Cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer improves progression-free survival, especially in BRCA-positive patients-A case-control study

[State of results of HIPEC for epithelial ovarian cancer in the primary treatment or for relapse]

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an unavoidable development of ovarian cancer, from the first treatment to relapses, and is the main cause of patients death. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), is a hope for cure for patients with ovarian cancer. HIPEC is based on direct application of chemotherapy on the perioneum with high concentration of chemotherapy enhanced with specific effects of hyperthermia. Theoretically, HIPEC could be proposed at different steps of ovarian cancer development. But the hypothesis of efficiency of a new treatment must be assessed before being routinely applied. Numerous clinical series are already published about HIPEC used in primary treatment of ovarian cancer or for relapses. These series are mostly retrospectives and based on heterogeneous parameters as inclusion criteria of patients, intra peritoneal chemotherapy, concentration, temperature, duration of HIPEC. Taking into account this heterogeneity it is not possible to draw strong scientific conclusions about HIPEC efficiency to treat ovarian cancer patients. We proposed a review allowing a better understanding of current recommendations of the use of HIPEC in ovarian cancer patients.

The 2022 PSOGI International Consensus on HIPEC Regimens for Peritoneal Malignancies: Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We report the results of an international consensus on hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) regimens for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) performed with the following goals: To define the indications for HIPEC To identify the most suitable HIPEC regimens for each indication in EOC To identify areas of future research on HIPEC To provide recommendations for some aspects of perioperative care for HIPEC METHODS: The Delphi technique was used with two rounds of voting. There were three categories of questions: evidence-based recommendations [using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system with the patient, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) method], an opinion survey, and research recommendations.

RESULTS

Seventy-three (67.5%) of 108 invited experts responded in round I, and 68 (62.9%) in round II. Consensus was achieved for 34/38 (94.7%) questions. However, a strong positive consensus that would lead to inclusion in routine care was reached for only 6/38 (15.7%) questions. HIPEC in addition to interval cytoreductive surgery (CRS) received a strong positive recommendation that merits inclusion in routine care. Single-agent cisplatin was the only drug recommended for routine care, and OVHIPEC-1 was the most preferred regimen. The panel recommended performing HIPEC for a minimum of 60 min with a recommended minimum intraabdominal temperature of 41°C. Nephroprotection with sodium thiosulfate should be used for cisplatin HIPEC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this consensus should guide clinical decisions on indications of HIPEC and the choice and various parameters of HIPEC regimens and could fill current knowledge gaps. These outcomes should be the basis for designing future clinical trials on HIPEC in EOC.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): New Approaches and Controversies on the Treatment of Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery has been extensively studied in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, and it holds promise as a therapeutic strategy, but its role remains elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the existing evidence for the use or not of HIPEC in primary debulking surgery (PDS), interval debulking surgery (IDS), and recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC), evaluated in terms of survival rates and post-surgical morbidity.

METHODS

Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane, and Medscape were systematically searched for any article comparing the use of HIPEC treatment with any other therapy in patients with ovarian cancer in PDS, IDS, and ROC. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. We only considered English-language published studies.

RESULTS

We included 14 studies, including two RCTs with a total of 1813 women, published between 2003 and 2023 with a recruitment period between 1998 and 2020. In PDS, there were no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) between HIPEC and controls [MD -5.53 months [95% CI -19.91 to 8.84 months]; I2 = 96%]. Conversely, in patients treated with NACT, pooled results showed a significant survival advantage in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the combined HIPEC plus IDS group rather than surgery alone [PFS: MD 4.68 months (95% CI 3.49 to 5.86 months, I2 = 95%); OS: MD 11.81 months (95% CI 9.34 to 14.27 months); I2 = 97%]. Concerning ROC patients, pooled MD did not show either a significant PFS difference between intervention and controls [MD 2.68 months (95% CI 433 to 9.70 months); I2 = 95%], and OS significant difference (MD 6.69 months [95% CI -9.09 to 22.47 months]; I2 = 98%). Severe post-operative complications (≥grade 3) were available in 10 studies, accounting for 1108 women. Overall, there was a slightly but significantly increased risk with the combined approach compared to controls [RR 1.26 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.55); I2 = 0%].

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery prolongs OS and PFS in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer after NACT with acceptable morbidity. However, additional trials are still needed to determine the effectiveness of HIPEC in primary and recurrence settings. In the era of personalized medicine, the correlation between the efficacy of HIPEC and biological and molecular findings represents a challenge for the future of ovarian cancer.

HIPEC for gynaecological malignancies: A last update (Review)

Advanced-stage gynaecological cancer represents a clinical entity with challenging surgical treatment in an effort to optimize prognosis. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been reported as a method potentially eligible to improve prognosis. However, no definitive conclusions have yet been made on which types of cancer and which context HIPEC may actually have a beneficial impact. The present review discusses the efficacy and safety of HIPEC as a treatment option for patients with primary/recurrent ovarian, endometrial and cervix cancer, as well as peritoneal sarcomatosis. A literature search was conducted using MeSH terms for each topic in the PubMed database and supplemented with a manual search to retrieve additional articles eligible for inclusion/fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The implementation of HIPEC appears to be beneficial in terms of survival in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as well as in patients with recurrent EOC. Statistical superiority is not justified by current studies regarding other gynaecological malignancies with peritoneal dissemination. Furthermore, as regards safety, HIPEC following CRS does not appear to significantly increase the mortality and morbidity rates compared to the use of CRS alone. The rationale for using HIPEC and CRS in the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, as well as for recurrences, is adequately evidenced, with acceptable safety and post-operative complication rate profiles. Its current place in the multimodal strategy for patients with peritoneal metastases remains uncertain, however. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to further examine the use of HIPEC and establish the optimal regimen and temperature settings. The role of optimal cytoreduction and no residual disease, as well as the proper patient selection remain basic parameters for maximizing survival parameters.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer: When, and for whom?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) of recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) patients treated with cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ROC patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographic information and clinicopathological characteristics including cancer type, histology, platinum status, presence of ascites, type of surgery, complications, chemotherapy history, and disease progression were documented. PFS was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients with ROC were included. The median age was 57 years and the median follow-up time was 15 months (range: 5-69 months). In Cox regression multivariate analyses, platinum resistance (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91-5.76, p = 0.00), more than one relapse prior HIPEC (HR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.65-4.87, p = 0.024), and presence of ascites (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.08-3.26, p = 0.00) were found to be negative prognostic factors for PFS. In subgroup analyses of patients with the first recurrence, the median PFS was 21 months for platinum-sensitive patients and 6 months for platinum-resistant patients (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

HIPEC at the time of first platinum-sensitive relapse may lead to favorable PFS in the treatment ROC. However, HIPEC as salvage treatment even with R0 cytoreductive surgery does not seem effective.

Mechanistic Insights on Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is an aggressive disease of the female reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death in women. Standard of care includes surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, yet patients continue to experience a high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in highly selective patients extends overall survival by nearly 12 months. The clinical studies are highly supportive of the use of HIPEC in the treatment of ovarian cancer, though the therapeutic approach is limited to academic medical centers. The mechanism underlying HIPEC benefit remains unknown. The efficacy of HIPEC therapy is impacted by several procedural and patient/tumor factors including the timing of surgery, platinum sensitivity, and molecular profiling such as homologous recombination deficiency. The present review aims to provide insight into the mechanistic benefit of HIPEC treatment with a focus on how hyperthermia activates the immune response, induces DNA damage, impairs DNA damage repair pathways, and has a synergistic effect with chemotherapy, with the ultimate outcome of increasing chemosensitivity. Identifying the points of fragility unmasked by HIPEC may provide the key pathways that could be the basis of new therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer patients.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The value of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at the time of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is controversial and its use remains experimental in most national and international guidelines. We wished to systematically evaluate all available evidence.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of data from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted from the first report on HIPEC in EOC till April 3, 2022. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the HIPEC and control groups. This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021265810).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (10 case-control studies and 5 randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) were included in the present meta-analysis. Based on the time interval between the last systemic chemotherapy exposure and timing of CRS +/- HIPEC, all studies and patients' cohorts we classified into recent (<6 months; n = 9 studies/patients cohorts) and non-recent (≥6 months, n = 8 studies/patients cohorts) chemotherapy exposure groups. In the recent chemotherapy exposure group, HIPEC was associated with improvement of both PFS (HR, 0.585; 95% CI, 0.422-0.811) and OS (HR, 0.519; 95% CI, 0.346-0.777). On the contrary, in the non-recent chemotherapy exposure group, HIPEC failed to significantly affect PFS (HR, 1.037; 95% CI, 0.684-1.571) or OS (HR, 0.932; 95% CI, 0.607-1.430). Consistent results were observed in subsequent sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our present meta-analysis demonstrates that the value of HIPEC at CRS for EOC appears to depend on the timing of the last systemic chemotherapy exposure. Future trials are awaited to define the role of HIPEC in EOC.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after primary debulking surgery in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: Is BRCA mutational status making the difference?

INTRODUCTION

The role of a molecular pattern predictive of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) efficacy in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients has been poorly investigated. We aimed to assess the effect of HIPEC after primary debulking surgery (PDS) in AOC according to patient's Breast Cancer Gene (BRCA) mutational status.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single center, case-control study. Data on AOC patients receiving HIPEC at the end of PDS as previously enrolled in a phase II monocentric trial (HIPEC group), were retrieved and matched for clinical and surgical characteristics with a group of cases who underwent PDS without receiving HIPEC between 01/2010 and 01/2015 (No HIPEC group). Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ≥IIIB disease, aged between 18 and 70 years, with a laparoscopic Predictive Index value (PIV) ≤8 and residual disease ≤2.5 mm were included.

RESULTS

70 patients were included. With the except of age (p = 0.012), the populations were balanced for the main characteristics. At a median follow-up of 48 months, no differences in Progression Free Survival (PFS) (p = 0.968) and Overall Survival (OS) (p = 0.789) were recorded. Survival analysis according to HIPEC administration and BRCA mutational status showed an improved PFS (p = 0.011) and OS (p = 0.003) in BRCA mutated compared to wild-type patients when HIPEC was not administered, whilst they were superimposable in case of HIPEC administration (p = 0.857 vs p = 0.372; respectively). No differences in terms of neither intra-operative (p = 1.0) nor early post-operative complications (p = 0.920) were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that HIPEC in AOC may be a promising treatment in BRCA wild-type patients, as it seems to balance their decreased chemosensitivity compared to mutation carriers.

Survival Outcomes after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for a First Ovarian Cancer Relapse: A Systematic Evidence-Based Review

Simple Summary

Since 2000, scientific literature has recommended the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of ovarian cancer relapse. This treatment, combining heavy abdominal surgery and intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy is associated with a risk of post-operative death and severe morbidity. Previous systematic reviews of the scientific literature concluded that HIPEC was effective for improving patient survival following a first relapse of ovarian cancer. This current systematic review, emphasizing the level of evidence of the published series, using the Oxford levels of evidence grading system, has made it possible to analyze the weaknesses of this scientific literature. This literature is characterized by biases—such as patient inclusion, and weak methods—such as retrospective patient collection, a small number of included patients, and no statistical hypothesis. As a results, HIPEC must remain an experimental procedure in ovarian cancer relapse, patients until there are positive results from ongoing clinical trials.

Abstract

Background: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is routinely used in the treatment of a first ovarian cancer relapse. Methods: This systematic review, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, aimed to assess the quality of scientific proof of the survival benefits of HIPEC, using Medline and Google Scholar. Qualitative analysis using the Oxford CEBM Levels of Evidence 2011 grading is reported. Results: Of 469 articles identified, 23 were included; 15 based on series of patients treated with HIPEC without a control group, and 8 case control series of patients treated with or without HIPEC. The series without a control group showed median overall survival (OS) ranged from 23.5 to 63 months, highlighting a broad standard deviation. Considering the case control series, OS was significantly better in the HIPEC group in 5 studies, and similar in 1. The current review showed considerable heterogeneity and biases, with an Oxford Level of Evidence grading of 4 for 22 selected series and 2 for one. Conclusions: There is no strong evidence to suggest efficacy of HIPEC in improving survival of patients treated for a first relapse of ovarian cancer due to the low quality of the data.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

To investigate outcomes and morbidity of patients undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in recurrent ovarian cancer.

Materials and methods

Between April 2014 and January 2019, a total of 51 recurrent ovarian cancer patients receiving secondary CRS and HIPEC were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Among the 51 patients, median peritoneal cancer index score was 13 (range 3–34), and completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score of 0/1 was achieved in 41 patients (78.8%). Regimen of HIPEC included cisplatin and paclitaxel in 39 (75%) cases. The median follow-up duration of survivors was 20.2 months. Sixteen (30.8%) patients remained free of recurrence after HIPEC. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 11.8 months and 34.5 months respectively. Multivariate analysis showed previous chemotherapy <2 lines (HR 0.24, 0.11–0.52; p = 0.001), chemotherapy-free interval ≥6 months (HR 0.19, 0.09–0.37; p < 0.001) and CA125 < 35 U/mL before HIPEC (HR 0.133, 0.021–0.0832; p = 0.031) were good prognostic factors for PFS. CC0/1 was not significant in multivariate analysis. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was anemia (17.3%), pleural effusion (11.5%) and renal insufficiency (5.7%). Patients with age ≥50, peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) ≥ 11, operation time ≥10 h and diaphragm surgery had significantly higher incidence of pleural effusion.

Conclusions

The current study showed adding HIPEC to secondary CRS might prolong PFS especially in patients with previous chemotherapy <2 lines, chemotherapy-free interval ≥6 months and CA125 < 35 U/mL before HIPEC.

Dense hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin in patients with stage III serous epithelial ovarian cancer: a retrospective study

Background

To investigate the efficacy and safety of interval debulking surgery (IDS) combined with dense hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin in Chinese patients with FIGO stage III serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

This retrospective single-center study reviewed the demographic and clinical data of 197 patients with primary FIGO stage III serous EOC who were treated with IDS with (n = 121) or without (n = 76, control group) dense HIPEC between January 2012 and April 2017. The co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events.

Results

The median PFS was 24 months in the IDS plus dense HIPEC group, whereas it was 19 months in the IDS alone group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33–0.65, p = 0.000). The median OS in patients treated with IDS plus dense HIPEC (51 months) was significantly longer than that in patients treated with IDS alone (40 months, HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35–0.78, p = 0.001). The demographic and preoperative clinical characteristics of these two groups were comparable (p > 0.05). In the IDS alone group, no adverse events were recorded in 42 (55.3%) of the 76 patients, and 14 (18.4%) patients were reported to have grade III/IV adverse events. In the IDS plus dense HIPEC group, no adverse events were recorded in 55 (45.5%) of the 121 patients, and 23 (19.0%) patients were reported to have grade III/IV adverse events. No postoperative deaths occurred within 30 days in either group and neither did severe fatal complications in the IDS plus dense HIPEC group.

Conclusions

IDS plus dense HIPEC with cisplatin in Chinese patients with FIGO stage III serous EOC is associated with improved survival and is reasonably well tolerated by patients.

Past, Present, and Future of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), along with optimal cytoreductive surgery, has been debated to be a viable option for the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. HIPEC is associated with a direct and improved penetration of chemotherapy drugs into the affected tissue and is associated with fewer systemic side effects. There is no standard protocol for the use of HIPEC in advanced ovarian cancer. Hence, there is controversy over the timing, dose, duration, and efficacy of HIPEC. In this review, the history, technique, current evidence, recommendations, and future directions of HIPEC are discussed.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer with peritoneal metastases, systematic review of the literature and focused personal experience

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) causes 60% of ovarian cancer cases and is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer in women. The standard of care for EOC includes a combination of surgery followed by intravenous chemotherapy. Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy (CT) has been introduced into the therapeutic algorithm of EOC with positive results. To explore existing results regarding intraperitoneal chemotherapy a systematic review of the literature and an analysis of our own institutional prospective database of patients treated with cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for EOC at different stages were conducted. The focused report concerning our personal experience with advanced EOC treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC produced the following results: In 57 patients cisplatin + paclitaxel as HIPEC was the only significant factor improving overall survival (OS) at multivariate analysis (OR 6.54, 95% CI: 1.24-34.47, P=0.027). Patients treated with HIPEC cisplatin + paclitaxel showed a median OS of 46 months (SD 6.4, 95% CI: 33.4-58.6), while patients treated with other HIPEC regimens showed a median OS of 12 months (SD 3.1, 95% CI: 6.0-18.0). The 2y-OS was 72% and 3y-OS was 68% for cisplatin + paclitaxel as HIPEC, while the 2y- and 3y-OS was 0% for other HIPEC regimens. Patients treated with HIPEC cisplatin + paclitaxel showed a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 13 months (SD 1.6, 95% CI: 9.9-16.1), while patients treated with other HIPEC regimens showed a median DFS of 8 months (SD 3.1, 95% CI: 1.9-14.1). In conclusion, HIPEC cisplatin + paclitaxel in ovarian cancer showed positive results that may be considered semi-definitive according to the level of evidence and should be considered a starting point for further investigations. At present HIPEC cisplatin + paclitaxel should be proposed to patients with advanced ovarian cancer as standard treatment at almost all stages of disease. Platinum + taxane-based intraperitoneal regimens demonstrated superior results compared to other regimens.

Ten years' disease-free survival of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer treated by cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

One of the most distinctive features of epithelial ovarian cancer is tendency to disseminate into peritoneal cavity to form peritoneal carcinomatosis, indicating advanced disease with poor prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A fifty-year-old patient had a chief complaint of an abdominal distension lasting 1 month.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis by computed tomography scan, tumor markers, endoscopy examination, and pathology.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy followed by 8 cycles of systemic chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

Till March 9, 2020, the patient has disease-free survival over 10 years.

LESSONS

The application of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with systematic chemotherapy may improve survival dramatically for the patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis and should be considered as an option of a relatively new regime.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian cancer recurrence: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Ovarian cancer is the first cause of death among gynecological malignancies with a high incidence of recurrence. Different treatment options are suitable to prolong the survival rate of these patients. Over the last years, one of the most intriguing methods, adopted in different oncologic centers worldwide, is the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed to value the role of HIPEC for ovarian cancer recurrence. Search strategy was conducted with a combination of the following keywords: "ovarian recurrence, ovarian cancer recurrence, peritoneal cancer recurrence, ovarian recurrence AND HIPEC, secondary cytoreduction HIPEC". Seven studies were selected for analysis.

Results

In women with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC), the use of HIPEC in addition to cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy significantly improved 1-year overall survival (OS) when compared to protocols without HIPEC (OR 2.42; 95% CI, 1.06-5.56; P=0.04; I²=4%). The improvement in OS was maintained significant also after 2, 3 and 5 years respectively (OR 3.33; 95% CI, 1.81-6.10; P<0.01; I²=0%), (OR 4.22; 95% CI, 2.07-8.60; P<0.01; I²=52%), (OR 5.17; 95% CI, 1.40-19.09; P=0.01; I²=82%).

Conclusions

HIPEC seems to have an effective role to prolong survival in patients affected by ROC.

Effect of platinum sensitivity on the efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a treatment strategy that has been evaluated in recurrent ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to examine if survival was similar regardless of platinum sensitivity.

METHODS

A retrospective study of women with recurrent platinum sensitive or resisteant epithelial ovarian cancer who were treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC between the years 2010-2018 was performed. Recurrence free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Thirty-five (72.9 %) were platinum sensitive (PS) and 13 (27.1 %) were platinum resistant (PR). The complete cytoreduction (R0) rate was higher in the PS patients as compared to PR (85.7 % vs 53.8 %; p = 0.017). Median follow-up was 16.9 (range, 11.7-34.5) months. The median recurrence free survival in the patients who had a R0 resection was 22.3 months in PS and 11.1 months in PR patients (p = 0.017), respectively. Median overall survival was 26.9 months in the PR patients, while it had not been reached in the PS patients. In the patients with PS recurrence, the mean treatment free interval (TFI) prior to HIPEC was 1.6 years and following HIPEC, 40 % of those patients were recurrence free at 2 years. In the patients with PR recurrence, the mean TFI prior to HIPEC was 4.6 months and following HIPEC, 61.5 % of those patients had a longer TFI, with a mean increase of 10.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Although surgery is not considered standard treatment in PR ovarian cancer, in carefully selected patients, surgery with HIPEC could extend the treatment-free interval.

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.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer: an update

In the treatment of advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)-associated surgery and chemotherapy with intravenous platinum/taxane-based therapy most patients had early or late recurrence. Prevention of progression and recurrence is a major objective for the management of EOC. Recently, many clinical studies have evaluated the strategy with hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal (IP) drug delivery. This is an update of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in EOC and a view for future strategies. Until recently studies on HIPEC in patients with EOC were mostly retrospective and heterogeneous. Thanks to recent clinical trials, it is reasonable to conclude that surgical cytoreduction and HIPEC is an interesting approach in the management of EOC without increasing morbidity.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) holds promise as an adjunctive treatment strategy in malignancies affecting the peritoneal surface, effectively targeting remaining microscopic residual tumor. HIPEC increases concentrations of chemotherapy directly within the peritoneal cavity compared with the intravenous route and reduces the systemic side effects associated with prolonged adjuvant intraperitoneal exposure. Furthermore, hyperthermia increases tissue penetration and is synergistic with the therapeutic chemotherapy agents used. In ovarian cancer, evidence is building for its use in both primary and recurrent scenarios. In this review, we examine the history of HIPEC, the techniques used, and the available data guiding its use in primary and recurrent ovarian cancer.

Efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

Objective: The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is still controversial. Present analysis aims to evaluate the survival benefit of HIPEC in treatment of EOC patients. Methods: Articles related to 'HIPEC' and 'ovarian cancer' were comprehensively searched in four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library) up to 4 February 2018. Eligible studies were identified depending on the selection criteria. The survival outcome and adverse events were collected. The relationship between HIPEC and survival of EOC was assessed using random-effects models. Results: A total of 1464 patients from 17 trials were subjected to analysis. The pooled results showed that HIPEC significantly improved overall survival (OS, HR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.36-0.69; p = 0.000) and progression-free survival (PFS, HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.47-0.69; p = 0.000) among EOC patients when compared with no HIPEC controls. Similar results were observed in each year rate of survival. Subgroup analysis didn't lead to the opposite results, except no significant increased 1-year of OS in primary EOC and 1- and 2-year of PFS in recurrent EOC treated with HIPEC were observed. No significant difference existed in the adverse events and mortality between HIPEC and no HIPEC. Conclusions: HIPEC is associated with improved OS and PFS in both primary and recurrent EOC. However, no significant increased 1- and 2-year of PFS were reached in recurrent EOC treated with HIPEC. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Selection of patients with ovarian cancer who may show survival benefit from hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery has been extensively studied in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from various malignancies. However, the effectiveness of HIPEC for ovarian cancer is still controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to identify patients with ovarian cancer who can obtain survival benefit from HIPEC.

METHODS

Articles regarding HIPEC in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched till December 2018. In total, 13 case-control studies and two randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. We investigated the effect of HIPEC on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and performed subgroup analyses based on the study design, adjustment of confounding variables, and quality of the study.

RESULTS

HIPEC improved both DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.603; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.513-0.709) and OS (HR, 0.640; 95% CI, 0.519-0.789). In cases of primary disease, HIPEC improved DFS (HR, 0.580; 95% CI, 0.476-0.706) and OS (HR, 0.611; 95% CI, 0.376-0.992). Subgroup analyses revealed that HIPEC did not improve OS but improved DFS of patients with residual tumors ≤1 cm or no visible tumors. In cases of recurrent disease, HIPEC was associated with better OS (HR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.379-0.844) but not with DFS. Subgroup analyses also revealed similar tendencies. However, HIPEC improved DFS of patients with residual tumors ≤1 cm or no visible tumors, while it improved OS of only those with residual tumors ≤1 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

HIPEC may improve DFS of patients with ovarian cancer when residual tumors were ≤1 cm or not visible. It may also improve OS of only patients with recurrent disease whose residual tumors were ≤1 cm.

Ascites do not affect the rate of complete cytoreductive surgery and prognosis in patients with primary ovarian cancer with ascites treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is the current standard therapy procedure for patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OC), but numerous patients with OC are complicated with ascites. The aim of the present study was to assess whether massive ascites affect the rate of complete CRS and prognosis for patients with primary OC treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Between December 2006 and December 2015, 1,293 patients with primary OC from the Intracelom Hyperthermic Perfusion Therapy Center of the Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University prospective database were treated with CRS combined with HIPEC. A total of 1,225 patients were without malignant ascites or small amounts of ascites and 68 had massive malignant ascites. The rate of complete CRS, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and resolution of ascites for patients with massive ascites were analyzed between patients without/small ascites, and with massive ascites. Complete CRS was successful in 86.8% (1,063/1,225) of patients without/small ascites, and 85.3% (58/68) of patients with massive ascites. No statistical differences were identified in complete CRS success between patients with ascites and patients without/small ascites (P=0.080). For patients with massive ascites, all symptoms exhibited regression; the total objective remission rate was 100% (68/68), even for patients with incomplete CRS (10/68) (P=0.100). The mean OS was 58 months and the mean DFS was 26 months in patients without/small ascite, vs. 57 months and 28 months in patients with massive ascites. No significant differences were noted in median DFS and median OS between patients with ascites, and patients without/small ascites (All P>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that ascites does not affect the rate of complete CRS and the prognosis of patients with massive ascites following HIPEC. CRS is suitable for the majority of patients with primary OC and massive ascites.

The prognosis impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in advanced ovarian cancer: the meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies about the prognostic value of the HIPEC have yielded controversial results. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of HIPEC on patients with ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

We included 13 comparative studies, and found that the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HIPEC groups were superior to groups without HIPEC treatment in the all total population (HR = 0.54,95% CI:0.45 to 0.66, HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.62). Additionally, the subgroup analysis showed that patients with advanced primary ovarian cancers also gained improved OS and PFS benefit from HIPEC (HR = 0.59,95% CI:0.46 to 0.75, HR = 0.41,95% CI:0.32 to 0.54). With regard to recurrent ovarian cancer, HIPEC was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.45,95% CI:0.24 to 0.83), but for the PFS, no correlation was observed between HIPC group and the non-HIPEC group (HR = 0.55,95% CI:0.27 to 1.11). HIPEC also led to favorable clinical outcome (HR = 0.64,95% CI:0.50 to 0.82, HR = 0.36,95% CI:0.20 to 0.65) for stage III or IV ovarian cancer with initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The review indicated that HIPEC-based regimens was correlated with better clinical prognosis for patients with primary ovarian cancers. For recurrent ovarian cancers, HIPEC only improved the OS but did not elicit significant value on the PFS.

The prognosis impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in advanced ovarian cancer: the meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies about the prognostic value of the HIPEC have yielded controversial results. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of HIPEC on patients with ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

We included 13 comparative studies, and found that the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HIPEC groups were superior to groups without HIPEC treatment in the all total population (HR = 0.54,95% CI:0.45 to 0.66, HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.62). Additionally, the subgroup analysis showed that patients with advanced primary ovarian cancers also gained improved OS and PFS benefit from HIPEC (HR = 0.59,95% CI:0.46 to 0.75, HR = 0.41,95% CI:0.32 to 0.54). With regard to recurrent ovarian cancer, HIPEC was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.45,95% CI:0.24 to 0.83), but for the PFS, no correlation was observed between HIPC group and the non-HIPEC group (HR = 0.55,95% CI:0.27 to 1.11). HIPEC also led to favorable clinical outcome (HR = 0.64,95% CI:0.50 to 0.82, HR = 0.36,95% CI:0.20 to 0.65) for stage III or IV ovarian cancer with initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The review indicated that HIPEC-based regimens was correlated with better clinical prognosis for patients with primary ovarian cancers. For recurrent ovarian cancers, HIPEC only improved the OS but did not elicit significant value on the PFS.

Tailoring Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Implications of BRCA1/2 Mutations

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common epithelial ovarian cancer, harbouring more than 20% germline or somatic mutations in the tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are involved in both DNA damage repair process via homologous recombination (HR) and transcriptional regulation. BRCA mutation confers distinct characteristics, including an increased response to DNA-damaging agents, such us platinum chemotherapy and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). However, several mechanisms of resistance to these agents have been described, including increased HR capacity through reverse BRCA mutations, non-homologous end-joint (NHEJ) repair alterations and drug efflux pumps. Current treatments of ovarian cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted treatment and maintenance strategies, as well as resistance mechanisms will be reviewed, focusing on future trends with respect to BRCA mutation carriers.

Tailoring Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Implications of BRCA1/2 Mutations

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common epithelial ovarian cancer, harbouring more than 20% germline or somatic mutations in the tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are involved in both DNA damage repair process via homologous recombination (HR) and transcriptional regulation. BRCA mutation confers distinct characteristics, including an increased response to DNA-damaging agents, such us platinum chemotherapy and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). However, several mechanisms of resistance to these agents have been described, including increased HR capacity through reverse BRCA mutations, non-homologous end-joint (NHEJ) repair alterations and drug efflux pumps. Current treatments of ovarian cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted treatment and maintenance strategies, as well as resistance mechanisms will be reviewed, focusing on future trends with respect to BRCA mutation carriers.

Tailoring Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Implications of BRCA1/2 Mutations

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common epithelial ovarian cancer, harbouring more than 20% germline or somatic mutations in the tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are involved in both DNA damage repair process via homologous recombination (HR) and transcriptional regulation. BRCA mutation confers distinct characteristics, including an increased response to DNA-damaging agents, such us platinum chemotherapy and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). However, several mechanisms of resistance to these agents have been described, including increased HR capacity through reverse BRCA mutations, non-homologous end-joint (NHEJ) repair alterations and drug efflux pumps. Current treatments of ovarian cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted treatment and maintenance strategies, as well as resistance mechanisms will be reviewed, focusing on future trends with respect to BRCA mutation carriers.

Combined cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as a treatment for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer-National Cancer Institute experience

BACKGROUND

Complete cytoreduction has been associated with survival benefit in the treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In this study, the aim is to investigate the role of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of recurrent EOC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a descriptive (case series) study including 9 patients with recurrent EOC treated by CRS and HIPEC. They were treated and followed up between December 2011 and December 2017. The study was performed at The National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cairo University (CU).

RESULTS

Postoperative death occurred in 2 cases, while recurrence occurred in one case. Six cases had smooth postoperative course and free follow-up. Median follow-up period was 39 months, ranging from 29 to 47 months. Median overall survival was 42 months while median disease-free survival was not reached.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of recurrent EOC by CRS and HIPEC appears to be promising. However, this line of treatment requires further evaluations and larger studies for better assessment of the potential survival benefits and possible complications.

Intraoperative Raman-Guided Chemo-Photothermal Synergistic Therapy of Advanced Disseminated Ovarian Cancers

Abdominal miliary spread and metastasis is one of the most aggressive features in advanced ovarian cancer patients. The current standard treatment of advanced ovarian cancer is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, most patients cannot receive optimal CRS outcomes due to the extreme difficulty of completely excising all microtumors during operation. Though HIPEC can improve prognosis, treatment is untargeted and may damage healthy organs and cause complications. New strategies for precise detection and complete elimination of disseminated microtumors without side effects are therefore highly desirable. Here, cisplatin-loaded gap-enhanced Raman tags (C-GERTs) are designed specifically for the intraoperative detection and elimination of unresectable disseminated advanced ovarian tumors. With unique and strong Raman signals, good biocompatibility, decent plasmonic photothermal conversion, and good drug loading capacity, C-GERTs enable detection and specific elimination of microtumors with a minimum diameter of 1 mm via chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy, causing minimal side effects and significantly prolonging survival in mice. The results demonstrate that C-GERTs-based chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy can effectively control the spread of disseminated tumors in mice and has potential as a safe and powerful method for treatment of advanced ovarian cancers, to improve survival and life quality of patients.

Predicting Survival After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Appendix Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Appendix adenocarcinomas are rare tumors with propensity for peritoneal metastasis. Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an established treatment with curative intent, but, to date, studies reporting survival have been heterogeneous with regard to their patient groups (including other tumor types), interventions (not all patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy), and follow-up (varying surveillance protocols).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of this intervention on survival in a homogeneous group of patients with appendix adenocarcinoma receiving standardized treatment and follow-up, and to determine the impact of prognostic indicators on survival.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database at a national peritoneal tumor center where all patients had their appendix pathology reviewed and management planned by a specialized peritoneal tumor multidisciplinary team.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data were extracted on prognostic indicators including peritoneal cancer index, completeness of cytoreduction score, preoperative tumor markers, and histological features. Overall and disease event-free survival from the date of intervention were evaluated using Kaplan Meier curves and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients underwent cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendix adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2015. Median follow-up was 44.3 months. The overall survival was 55.5% and disease event-free survival was 36.1% (5-year rate). Peritoneal Cancer Index <7, complete cytoreduction score of 0, and preoperative CEA of <6 were all associated with significantly higher overall and disease event-free survival. CA19-9 <38 and CA125 <31 were not associated with a significantly higher overall or disease event-free survival.

LIMITATIONS

The sample size was limited because of the rarity of this tumor type.

CONCLUSIONS

This study quantifies the impact of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on overall and disease event-free survival for appendix adenocarcinoma, identifying key prognostic indicators that may guide treatment. It supports the referral of these rare tumors to specialist centers with appropriate expertise for initial management and follow-up. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A595.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Perfusion Chemotherapy and Cytoreductive Surgery for Controlling Malignant Ascites From Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Malignant ascites, a complication often seen in patients with ovarian cancer (OC), is difficult to treat, but hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has a good efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with HIPEC for controlling malignant ascites from OC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From December 2009 until December 2014, 53 patients with OC and malignant ascites were treated with CRS and HIPEC. Patients in good health condition were treated with CRS followed by HIPEC (CRS + HIPEC), and patients in poor health condition were treated initially with B-mode ultrasound-guided HIPEC followed by delayed CRS upon improvement of their health condition (HIPEC + delayed CRS). Resolution of ascites, complete CRS, overall survival, and disease-free survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients showed ascites regression. The total objective remission rate was 100%, even for patients in the poor condition group before CRS. Complete CRS was successful in 30 (88.23%) of 34 patients in the good condition group, and 17 (89.47%) of 19 patients in the poor condition group (P > 0.05). Median disease-free survival and median overall survival were 21 and 39 months in the good condition group, and 22 and 38 months in the poor condition group, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is effective at controlling ascites in patients with OC, even for patients in poor condition before CRS, or when complete CRS is not feasible. Furthermore, the regression of ascites appears not to be dependent on complete resection.

BRCA mutations in the manifestation and treatment of ovarian cancer

BRCA genes are important for the integrity and stability of genetic material and play key roles in repairing DNA breaks via high fidelity homologous recombination. BRCA mutations are known to predispose carriers to gynecological malignancies, accounting for a majority of hereditary OC cases. Known to be lethal, OC is difficult to detect and control. Testing for BRCA mutations is a key step in the risk assessment, prognosis, treatment and prevention of OC and current clinical guidelines recommend BRCA mutation testing for all OCs of epithelial origin. Studies have established that ovarian tumors harboring BRCA mutations have distinct molecular and histo-pathological features that can be exploited for effective, targeted treatment. Deficiencies in DNA repair pathways that arise as a result of BRCA mutations make them hypersensitive to DNA-damaging treatments such as platinum chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors. Different combinations of treatment regimens which have the potential to greatly improve prognosis and disease outcomes are currently being evaluated. However, the issue of developing resistance to these treatments remains unresolved. This review emphasizes unique features of BRCA mutated OC and outlines the lay of the land in terms of diagnosis and treatment, while aiming to unravel the challenges that are part of its management.

Interval Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a phase 2 trial to assess the feasibility of interval cytoreductive surgery (CS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin in patients with stage III and IV pleural ovarian carcinoma in first-line treatment with no macroscopic residual disease after surgery.

METHODS

Patients could be treated either with primary CS with HIPEC followed by 6 conventional cycles of chemotherapy or with 3 or 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before CS with HIPEC and 3 postoperative chemotherapy cycles. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was performed with cisplatin (50 mg/m) for 60 minutes, only in case of complete cytoreduction.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included in the study, and they all underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy before CS. Sixteen patients underwent complete CS with HIPEC. There was no mortality, and morbidity of CS with HIPEC was acceptable. The HIPEC procedure did not prevent the administration of the standard first-line treatment. In the 16 patients who underwent CS with HIPEC, the outcomes were very good.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows an acceptable toxicity of adding HIPEC to the standard first-line treatment in patients with stage III ovarian carcinoma treated with interval CS. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of HIPEC in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Heated IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review

Background

Despite advances in surgical oncology, most patients with primary ovarian cancer develop a recurrence that is associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this review was to establish the impact of Heated IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the overall survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

A search of PubMed/MEDLINE databases was performed in February 2015 using the terms “recurrent ovarian cancer,” “cytoreductive surgery/cytoreduction,” and “heated/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.” Only English articles with available abstracts assessing the impact of HIPEC in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were examined. The primary outcome measure was overall survival, whereas secondary outcomes included disease-free survival and HIPEC-related morbidity.

Results

Sixteen studies with 1168 patients were analyzed. Most studies were Level IV, with 4 studies graded as Level III and 1 Level II. Cisplatin was the main chemotherapeutic agent used, but variations were observed in the actual technique, temperature of perfusate, and duration of treatment. In patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, the overall survival ranged between 26.7 and 35 months, with disease-free survival varying between 8.5 and 48 months. Heated IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy seems to confer survival benefits to patients with recurrent disease, with a randomized controlled study reporting that the overall survival is doubled when cytoreductive surgery is compared with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy (13. 4 vs 26.7 months). Heated IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy–related morbidity ranged between 13.6% and 100%, but it was mainly minor and not significantly different from that experienced by patients who only underwent cytoreduction.

Conclusions

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC seem to be associated with promising results in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Large international prospective studies are required to further quantify the true efficacy of HIPEC and identify the optimal treatment protocol for a maximum survival benefit.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancers: is there a role?

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is often used to treat gastrointestinal malignancies and is of interest in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) given the propensity for intraperitoneal spread. The role of HIPEC in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies is not well defined. We sought to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of our patient population treated with HIPEC.

METHODS

IRB approval was obtained. Patients diagnosed with EOC and treated with HIPEC from January 2007 until December 2013 were identified using a prospectively maintained HIPEC database. Patient charts were abstracted to identify patient demographic information, treatment characteristics, and outcome data. Statistical analysis was descriptive.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 56.5 years. The majority of cases (28, 82%) were of serous histology. The indications for HIPEC administration were as follows: 9% primary treatment, 41% first recurrence, 26% second recurrence, and 24% consolidative therapy in the setting of primary or recurrent disease. The majority of patients (21, 62%) received mitomycin C. The other drugs administered include cisplatin (10, 29%), oxaliplatin (2, 6%), and carboplatin (1, 3%). Mean length of hospital stay was 9 days (range, 3-39 days). The rates of postoperative bacteremia and hematologic toxicity were 6% and 54%, respectively. Seven (21%) patients developed transient renal dysfunction, and this was seen almost exclusively in the patients who received cisplatin. One (3%) additional patient had renal dysfunction that persisted longer than 30 days post-operative but did not go on to require dialysis. There were no perioperative deaths in this cohort. Eleven (32%) patients received additional chemotherapy following HIPEC administration. At a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 3-87 months), eight patients are alive with disease, seven have no evidence of disease, 14 have died of their disease, and five patients have been lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This data supports a reasonable side effect profile of treatment of EOC with HIPEC. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the optimal drug and patient population that would derive the most benefit from treatment with HIPEC.

The role of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer: A Review

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. It is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage (Stages III and IV) when peritoneal cancer spread has already occurred. The standard treatment comprises of surgery to remove all macroscopic disease followed by systemic chemotherapy. Despite all efforts, it recurs in over 75 % of the cases, most of these recurrences being confined to the peritoneal cavity. Recurrent ovarian cancer has a poor long term outcome and is generally treated with multiple lines of systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The propensity of ovarian cancer to remain confined to the peritoneal cavity warrants an aggressive locoregional approach. The combined treatment comprising of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) that removes all macroscopic disease and HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) has been effective in providing long term survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal origin. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy used as adjuvant therapy has shown a survival benefit in ovarian cancer. This has prompted the use of CRS and HIPEC in the management of ovarian cancer as a part of first line therapy and second line therapy for recurrent disease. This article reviews the current literature and evidence for the use of HIPEC in ovarian cancer.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy after Secondary Cytoreduction in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Single-center Comparative Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although the standard of care after recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is chemotherapy, increasing data suggest that combining cytoreductive surgery with intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a promising option for patients with recurrent EOC. Our aim was to determine the prognostic value of the addition of HIPEC to secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCR) in recurrent EOC.

METHODS

We analyzed a series of 79 patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC who were treated from May 2000 to January 2014. Fifty patients who underwent SCR were compared to 29 who had SCR in combination with HIPEC.

RESULTS

The SCR group had a higher median age (58.4 years) compared to the SCR + HIPEC group (51.6 years) (p = 0.006). The median hospital stay length was longer for SCR + HIPEC versus SCR patients (11 and 8 days, respectively; p = 0.009). More subjects experienced National Cancer Institute grade III-IV morbidity in the SCR + HIPEC group (34.5 %) compared to the SCR group (10.6 %) (p = 0.015). Conversely, there were no deaths in the SCR + HIPEC group and 2 (4.0 %) deaths the SCR group. The median disease-free survival did not differ between SCR and SCR + HIPEC patients (18.6 and 15.8 months, respectively; p = 0.82); nor did median overall survival (59.3 and 58.3 months, respectively; p = 0.95). The presence of carcinomatosis was the only variable that remained linked to a higher risk of recurrence and death in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the addition of HIPEC to cytoreduction in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC does not improve survival.