thus, at several institutions, cooling protocols are employed during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). Cooling protocols for CRS-HIPEC are not standardized and may be associated with episodes of severe hyperthermia or alternatively hypothermia. In theory, excessive cooling could result in a decreased effectiveness of the intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic agents. This presumption has been supported by a recent study of 214 adults undergoing CRS-HIPEC, where failure to attain a temperature of 38° C at the end of chemo-perfusion was associated with worse survival. Although not statistically significant, failure to maintain a temperature of 38° C for at least 30 minutes was associated with worse survival. Although studies are limited in this regard, the importance of maintaining a steady state of temperature during the hyperthermic phase of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration cannot be disregarded. The following article describes the processes and physiological mechanisms responsible for hyperthermia during CRS-HIPEC. The challenges associated with temperature management during CRS-HIPEC and methods to avoid severe hypothermia and hyperthermia are also described.

Management of peritoneal surface metastases from colorectal cancer: Cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, pressurized intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and beyond

This article provides a contemporary review of the current surgical management of peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) of colorectal origin. A brief review of the founding history of surgical intervention for PSM is followed by a focused review of the level I evidence, current clinical questions, and evolving advancements. While not intended to address all the facets of PSM, this review aims to provide the reader with the essential knowledge and resources to effectively provide surgical care for carcinomatosis due to colorectal malignancies.

Gastric Cancer With Peritoneal Metastasis-A Comprehensive Review of Current Intraperitoneal Treatment Modalities

The treatment of patients with peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer continues to evolve. With various forms of intraperitoneal drug delivery available, it is now possible to reach the sites of peritoneal metastases, which were otherwise sub-optimally covered by systemic chemotherapy, owing to the blood peritoneal barrier. We conducted a narrative review based on an extensive literature research, highlighting the current available intraperitoneal treatment options, which resulted in improved survival in well-selected patients of peritoneally metastasized gastric cancer. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy showed promising results in four different treatment modalities: prophylactic, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative. It is now possible to choose the type of intraperitoneal treatment/s in combination with systemic treatment/s, depending on patients' general condition and peritoneal disease burden, thus providing individualized treatment to these patients. Randomized controlled trials for the different treatment modalities were mainly conducted in Asia and lack further validation in the other parts of the world. Most recent application tools, such as pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy, seem promising and need to pass the ongoing clinical trials.

Current Trends in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Peritoneal Disease from Appendiceal and Colorectal Malignancies

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a poor prognostic factor for all malignancies. This extent of metastatic disease progression remains difficult to treat with systemic therapies due to poor peritoneal vascularization resulting in limited drug delivery and penetration into tissues. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are surgical interventions that directly target peritoneal tumors and have improved outcomes for PC resulting from appendiceal and colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite these radical therapies, long-term survival remains infrequent, and recurrence is common. The reasons for these outcomes are multifactorial and signal the need for the continued development of novel therapeutics, techniques, and approaches to improve outcomes for these patients. Here, we review landmark historical studies that serve as the foundation for current recommendations, recent discoveries, clinical trials, active research, and areas of future interest in CRS/HIPEC to treat PC originating from appendiceal and colorectal malignancies.

Intraperitoneal infusion of recombinant human indentation improves prognosis in gastric cancer ascites

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal administration of recombinant human indentation in gastric cancer with malignant ascites. Methods: Clinical data of 90 patients (37 in an Endostar^® combined with cisplatin group and 53 in a cisplatin group) were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was overall survival, and the secondary end points were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and so on. Results: Median overall survival was longer in the combination group (9.7 vs 8.1 months; p = 0.01). ORR and DCR were higher in the combination group (ORR: 75.7% vs 54.7%; p = 0.04; DCR: 94.6% vs 75.5%; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in adverse effects between the two groups. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of recombinant human indentation improved efficacy and survival for gastric cancer with ascites.

Review of Regional Therapies for Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases

Simple Summary

Gastric cancer is usually diagnosed at late stages and is associated with poor five-year survival rates. Metastasis to the peritoneal cavity is common and leads to even worse outcomes. Currently, the mainstay of treatment for metastatic gastric cancer is systemic chemotherapy or supportive care. These recommendations remain despite evidence that suggests systemic therapy has poor penetration into the abdominal cavity, limiting efficacy against peritoneal disease. Newer treatments have been developed to address this problem, specifically regional therapies aimed at delivering chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity to eradicate tumor cells. These novel therapies include hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy. Regional therapies may also be combined with surgery to remove both macroscopic and microscopic disease. Although more clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy, early studies have shown promising outcomes with intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Abstract

Gastric cancer carries a poor prognosis and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Patients with gastric cancer who develop peritoneal metastases have an even more dismal prognosis, with median survival time measured in months. Since studies have demonstrated that systemic chemotherapy has poor penetration into the peritoneum, multimodal treatment with intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been proposed for the treatment of peritoneal metastases and has become the foundation for newer therapeutic techniques and clinical trials. These include heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), which involves the application of heated chemotherapy into the abdomen with or without tumor debulking surgery; normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC), in which non-heated chemotherapy can be delivered into the abdomen via a peritoneal port allowing for repeat dosing; and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC), a newer technique of pressurized and aerosolized chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen during laparoscopy. Early results with intraperitoneal chemotherapy have shown promise in increasing disease-free and overall survival in select patients. Additionally, there may be a palliative effect of these regional therapies. In this review, we explore and summarize these different intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment regimens for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases.

Utility of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in cases of incomplete cytoreductive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is typically reserved for a complete or optimal cytoreduction. There is the potential for therapeutic effect of HIPEC with an incomplete cytoreduction, particularly for near optimal cytoreductions.

METHODS

Retrospective review of incomplete cytoreductions (R2b, R2c) for appendiceal and colorectal primaries. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Subgroup analysis for primary etiology and specific cytoreductive score.

RESULTS

A total of 121 cases of incomplete CRS, 74 CRS alone, and 47 CRS-HIPEC. For the entire study group there was a survival benefit with HIPEC. OS and PFS were 2.3 versus 1.4 (p = 0.001) and 1.6 versus 0.7 (p < 0.0001) respectively for cases with and without HIPEC. Subgroup analysis of appendiceal neoplasms, 43 CRS-HIPEC and 50 CRS alone, found HIPEC benefit persisted; OS and PFS were 2.4 versus 1.5 (p = 0.016) and 1.7 versus 0.8 (p < 0.0001), respectively for cases with and without HIPEC. Benefit most pronounced in low-grade cases with doubling of the OS and PFS (p = 0.004). With colorectal primary cases, 10 CRS-HIPEC and 18 CRS alone, no difference in OS and PFS. When stratifying out by cytoreduction scores, R2b and R2c, HIPEC only provided a benefit for R2b cases; OS and PFS for R2b cases were 2.28 versus 1.01 (p = 0.011) and 1.67 versus 0.75 (p = 0.001), respectively for cases with and without HIPEC.

CONCLUSION

HIPEC has utility for incomplete cytoreductions with appendiceal neoplasms, greatest effect with low-grade appendiceal neoplasms. HIPEC is only beneficial for near optimal cytoreductions (R2b).

Conversion Surgery for Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Background

Patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) usually have poor outcomes and high mortality risk, even with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This study analyzed the prognostic factors of AGC with PC and evaluated laparoscopic HIPEC (LHIPEC) plus neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (NIPS) as a conversion surgery for AGC patients with PC with a poor initial prognosis. Patient and Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 127 patients with AGC and PC from January 1, 2012, to March 1, 2020. After the exclusion of 32 ineligible patients, the conversion group comprised 34 patients who underwent LHIPEC + NIPS as a conversion surgery followed by CRS plus HIPEC. The CRS + HIPEC group included 15 patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC alone. Additionally, the C/T group comprised 23 patients who received systemic chemotherapy, and the palliative group comprised 23 patients who received only conservative therapy or palliative gastrectomy.

Results

The conversion group demonstrated a significantly better mean overall survival compared to the CRS + HIPEC, C/T, and palliative groups (p < 0.001). Patients in the conversion group who underwent LHIPEC + NIPS had significantly decreased peritoneal cancer index (PCI) scores (p < 0.001) and ascites (p=0.003). Malignant ascites amount also significantly decreased after treatment in the LHIPEC + NIPS group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

LHIPEC + NIPS can significantly improve the overall survival, the PCI score, and malignant ascites amount in peritoneal cytology-positive gastric cancer with PC, and an initially high PCI score. Therefore, it may be a feasible conversion strategy for AGC patients with PC.

Laparoscopic Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Carcinomatosis of Gastric Adenocarcinoma Origin

The use of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery has been gaining increasing traction in treating gastric adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the peritoneum in recent years. The addition of laparoscopic HIPEC (LS-HIPEC) to these treatment algorithms has increased the flexibility and adaptability of HIPEC integrating into treatment sequencing, allowing for iterative protocols of LS-HIPEC prior to cytoreduction as neoadjuvant treatment, as well as in the palliation of patients with unresectable disease and uncontrolled ascites. As the use of HIPEC in gastric adenocarcinoma continues to be refined, LS-HIPEC algorithms should continue to be considered and utilized both in curative treatment algorithms as well as in patients in the palliative setting. Given that LS-HIPEC remains a relatively nascent treatment modality, we advocate for its use in the setting of a clinical trial when feasible.

A Palliative Approach to Management of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Malignant Ascites

In addition to severe, life-limiting complications such as malignant bowel obstruction, fistulae, and malignant ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis frequently causes life-impacting symptoms such as pain, nausea, anorexia, cachexia, and fatigue. A variety of medical, interventional, and surgical therapies are now available for management of both complications and symptoms. Although surgery in this population is often associated with a relatively high risk of morbidity and mortality, operative intervention can offer effective palliative treatment in appropriately selected patients. Early involvement of palliative care specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team is essential to providing optimal, holistic care of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

HIPEC Methodology and Regimens: The Need for an Expert Consensus

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is performed with a wide variation in methodology, drugs, and other elements vital to the procedure. Adoption of a limited number of regimens could increase the collective experience of peritoneal oncologists, make comparison between studies more meaningful, and lead to a greater acceptance of results from randomized trials. This study aimed to determine the possibility of standardizing HIPEC methodology and regimens and to identify the best method of performing such a standardization.

METHODS

A critical review of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the pharmacokinetic aspects of different HIPEC drugs and drug regimens, the impact of hyperthermia, and the efficacy of various HIPEC regimens as well as studies comparing different regimens was performed.

RESULTS

The preclinical and clinical data were limited, and studies comparing different regimens were scarce. Many of the regimens were neither supported by preclinical rationale or data nor validated by a dose-escalating formal phase 1 trial. All the regimens were based on pharmacokinetic data and did not take chemosensitivity of peritoneal metastases into account. Personalized medicine approaches such as patient-derived tumor organoids could offer a solution to this problem, although clinical validation is likely to be challenging.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from randomized trials, more translational research and phases 1 and 2 studies are needed. While waiting for better preclinical and clinical evidence, the best way to minimize heterogeneity is by an expert consensus that aims to identify and define a limited number of regimens for each indication and primary site. The choice of regimen then can be tailored to the patient profile and its expected toxicity and the methodology according regional factors.

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.

Surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after response to induction chemotherapy in patients with peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) with peritoneal metastases (PM) has a dismal prognosis and to date only a few management options have been reported. Of those, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after induction bidirectional intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (BIPSC) appear as a promising treatment option for these patients. Outcome data including safety and efficacy of CRS with radical Gastrectomy and HIPEC after response to combination of laparoscopic HIPEC (LHIPEC) with BIPSC as an induction therapy in patients with PM of GC was evaluated in this retrospective observational study.

Methods

Diagnostic Laparoscopy was performed in 53 patients with PM of GC who admitted to the Center for Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies, Istanbul, between 2013 and 2016. Peritoneal cancer index (PCI), ascites status and cytology were determined. The patients underwent LHIPEC and then, BIPSC induction chemotherapy using intraperitoneal docetaxel (30 mg/m²) and cisplatin (30 mg/m²) and intravenous Docetaxel/Cisplatin/5-Fluorouracil (DCF) for 3 cycles. In selected patients, CRS with radical gastrectomy and HIPEC were performed after the response to induction therapy. BIPSC was continued for 3 more cycles with a dose reduction in an adjuvant setting.

Results

All LHIPEC procedures were uneventful with Grade 1-2 side effects (11/53, 20,8%). As a response to induction chemotherapy PCI was reduced from 19.6±8 (range, 6-39) to 13.6±9.8 (range, 1-39) (P<0.001). Ascites was detected in 55% (29 out of 53) and cytology was positive in 51% (27 out of 53) of the patients before induction chemotherapy. Ascites was completely abolished and all cytology became negative. Then, 34 of 53 (64.15%) patients underwent CRS with radical gastrectomy and HIPEC. CC0/1 resection was achieved in 22 (64.70%) of patients (P<0.05). The median survival time was 18.9±13.4 (95% CI: 15.2-22.6 months. Combined surgery and HIPEC related mortality occurred in 1 out of 34 patients (2.9%) due to developed diffuse intravascular coagulation at postoperative day 2. Grade 2 operative complications included biliary fistula in one, and duodenal stump leakage in two patients (8.7%). All of the fistula closed with conservative management. The median survival time was 18.9±13.4 months and the median progression-free survival time was 15.6±12.9 with 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of 82.4%, 59% and 17.6% in patients with PM of GC. Multivariate analysis identified high peritoneal cancer index (P=0.000) and complete resection (P<0.05) as independent predictors for better progression-free and overall survival.

Conclusions

The best outcomes can be expected with optimal cytoreduction and limited peritoneal dissemination in response to induction chemotherapy. Knowledgeable selection of patients with PM of GC is essential to perform surgery with HIPEC safely with acceptable mortality and morbidity.

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Metastases: Technical Innovations, Preclinical and Clinical Advances and Future Perspectives

(1) Background: Tumors of the peritoneal serosa are called peritoneal carcinosis. Their origin may be primary by primitive involvement of the peritoneum (peritoneal pseudomyxoma, peritoneal mesothelioma, etc.). This damage to the peritoneum can also be a consequence of the dissipation of cancers-in particular, digestive (stomach, pancreas, colorectal, appendix) and gynecological (ovaries) ones in the form of metastases. The aim of the treatment is a maximal reduction of the macroscopic disease called "cytoreduction" in combination with hyperthermic intra-abdominal chemotherapy to treat residual microscopic lesions. (2) Methods: In this narrative review, we fundamentally synthetize the evolution of this process over time and its impact on clinical applications. (3) Results: Over the last past decade, different evolutions concerning both delivery modes and conditions concerning hyperthermic intra-abdominal chemotherapy have been realized. (4) Conclusion: The final objective of these evolutions is the improvement of the global and recurrence-free survival of primary and secondary malignant peritoneal pathologies. However, more large randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of such treatments with the help of molecular biology and genetics.

An 18-Year Experience in Diagnostic Laparoscopy of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Results from 744 Patients

BACKGROUND

Despite accurate preoperative imaging assessment, optimal cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy remains unfeasible in many patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis at the time of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in the selection of candidates.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of all patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy in our Department were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and perioperative features as well as operative details and outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 744 consecutive patients. Primary ovarian tumors were the most common indications, followed by gastric tumors and recurrent colorectal cancers. The procedure was successfully completed in 99.73% of cases. Approximately two thirds of them (68%) had undergone previous surgical procedures. The presence of ascites was recorded in 482 patients (64.78%). A total of 374 (50.3%) patients were excluded from surgical exploration. Among those who eventually underwent surgery, CC0 resection was obtained in 64.6% (239) of cases. Understaging of peritoneal carcinomatosis was observed in 11 patients (1.48%). Postoperative mortality was null and 5 (0.8%) complications were observed. Three (0.4%) port-site metastases were recorded at the beginning of the experience.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic laparosocopy is a safe and feasible tool able to improve the selection of patients eligible for cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, at the same time allowing avoiding a significant number of unnecessary laparotomies.

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for malignant ascites from colorectal cancer - a randomized study

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of different timings of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in controlling malignant ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well defined. The study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of different timings of CRS with HIPEC for malignant ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis from CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a preliminary randomized controlled study performed at the Intracelom Hyperthermic Perfusion Therapy Center of the Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (China) from December 2008 to December 2016. The patients were randomized to: CRS, followed by HIPEC (CRS+HIPEC; n = 14), and ultrasound-guided HIPEC, followed by CRS 1 to 2 weeks later (HIPEC+ delayed cytoreductive surgery (dCRS) group, n = 14). The endpoints were complete remission rate of ascites, successful complete CRS rate, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Malignant ascites in all patients showed complete remission; the total effective rate was 100%. Complete CRS was not feasible in any patient. The median follow-up of the 2 groups was 41.9 and 42.3 months in the CRS+HIPEC and HIPEC+dCRS groups, respectively. Overall survival was 14.5 (95%CI: 7-19 months) and 14.3 months (95%CI: 4-21 months) (P > .05). The adverse effects of HIPEC were manageable.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS+HIPEC and HIPEC+dCRS have the same efficacy in controlling malignant ascites caused by CRC and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The timing of CRS and HIPEC does not prolong the survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from CRC, even when a complete CRS is not feasible.

Comparison of Tissue and Blood Concentrations of Oxaliplatin Administrated by Different Modalities of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new technology for delivering intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It is generally assumed that with PIPAC, the ratio of peritoneal to systemic drug concentration is superior to liquid hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). To date, no direct comparative data are available supporting such an assumption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve 65-day-old pigs were randomly separated into three groups of four pigs each, all of which received intraperitoneal chemotherapy using the following administration methods: PIPAC with oxaliplatin 92 mg in 150 ml dextrose 5% (Group 1); PIPAC with electrostatic aerosol precipitation (ePIPAC; Group 2); or laparoscopic HIPEC (L-HIPEC) with oxaliplatin 400 mg in 4 L dextrose 5% at 42 °C (Group 3). Serial blood and peritoneal tissue concentrations of oxaliplatin were determined by spectrometry.

RESULTS

In all three groups, the maximum concentration of oxaliplatin in blood was detected 50-60 min after onset of the chemotherapy experiments, with no significant differences among the three groups (p = 0.7994). Blood oxaliplatin concentrations (0-30 min) were significantly higher in the L-HIPEC group compared with the ePIPAC group (p < 0.05). No difference was found for the overall systemic oxaliplatin absorption (area under the curve). Overall concentrations in the peritoneum were not different among the three groups (p = 0.4725), but were significantly higher in the visceral peritoneum in the PIPAC group (p = 0.0242).

CONCLUSIONS

Blood and tissue concentrations were comparable between all groups; however, depending on the intraperitoneal area examined and the time points of drug delivery, the concentrations differed significantly between the three groups.

Can hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy effectively control gastric cancer-associated peritoneal carcinomatosis?

Gastric cancer-associated peritoneal carcinomatosis leads to a poor prognosis and low quality of life. The current systemic chemotherapy processes cannot effectively improve survival. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used as an alternative treatment to control this disease through recurrence prevention, definitive therapeutic modality, and symptom palliation. Although HIPEC has been demonstrated to yield favorable results mainly in some Asian studies, widespread adoption of this treatment is still debatable before larger prospective randomized controlled clinical trials confirm its effectiveness.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma: patient selection and special considerations

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that typically presents with vague symptoms, ascites, and/or diffuse peritoneal studding. Despite findings of advanced disease within the peritoneal cavity, spread beyond the abdomen is uncommon. Although advances in systemic chemotherapy have been made, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remain the mainstay of treatment. Median overall survival of approximately 50 months with CRS/HIPEC has been demonstrated, with age, gender, histologic subtype, peritoneal carcinomatosis index, comorbidities, nodal and extra-abdominal metastases, and completeness of cytoreduction all playing a role in prognosis. In patients with refractory malignant ascites and unresectable disease, complete resolution of ascites and improvement in quality of life have been demonstrated with palliative HIPEC. In appropriately selected patients, CRS/HIPEC plays a critical role in the treatment and palliation of MPM.

Palliation of malignant ascites

Malignant ascites (MA) carries a poor prognosis. It can have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL), with increasing abdominal distention, pain, and dyspnea. Diuretics typically do not work well for MA. Paracentesis is effective in providing temporary symptom relief but requires frequent repeat procedures. Options for durable symptom management include indwelling catheters, peritoneal ports, peritoneovenous shunts, intraperitoneal (i.p.) catumaxomab, and hyperthermic i.p. chemotherapy. These interventions do not necessarily improve overall survival but may improve QOL.

Patients' perspectives towards malignant ascites: results of a prospective observational trial regarding expectations, characteristics and quality of life-a study of the North-Eastern-German Society of Gynecological Oncology

PURPOSE

Malignant ascites (MA) is a frequent and common symptom in (gyneco-) oncological patients. The present trial evaluated and assessed patients' characteristics, clinical features and the possible influence of MA on QoL measurements.

METHODS

A prospective observational trial was conducted from Oct 2013 until Nov 2016. Therefore an interdisciplinary questionnaire was developed. Overall 250 patients with histological confirmed MA were included with different cancer entities (gynecological, gastrointestinal). The correlation of MA caused symptoms and QoL measurements was assessed using Kendall's tau b. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to analyze the risks of symptoms or severe limitation in daily activities.

RESULTS

125 questionnaires could be analyzed. The majority of patients with MA had diagnosis of ovarian cancer (68.8%) and were under current cancer treatment (57.6%), mostly chemotherapy. Over 50% reported abdominal tension as major symptom, around 56% of the patients had MA when cancer was firstly diagnosed. Regression analysis showed that patients with MA above 2l were significantly more likely to be harmed in everyday activities. However, the age, gender, type of malignancy and the current treatment (chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy) had no significant influence.

CONCLUSION

MA has a significantly impact on QoL measurements in cancer patients and might influence everyday activities including basic needs like eating, walking and body care. There is a high need for more information and education of patients with MA.

History of Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment in Japan

In this review, Japanese experience of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative chemotherapy is described. The new concept of peritoneal metastasis (PM) type, i.e., trans-mesothelial, trans-lymphatic, and superficial growing metastasis type was proposed in 2012. Surgeons should perform peritonectomy according to the type of PM. Since 1980, Japanese surgical oncologists have been spearheading the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) as treatment for PM from gastric cancer. Two RCTs were conducted to verify the effect of HIPEC for the prophylaxis of peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of advanced gastric cancer. These two studies indicated that HIPEC is effective in preventing peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer with serosal invasion. In 2002, intraperitoneal chemotherapy using taxans was developed for the treatment of PM from gastric cancer and led to the development of neoadjuvant intraperitoneal/systemic chemotherapy (NIPS), which was reported in 2006. In 2009, extensive intra-operative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) was developed, and contributed to the remarkable improvement in survival of patients with positive lavage cytology as demonstrated by prospective randomized clinical trials. In 2017, the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International proposed the value of complete cytoreduction and peritoneal cancer index cut-off as independent prognostic factors after CRS for gastric cancer with PM. Founded in 2016, the Japanese/Asian School of Peritoneal Surface Oncology (JASPSO) trains beginners to perform CRS and HIPEC safely. Sixteen students have already graduated from JASPSO and started to perform the treatment in their home countries.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches for Peritoneal Surface Malignancy

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an evolving strategy in the locoregional management of peritoneal surface malignancies, and the role of laparoscopy is expanding. Staging laparoscopy is routinely used to obtain tissue for diagnosis and assess extent of tumor burden. Laparoscopic CRS and HIPEC with curative intent is safe and effective in patients with a low disease burden. In patients with refractory malignant ascites, complete resolution of ascites and improvement in quality of life have been demonstrated with palliative laparoscopic HIPEC. Laparoscopic CRS and HIPEC has an expanding role in the treatment of peritoneal surface disease.

Palliative Management of Advanced Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Despite advances in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis, morbidity remains high with survival often measured in weeks to months. Patients are often subjected to symptoms and complications that impact quality of life. Much of the management revolves around palliation of symptoms and providing support and resources to address emotional and existential concerns. This article reviews surgical and nonsurgical palliative treatments for the symptoms and complications associated with advanced, incurable peritoneal carcinomatosis. It is important that providers caring for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis be knowledgeable in the palliative management of this condition, including the usefulness of early palliative care referral.

Short-term outcomes after laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery in patients with limited peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery versus open surgery for patients with limited peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Laparoscopic surgery for patients with colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases has been performed at our institution since December 2004. We retrospectively evaluated data from patients with colorectal cancer metastatic to the peritoneum, with a peritoneal cancer index ≤10. We compared short-term operative and survival outcomes in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group and open cytoreductive surgery group.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients underwent open cytoreductive surgery and 42 underwent laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery, of whom 6 (14%) required open conversion. Clinicopathologic characteristics and operative outcomes were comparable between the groups. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all patients in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group and in 19 patients (91%) in the open cytoreductive surgery group (P = .042). Both the mean hospital stay and use of postoperative narcotics were significantly less in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group than in the open cytoreductive surgery group. The type of operation (open cytoreductive surgery versus laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery) was not related to survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

With careful selection by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery was technically feasible and safe to treat colorectal cancer patients with limited peritoneal metastases.

Current role of palliative interventions in advanced pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Unfortunately, at diagnosis, most patients are not candidates for curative resection. Surgical palliation, a procedure performed with the intention of relieving symptoms or improving quality of life, comes to the forefront of management. This article reviews the palliative management of unresectable pancreatic cancer, including obstructive jaundice, duodenal obstruction and pain control with celiac plexus block. Although surgical bypasses for both biliary and duodenal obstructions usually achieve good technical success, they result in considerable perioperative morbidity and mortality, even when performed laparoscopically. The effectiveness of self-expanding metal stents for biliary drainage is excellent with low morbidity. Surgical gastrojejunostomy for duodenal obstruction appears to be best for patients with a life expectancy of greater than 2 mo while endoscopic stenting has been shown to be feasible with good symptom relief in those with a shorter life expectancy. Regardless of the palliative procedure performed, all physicians involved must be adequately trained in end of life management to ensure the best possible care for patients.

2017 Update on Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Multimodal-Treatment Considerations

Ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis requires a multimodal-treatment approach. Current treatment considerations are analyzed in this update and include the management of recurrent malignant ascites and the understanding of its pathophysiology, the role of peritoneal washing cytology in detecting peritoneal metastases, capsular invasion and ovarian cancer histologic type, interpretation of pretreatment Ca-125 levels at different time points of ovarian cancer therapeutic management, characteristics of 10-year survivors of high-grade ovarian cancer, and the role of lymphadenectomy in ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis. This update also includes current considerations on the role of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis as well as relevant ongoing phase III randomized controlled trial protocols.

Outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma and predictors of survival

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) benefits selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. We present the outcomes of this treatment strategy in a UK peritoneal malignancy national referral centre.

METHODS

Observational retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected in a dedicated peritoneal malignancy database between March 1998 and January 2016.

RESULTS

Of 1586 patients treated for peritoneal malignancy, 76 (4.8%) underwent surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. Median age was 49 years (range 21-73 years). 34 patients (45%) were female. Of the 76 patients, 39 (51%) had low grade histological subtypes (mostly multicystic mesothelioma), and 37 (49%) had diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM; mostly epithelioid mesothelioma). Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 52 patients (68%) and maximal tumour debulking (MTD) was performed in 20 patients (26%); the remaining 4 patients (5%) underwent a laparotomy with biopsy only. HIPEC was administered in 67 patients (88%). Median overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after CRS was 97.8 (80.2-115.4) and 58.8 (47.4-70.3) months, respectively. After complete cytoreduction, 100% overall survival was observed amongst patients with low-grade disease. Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly associated with survival outcomes after complete cytoreduction for DMPM and was an independent predictor of decreased survival.

CONCLUSION

With adequate patient selection (guided by histological classification and Ki-67 proliferation index) and complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Palliative Management of Peritoneal Metastases

Despite significant recent advances in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis, this diagnosis still is accompanied frequently by a grim survival prognosis, often measured in weeks to months. The poor prognosis also is accompanied often by complications and symptoms that have a dramatic impact on quality of life and are challenging to the managing health care provider and devastating to loved ones caring for the person who is suffering. Consequently, management of carcinomatosis often revolves around palliation of symptoms such as bowel obstruction, nausea, pain, fatigue, and cachexia as well as emotional and existential concerns. This article reviews several palliative treatment options for some of the more common symptoms and complications associated with advanced, incurable peritoneal carcinomatosis. Although readers should recognize that carcinomatosis is no longer an imminent death sentence, providers caring for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis also must be well-versed in the palliative management of this condition and recognize the utility of early palliative care referral in this setting.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification and management of peritoneal mesothelioma: a review

Peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is an uncommon but a serious, and often, fatal primary peritoneal tumour, with increasing incidence worldwide. Conventional systemic chemotherapy, generally based on experience with pleural mesothelioma, usually has disappointing results considering PM as a terminal condition. Patients usually present with non-specific symptoms of abdominal distension and pain making the diagnosis challenging. As PM is confined to the abdomen for all, or much, of its clinical course, a multimodality treatment combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a new standard of care, and has been reported to achieve promising survival outcomes and local disease control in selected patients with PM. This review updates the presentation, diagnosis, classification and treatment strategies for PM.

Port-Site Metastases and Chimney Effect of B-Ultrasound-Guided and Laparoscopically-Assisted Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Perfusion Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

CO₂ leakage along the trocar (chimney effect) has been proposed to be an important factor underlying port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to test this hypothesis by comparing the incidence of port-site metastasis between B-ultrasound-guided and laparoscopically-assisted hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy (HIPPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients with malignant ascites induced by gastrointestinal or ovarian cancer were divided into two groups to receive either B-ultrasound-guided or laparoscopically-assisted HIPPC. Clinical efficacy was assessed from the objective remission rate (ORR), the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, and overall survival. The incidence of port-site metastasis was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients in the B-ultrasound (n=32) and laparoscopy (n=30) groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, primary disease type, volume of ascites, and free cancer cell (FCC)-positive ascites. After HIPPC, there were no significant differences between the B-ultrasound and laparoscopy groups in the KPS score change, ORR, and median survival time. The incidence of port-site metastasis after HIPPC was not significantly different between the B-ultrasound (3 of 32, 9.36%) and laparoscopy (3 of 30, 10%) groups, but significantly different among pancreatic, gastric, ovarian, and colorectal cancer (33.33, 15.79, 10.00, and 0.00%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The chimney effect may not be the key reason for port-site metastasis after laparoscopy. Other factors may play a role, including the local microenvironment at the trocar site and the delivery of viable FCCs (from the tumor or malignant ascites) to the trauma site during laparoscopic surgery.

Effects of Neoadjuvant Laparoscopic Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Neoadjuvant Intraperitoneal/Systemic Chemotherapy on Peritoneal Metastases from Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) is the most important prognostic factor following comprehensive treatment for peritoneal metastasis (PM) from gastric cancer (GCPM); however, 70 % of patients with GCPM showed a PCI score above the cut-off level at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reduce the PCI score to lower than the cut-off levels. In this study, the effects of neoadjuvant laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (NLHIPEC) and neoadjuvant intraperitoneal/systemic chemotherapy (NIPS) were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In group A, NLHIPEC was performed twice in 53 patients with GCPM, separated by a 1-month rest interval. Changes in the PCI were studied at the time of first and second laparoscopy. In group B, after NLHIPEC, a series of 3-week cycles of NIPS were performed over three courses in 52 patients. A laparotomy for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) was then carried out and the PCI changes were studied.

RESULTS

In group A, the PCI score at the time of the second session (11.8 ± 11.0) was significantly lower than at the time of the first session (14.2 ± 10.7), while in group B, the PCI at the time of laparotomy (9.9 ± 11.3) was significantly lower than at the time of NLHIPEC (14.8 ± 11.4). After NLHIPEC plus NIPS, complete cytoreduction was achieved in 30 (57.6 %) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

NLHIPEC and NIPS are effective methods of reducing PCI levels before CRS.

Surgical technology and pharmacology of hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy

Although cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) have not been shown to be effective by themselves, as a combined treatment they are now standard of care for peritoneal metastases from appendiceal cancer and from colorectal cancer as well as peritoneal mesothelioma. The timing of the HIPEC in relation to the CRS is crucial in that the HIPEC is to destroy minimal residual disease that remains following the CRS and prevent microscopic tumor emboli within the abdomen and pelvis from implanting within the resection site, within fibrinous clot, or within blood clot. Proper selection of chemotherapy agents is crucial to the long-term benefit of CRS and HIPEC. One must consider the response expected with the cancer chemotherapy agent, its area under the curve (AUC) ratio indicating the amount of dose intensity within the peritoneal space, and the drug retention within the peritoneal space for a prolonged exposure. Hyperthermia will augment the cytotoxicity of the cancer chemotherapy agents and improve drug penetration. Irrigation techniques should not be overlooked as an important means of reducing the cancer cell burden within the abdomen and pelvis. Multiple technologies for HIPEC exist and these have advantages and disadvantages. The techniques vary from a totally open technique with a vapor barrier over the open abdominal space to a totally closed technique whereby the HIPEC is administered at the completion of the surgical procedure. The open techniques depend on a table-mounted retractor for suspension of the skin edges allowing a reservoir to occur within the abdomen and pelvis. There are nearly a dozen commercially available hyperthermia pumps, all of which seem to perform adequately for HIPEC although there is a variable degree of convenience and documentation of the HIPEC procedure. As the management of peritoneal metastases has progressed over three decades, early cases are now seen in which a laparoscopic CRS and HIPEC may be appropriate. Also, prophylactic use of laparoscopic HIPEC with perforated appendiceal malignancies and T4 colon cancers may be appropriate.

Palliative cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion: current clinical practice or misnomer?

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (CRS/HIPEC) is being used more and more frequently for the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Despite significant improvements in oncologic outcomes and the risk of complications and mortality, CRS/HIPEC remains one of the most morbid treatments offered for advanced cancers. Consequently CRS/HIPEC is still considered controversial by many, even in the setting of cancers that are potentially curable. However, as high volume surgical oncologists become more experienced with CRS/HIPEC, the potential role of "palliative CRS/HIPEC" in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis is being raised. Given the often limited survival benefit expected after CRS/HIPEC, understanding the impact of the treatment on quality of life (QOL) needs to be an essential part of the decision to proceed and is critical to optimizing recovery afterwards. This article reviews the potential definitions of "palliative CRS/HIPEC" in various clinical contexts and describes the current state of the QOL experience after CRS/HIPEC.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Methodology, Drugs and Bidirectional Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) combined have been recognized as standard of care for treatment of a subset of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). The aim of CRS is to eliminate all macroscopic disease through a series of visceral resections followed by targeting any residual microscopic disease with intraperitoneal chemotherapy, exposing the peritoneal surfaces to a high concentration of chemotherapy with a lower systemic toxicity. Different regimes of intraperitoneal chemotherapy include HIPEC, early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) and bidirectional chemotherapy. The efficacy and modality of treatment with intraperitoneal chemotherapy is dependent on multiple factors including the chosen cytotoxic agent and its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. There is no standardized methodology for intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration. This review will discuss the pharmacological principles of the various intraperitoneal chemotherapy techniques.

The Role of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer

Peritoneal metastasis, either synchronous or metachronous, is commonly seen in gastric cancer. It is associated with a poor prognosis, with a median survival of less than one year. The outcomes are not significantly improved by the use of systemic chemotherapy. We review the relevant literature on the role of HIPEC in gastric cancer. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used in three situations in gastric cancer. Besides its role as a definitive treatment in patients with established peritoneal metastasis (PM), it has been used as a prophylaxis against peritoneal recurrence after curative surgery and also as a palliative treatment in advanced peritoneal metastasis with intractable ascites. While prophylactic HIPEC has been shown to reduce peritoneal recurrence and improve survival in many randomised trials, palliative HIPEC can reduce the need for frequent paracentesis. Although CRS with HIPEC has shown promise in increasing the survival of selected patients with established PM from gastric cancer, larger studies are needed before this can be accepted as a standard of care.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer associated peritoneal carcinomatosis (GCPC) has a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than one year. Systemic chemotherapy including targeted agents has not been found to significantly increase the survival in GCPC. Since recurrent gastric cancer remains confined to the abdominal cavity in many patients, regional therapies like aggressive cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been investigated for GCPC. HIPEC has been used for three indications in GC- as an adjuvant therapy after a curative surgery, HIPEC has been shown to improve survival and reduce peritoneal recurrences in many randomised trials in Asian countries; as a definitive treatment in established PC, HIPEC along with CRS is the only therapeutic modality that has resulted in long-term survival in select groups of patients; as a palliative treatment in advanced PC with intractable ascites, HIPEC has been shown to control ascites and reduce the need for frequent paracentesis. While the results of randomised trials of adjuvant HIPEC from western centres are awaited, the role of HIPEC in the treatment of GCPC is still evolving and needs larger studies before it is accepted as a standard of care.

Outcome following incomplete surgical cytoreduction combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases

Cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy can improve survival in appropriately selected patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases. Outcomes are best in those patients in whom a complete cytoreduction can be achieved. Unresectable disease is however encountered in approximately one-quarter of patients at laparotomy. The merits, or otherwise, of proceeding with an incomplete cytoreduction in this setting are unclear. We performed a review of published outcomes following incomplete cytoreduction for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Using the electronic databases, PubMed and MEDLINE, a systematic search of available literature published during the period January 1997 to September 2014 was conducted. Following application of exclusion criteria, 19 papers were identified and included in this review. These comprised fifteen case series, 3 case control studies and one randomised control trial. In the nineteen studies included in this review, 2790 patients underwent cytoreductive surgery with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin. Of these, 1732 (62%) underwent a complete cytoreduction while 986 (35%) patients underwent an incomplete cytoreduction. Median survival in the complete cytoreduction group ranged from 11 to 62 mo while survival in the latter group ranged from 2.4 to 32 mo. Of the 986 patients with an incomplete cytoreduction, 331 patients received intraperitoneal chemotherapy and survival in this cohort ranged from 4.5 to 32 mo. An incomplete cytoreduction, with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy, does not appear to confer a survival benefit. The limited available data points to a palliative benefit in a subset of patients. In the absence of high quality data, the decision as to whether or not to proceed with surgery should be made on an individual patient basis.

Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for refractory malignant ascites in patients unsuitable for cytoreductive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Malignant ascites (MA) is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of patients with intraperitoneal dissemination of their disease and is associated with a short life expectancy. The most common clinical feature is a progressive increase of abdominal distention resulting in pain, discomfort, anorexia and dyspnoea. Currently, no treatment is established standard of care due to limited efficacy or considerable toxicity. The objective was to examine the efficacy of laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the palliation of refractory MA in patients who were unsuitable for cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

From May 2009 to June 2015, 12 patients with MA due to their peritoneal malignancy were treated with laparoscopic HIPEC. The time between operation and repeat paracentesis, in-hospital data, and the proportion of patients that did not require repeat paracentesis was analyzed.

RESULTS

One patient (8%) was admitted to ICU for 1 day. The mean operating time and hospital stay was 149.3 min (range 79-185) and 4.6 days (range 2-11) respectively. Neither high-grade morbidity nor mortality was observed. The median OS was 57 days. In our experience, a complete and definitive disappearance of MA was observed in 83% of patients. Two patients (17%) developed recurrent MA 124 days and 283 days post-HIPEC.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic HIPEC is a beneficial treatment for the management and palliation of refractory MA and results in an excellent clinical and radiological resolution in patients with a complete resolution observed in selected patients.

Palliative surgery: incidence and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To describe the goals of treatment, decision-making, incidence, and outcomes of surgical palliation in advanced cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, and clinical guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Surgical palliation is common in advanced cancer settings, and is indicated primarily in settings where the goals of treatment are focused on quality of life, symptom control, and symptom prevention. More research is needed to guide evidence-based best practices in palliative surgery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to arm themselves with knowledge related to the indications and options of palliative procedures, and the impact of surgery on quality of life for patients and families facing advanced cancer.

Looking up: Recent advances in understanding and treating peritoneal carcinomatosis

Until recently, a diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis was uniformly accompanied by a grim prognosis that was typically measured in weeks to months. Consequently, the management of carcinomatosis revolves largely around palliation of symptoms such as bowel obstruction, nausea, pain, fatigue, and cachexia. A prior lack of effective treatment options created the nihilistic view that currently exists and persists despite improvements in the efficacy of systemic therapy and the evolution of multimodality approaches including surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This article reviews the evolution and current state of treatment options for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In addition, it highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular biology of carcinomatosis and the focus of current and future clinical trials. Finally, this article provides practical management options for the palliation of common complications of carcinomatosis. It is hoped that the reader will recognize that carcinomatosis is no longer an imminent death sentence and that through continued research and therapeutic innovation, clinicians can make an even greater impact on this form of metastatic cancer.

Respiratory distress due to malignant ascites palliated by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Malignant ascites is a common symptom in patients with peritoneal cancer. Current assumption is that an increased vascular permeability and obstruction of lymphatic channels lead to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This case report describes a severely symptomatic patient with malignant ascites. The previously healthy 73-year-old male was presented with abdominal distention causing respiratory distress. Computed tomography revealed large amounts of ascites, a recto-sigmoidal mass with locoregional lymphadenopathy and an omental cake. Biopsy taken during colonoscopy revealed an adenocarcinoma of the colon with signet cell differentiation. A widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis was found during a diagnostic laparoscopy. The extent of peritoneal disease rendered the patient not suitable for cytoreductive surgery with curative intent. The ascites proved to be refractory to ultrasound-guided paracentesis; thus, a decision was made to perform palliative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy without cytoreductive surgery. Consequently, ascites production stopped, and the respiratory distress was relieved thereafter. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Ascites recurred eight months later, and a second hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedure was performed. The patient was still alive at the time of writing, 16 mo after the initial diagnosis.

Response to pathological processes in the peritoneal cavity--sepsis, tumours, adhesions, and ascites

The peritoneum is one of the commonest sites for pathological processes in pediatric surgery. Its response to pathological processes is characterized by an inflammatory reaction with specific pathways depending on the type of injury or peritoneal process involved. This review discusses the current understanding of peritoneal inflammation, adhesion formation, intra-abdominal sepsis, peritoneal metastasis, and ascites and briefly reviews new therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent these pathological entities. Recent studies have improved the understanding of peritoneal responses, resulting in possible new targets for prevention and therapy.

Re-challenge with catumaxomab in patients with malignant ascites: results from the SECIMAS study

Malignant ascites is a common phenomenon in cancer patients. It poses a great challenge to the clinician, because of limited treatment options and strong impairment of the quality of life of the often palliative patients. The SECIMAS study investigated the feasibility of a re-challenge with four catumaxomab intraperitoneal infusions in patients who had already received a first cycle of four infusions in the phase III CASIMAS study, which compared catumaxomab with and without prednisolone premedication. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who received at least three catumaxomab infusions. Secondary endpoints included a composite safety score (CSS) summarising the worst grades for the main catumaxomab-related adverse events (pyrexia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain), safety, efficacy and the occurrence of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Eight of nine screened patients received a second catumaxomab cycle. Compliance with a catumaxomab re-challenge was high: all eight patients (100%) received all four infusions. The median CSS was 3.0 versus 3.4 in CASIMAS. The tolerability profile of the second catumaxomab cycle was comparable to that of the first cycle. Median puncture-free survival (48 days) and overall survival (407 days) were longer than in CASIMAS (35 and 103 days, respectively), although median time to next puncture was shorter (60 vs. 97 days). Of six patients sampled, all were ADA positive at screening and remained ADA positive until the end of the study. The presence of ADAs did not affect catumaxomab's safety or efficacy. The CSS and tolerability profile for catumaxomab in SECIMAS were comparable to those in CASIMAS. The majority of patients benefitted from a second cycle of catumaxomab. A re-challenge seems to be feasible and safe for selected patients with recurrent malignant ascites due to carcinoma after a first cycle of catumaxomab.