Limited survival in the treatment of carcinomatosis from rectal cancer

Revised prognostic indicators for treatment of lymph node positive colorectal peritoneal metastases

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal metastases from colon and rectal cancer presents a new target for a regional approach to treatment. Proper patient selection requires an understanding of the natural history of the disease progression.

METHODS

Data from colorectal cancer patients treated for peritoneal metastases by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and the records from the primary colon or rectal cancer surgery were analyzed to assess their impact on survival. Data regarding the anatomic sites of colorectal peritoneal metastases was gathered at the time of a complete CRS.

RESULTS

A cohort of 73 patients with peritoneal metastases and lymph node metastases but no liver metastases provided the information. All patients had a complete cytoreduction. Left-sided primary cancer and a complete or near complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) indicated improved survival. Tumor progression within the abdominal incision, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) >10, peritoneal cancer index >9 and peritoneal metastases present in the abdominopelvic regions 6 and 11 carried an especially guarded prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced survival occurred with a right-sided or rectal primary cancer, a CEA >10, tumor cell entrapment, and involvement of abdominopelvic regions 6 and 11. Effective NAC showed a favorable outcome.

The Characteristics of 206 Long-Term Survivors with Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal Cancer Treated with Curative Intent Surgery: A Multi-Center Cohort from PSOGI

Simple Summary

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the characteristics of long-term survivors are not well documented. This study set out to investigate the patient characteristics associated with the long-term survival of peritoneal metastases from CRC. We retrospectively analyzed 206 long-term survivors who underwent CRS for peritoneal metastases from CRC. We found that most long-term survivors showed low peritoneal cancer index (PCI), low PCI of small bowel subsets, and complete cytoreduction (CC-0), while some exhibited characteristics considered associated with poor prognosis.

Abstract

Background: We conducted this study to review the patient characteristics associated with long-term survival in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC treated with curative intent surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at 13 institutions worldwide between January 1985 and April 2015 and survived longer than five years after the first CRS for peritoneal metastases. Clinical and oncological features and therapeutic parameters were described and analyzed. Results: Two hundred six long-term survivors were available for study. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of this cohort was 4 (interquartile range (IQR), 2–7), and the median score of the small bowel regions of the PCI (SB-PCI) was 0 (IQR, 0–2). Complete cytoreduction (CC-0) was achieved in 180 (87.4%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 122 (59.2%) patients at a median of 1.8 (IQR, 1.2–2.6) years. Conclusions: While most long-term survivors showed low PCI/SB-PCI and CCR-0, some had characteristics considered associated with poor prognosis. Curative intent treatments may be considered in well-informed and fit patients showing negative factors affecting survival outcome.

Colic and rectal tumors with peritoneal metastases treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC: One homogeneous condition or two different diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) peritoneal metastasis (PM) is one of the most important cause of cancer-related death in world. CRC PM is considered as a homogeneous disease without differentiating colonic or rectal origin. Aim of this study is to analyze survival of patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, according to the origin of PM. Literature search was performed to identify relevant articles. All meta-analysis were performed using mean difference and log of HR, when appropriate. The I² statistic was used to determine the heterogeneity of included studies. Out of 349 selected records, 9 articles (1308 patients, 1153 colon PM and 155 rectal PM) have been included. OS and DFS is higher in patients affected by colon PM (OS mean difference: 24,49 months [95% CI: 14,70-34,28 months, p < 0,000001]; DFS mean difference: 7,75 months [95% CI: 1,37-14,13 months, p: 0,02]) and pooled Hazard Ratio for disease-related death in rectal PM is 1.62 [95% CI: 1,01-2,59, p: 0,05] compared to colon PM). Heterogeneity among selected studies is high in two subgroups and low in one (OS subgroup A I²: 98%, p < 0,000001; DFS subgroup I²: 91%, p < 0,000001; OS subgroup B I²: 25%, p: 0,26). Our analysis, with all the limitations related to included studies, suggests that peritoneal metastasis of rectal tumors treated with CRS and HIPEC have a worst prognosis of colon tumors PM. Larger studies are required to confirm those results and therefore we invite all Authors in considering also tumor localization when reporting data on CRC peritoneal metastasis treatment.

Systematic Review of Variations in Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Peritoneal Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), combines radical surgery with abdominal heated chemotherapy, constituting a multimodal treatment approach. Since clear standards for HIPEC conduct in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are lacking, we aimed to provide a comprehensive structured survey. Data sources and study eligibility criteria: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, with keywords “HIPEC” and “colorectal cancer”, according to established guidelines. Articles were systematically screened, selecting 87 publications complemented by 48 publications identified through extended search for subsequent synthesis and evaluation, extracting inter alia details on used drugs, dosage, temperature, exposure times, and carrier solutions. Results: Compiled publications contained 171 reports on HIPEC conduct foremost with mitomycin C and oxaliplatin, but also other drugs and drug combinations, comprising at least 60 different procedures. We hence provide an overview of interconnections between HIPEC protocols, used drugs and carrier solutions as well as their volumes. In addition, HIPEC temperatures and dosing benchmarks, as well as an estimate of in vivo resulting drug concentrations are demonstrated. Conclusions and implications: Owing to recent developments, HIPEC conduct and practices need to be reassessed. Unfortunately, imprecise and lacking reporting is frequent, which is why minimal information requirements should be established for HIPEC and the introduction of final drug concentrations for comparability reasons seems sensible.

Prognostic Impact of Macroscopic Complete Resection and Inflammatory Status for Colorectal Cancer With Peritoneal Dissemination

Objective:

To clarify the appropriate treatment policy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis, case series were analyzed retrospectively.

Summary of background data:

The frequency of colorectal cancer and peritoneal dissemination occurring simultaneously is 4% to 7%. The prevention of peritoneal metastasis and the development of a strategy for cure are considered important factors in improving the treatment outcome of colorectal cancer.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients with colorectal cancer with peritoneal dissemination were enrolled in this study. Tumor and host condition characteristics and treatment regimens affecting patient survival were tested by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results:

Histologic type, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, macroscopic complete resection, and Glasgow Prognostic Score were found to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Conclusions:

Peritoneal carcinomatosis can result in better patient prognoses in patients with well-differentiated carcinoma, less peritoneal spread, low levels of tumor markers, and a low Glasgow Prognostic Score. In these patients, curative resection of peritoneal metastases followed by intensive chemotherapy might be effective.

Patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a viable option for selected patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal origin, resulting in long-term survival and even cure in some cases. However, adequate patient selection for this treatment is currently one of the major challenges. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of clinically relevant factors associated with overall survival. This may help to guide clinicians through the complex interplay of patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics to adequately select patients who benefit the most from this extensive surgical treatment. First, basic principles of colorectal PM and the CRS and HIPEC treatment will be discussed. According to available literature, especially extent of peritoneal disease, completeness of cytoreduction, and signet ring cell histology have great influence on the outcome after CRS and HIPEC. Other factors that seem to have a negative prognostic value are the presence of liver metastases and the absence of treatment with neo-adjuvant systemic therapy. Prognostic models combining the above-mentioned factors, such as the Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Prognostic Surgical Score nomogram, may provide clinically relevant tools to use in everyday practice.

Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

Objectives

The therapeutic efficacy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) is still under debate. This meta-analysis and systematic review of published literature on this comprehensive strategy aims to evaluate its efficacy on CRC patients with PC.

Methods

A systemic review with meta-analysis of published literatures on treatment of CRS plus HIPEC for patients with PC from CRC was performed. In addition, a summary of study results of published literatures concerning CRS plus HIPEC treating patients with PC from CRC was also conducted.

Results

A total of 76 studies were selected, including 1 randomized controlled trial, 14 non-randomized controlled studies, and 61 non-controlled studies. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) in the 15 researches for meta-analysis was 2.67 (95% CI, 2.21-3.23, I₂= 0%, P < 0.00001), and no significant evidence of publication bias was found. The difference of chemotherapy regimens of HIPEC was not associated with OS and DFS (disease-free survival) after CRS and HIPEC, with no significant difference of heterogeneity (P = 0.27, I2 = 24.1%). In both groups of mitomycin C based HIPEC group and oxaliplatin group, patients received HIPEC had significant better survival (P < 0.00001). The mean mortality and morbidity for HIPEC program were 2.8% and 33.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed that comprehensive therapeutic strategy of CRS plus HIPEC could bring survival benefit for selected patients with PC from CRC with acceptable safety.

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC offers similar outcomes in patients with rectal peritoneal metastases compared to colon cancer patients: a matched case control study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The effect of cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with rectal peritoneal metastases (PM) is unclear. This case-control study aims to assess the results of cytoreduction and HIPEC in patients with rectal PM compared to colon PM patients.

METHODS

Colorectal PM patients treated with complete macroscopic cytoreduction and HIPEC were included. Two colon cancer patients were case-matched for each rectal cancer patient, based on prognostic factors (T stage, N stage, histology type, and extent of PM). Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

From 317 patients treated with complete macroscopic cytoreduction and HIPEC, 29 patients (9.1%) had rectal PM. Fifty-eight colon cases were selected as control patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Major morbidity was 27.6% and 34.5% in the rectal and colon group, respectively (P = 0.516). Median disease-free survival was 13.5 months in the rectal group and 13.6 months in the colon group (P = 0.621). Two- and five-year overall survival rates were 54%/32% in rectal cancer patients, and 61%/24% in colon cancer patients (P = 0.987).

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreduction and HIPEC in selected patients with rectal PM is feasible and provides similar outcomes as in colon cancer patients. Rectal PM should not be regarded a contra-indication for cytoreduction and HIPEC in selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:548-553. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cytoreduction and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer: are we excluding patients who may benefit?

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are increasingly used to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. It is still relatively unknown which poor prognostic factors to avoid in order to optimize patient selection for CRS + HIPEC.

METHODS

Between February 2003 and October 2011, 68 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC with a complete cytoreduction were identified from a prospective database. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with log rank testing of differences between groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 30.3 (range, 2-88) months amongst survivors. Patients with a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 10 or less showed improved survival over those with a PCI of 11 or higher (P = 0.03). No difference in survival was seen for the other potentially poor prognostic variables including lymph node status, synchronous peritoneal disease, peri-operative systemic chemotherapy, and rectal cancer primary.

CONCLUSIONS

A low PCI was associated with improved survival. Complete CRS + HIPEC appears to result in similar survival outcomes regardless of delivery of peri-operative systemic chemotherapy. Rectal origin, lymph node status, and synchronous peritoneal disease should not be used as an absolute exclusion criteria for CRS + HIPEC based on current data.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and the role of systemic chemotherapy

SUMMARY Peritoneal carcinomatosis is observed in up to 15% of colorectal cancer patients and represents 45% of all recurrences: 25% of these have peritoneal cavity-limited disease. Modern systemic chemotherapy has not substantially increased survival in this population to the same extent as those with nonperitoneal carcinomatosis colorectal cancer. Aggressive cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have now been used here, based on sound theoretical grounds. The resultant median survival achieved is up to 29 months and 5-year survival rates have increased to 20%. Patients who received complete cytoreduction benefit the most, with 5-year survival up to 50%. However, the overall level of trial evidence for CRS and HIPEC is low. The added benefit of modern systemic chemotherapy to CRS and HIPEC also requires evaluation.

Comparison of economic and patient outcomes with minimally invasive versus traditional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting techniques

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (miniCABG) decreases in-hospital morbidity versus traditional sternotomy CABG. We performed a prospective cohort study (NCT00481806) to assess the impact of miniCABG on costs and metrics that influence quality of life after hospital discharge.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive miniCABG cases performed using internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting +/- coronary stenting were compared with a matched group of 100 sternotomy CABG patients using IMA and saphenous veins, both treating equivalent number of target coronaries (2.7 vs. 2.9), off-pump. We compared perioperative costs, time to return to work/normal activity, and risk of major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 1 year: myocardial infarction (elevated troponin or EKG changes), target vessel occlusion (CT angiography at 1 year), stroke, or death.

RESULTS

For miniCABG, robotic instruments and stents increased intraoperative costs; postoperative costs were decreased from significantly less intubation time (4.80 +/- 6.35 vs. 12.24 +/- 6.24 hours), hospital stay (3.77 +/- 1.51 vs. 6.38 +/- 2.23 days), and transfusion (0.16 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.37 +/- 1.35 U) leading to no significant differences in total costs. Undergoing miniCABG independently predicted earlier return to work after adjusting for confounders (t = -2.15; P = 0.04), whereas sternotomy CABG increased MACCE (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6), largely from lower target-vessel patency.

CONCLUSIONS

MiniCABG shortens patient recovery time, minimizes MACCE risk at 1 year, and showed superior quality and outcome metrics versus standard-of-care CABG. These findings occurred without increasing costs and with superior target vessel graft patency.

Current status and future strategies of cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis

This article is to offer a concise review on the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Traditionally, PC was treated with systemic chemotherapy alone with very poor response and a median survival of less than 6 mo. With the establishment of several phase II studies, a new trend has been developed toward the use of CRS plus IPHC as a standard method for treating selected patients with PC, in whom sufficient cytoreduction could be achieved. In spite of the need for more high quality phase III studies, there is now a consensus among many surgical oncology experts throughout the world about the use of this new treatment strategy as standard care for colorectal cancer patients with PC. This review summarizes the current status and possible progress in future.

Selection of Patients with Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis for Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been suggested as a treatment option for patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, the survival benefit is achieved at the expense of moderate to high perioperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

This review summarized the important prognostic factors for survival; outlined the patient selection process from major peritonectomy centers, paying particular attention to preoperative evaluation; and identified areas for potential improvement. Emphasis was placed on a strict patient selection process to avoid futile aggressive treatments.

RESULTS

Currently, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and laparoscopy have been utilized in the preoperative evaluation process to identify potential surgical candidates. Patients with good performance status, low volume of peritoneal disease, and absence of extra-abdominal metastases are more likely to benefit from the combined treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative assessment of the extent of disease is possible and should be performed at the time of primary cancer operation. Careful selection of patients to identify surgical candidates with favorable prognostic indicators is important.

Analysis of prognostic factors in seventy patients having a complete cytoreduction plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Although lymph node and liver metastases are recognized as indications for resection of metastatic disease from colorectal cancer, carcinomatosis has not traditionally been regarded as having surgical treatment options. Reports have suggested that complete surgical removal of carcinomatosis combined with thorough irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with chemotherapy could result in longterm survival in selected patients. Proper selection factors are important because palliative surgery in these patients has not proved beneficial.

STUDY DESIGN

From a database of 156 patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer, a retrospective analysis of data prospectively recorded in 70 patients with complete cytoreduction was performed. Eleven clinical and treatment factors were studied in univariate and multivariable analyses using survival as an end point.

RESULTS

By univariate analysis, patients with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of<20 had a median survival of 41 months compared with 16 months for patients with PCI>20 (p=0.004). The difference in negative versus positive lymph nodes was also significant; differences in survival that were improved but not significant were present for age greater than 30 years, mucinous histology, location within the colon versus rectum, and absence of an adverse factor such as cancer perforation or obstruction present at the time of primary cancer resection. Only PCI<20 versus PCI>20 and lymph node status were significant in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable longterm results of complete cytoreduction in patients treated for carcinomatosis are associated with a limited volume of carcinomatosis observed at the time of cytoreduction and in patients with negative lymph nodes at the time of primary operation.

Systematic review on the efficacy of cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal carcinoma

PURPOSE

The efficacy of cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal carcinoma remains to be established.

METHODS

A systematic review of relevant studies before March 2006 was performed. Two reviewers independently appraised each study using a predetermined protocol. The quality of studies was assessed. Clinical effectiveness was synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies.

RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials, one comparative study, one multi-institutional registry study, and 10 most recent case-series studies were evaluated. The level of evidence was low in 13 of the 14 eligible studies. The median survival varied from 13 to 29 months, and 5-year survival rates ranged from 11% to 19%. Patients who received complete cytoreduction benefited most, with median survival varying from 28 to 60 months and 5-year survival ranging from 22% to 49%. The overall morbidity rate varied from 23% to 44%, and the mortality rate ranged from 0% to 12%.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence suggests that cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with an improved survival, as compared with systemic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal carcinoma.