Metronomic Capecitabine With Cyclophosphamide Regimen in Unresectable or Relapsed Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Progress in Biological Research and Treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by extensive peritoneal implantation and mass secretion of mucus after primary mucinous tumors of the appendix or other organ ruptures. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is currently the preferred treatment, with excellent efficacy and safety, and is associated with breakthrough progress in long-term disease control and prolonged survival. However, the high recurrence rate of PMP is the key challenge in its treatment, which limits the clinical application of multiple rounds of CRS-HIPEC and does not benefit from conventional systemic chemotherapy. Therefore, the development of alternative therapies for patients with refractory or relapsing PMP is critical. The literature related to PMP research progress and treatment was searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, and a literature review was conducted. The overview of the biological research, treatment status, potential therapeutic strategies, current research limitations, and future directions associated with PMP are presented, focuses on CRS-HIPEC therapy and alternative or combination therapy strategies, and emphasizes the clinical transformation prospects of potential therapeutic strategies such as mucolytic agents and targeted therapy. It provides a theoretical reference for the treatment of PMP and the main directions for future research.

Mytomicin-C, Metronomic Capecitabine, and Bevacizumab in Patients With Unresectable or Relapsed Pseudomyxoma Peritonei of Appendiceal Origin

INTRODUCTION

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, slow growing tumor, traditionally considered chemoresistant. The only curative approach is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). At disease relapse, or in patients with inoperable disease at diagnosis, no standard treatment has been defined, though nonrandomized series showed promising results with fluoropyrimidine-based regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in patients with relapsed or unresectable PMP and confirmed disease progression at baseline. Patients received MMC (7 mg/m2 every 6 weeks, up to a maximum of 4 cycles) plus metronomic capecitabine (625 mg/sqm/day b.i.d.) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), overall response rate according to RECIST v1.1 criteria, serum markers response and safety.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included. At a median follow-up of 26.1 months (IQR, 17.7-49.6), median PFS was 17.9 months (95% CI, 11.0-NE), with 1-year PFS and OS rates of 73% and 87%. Safety profile was manageable, with only 13% G3/G4 treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Metronomic capecitabine, bevacizumab, and MMC are an active regimen in advanced and progressive PMP and favorably compares with historical series.

Defining a role for systemic chemotherapy in local and advanced appendix adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Appendix adenocarcinomas (AAs) are rare tumours that often present late, with a propensity for peritoneal metastases (PMs). This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of AA patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with curative intent and determine the role of systemic chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from a prospective database and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 classification. Tumour clearance from CRS was described using a completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score ranging from 0 [no residual disease (RD)] to 3 (>2.5 cm RD). Patients with CC0-2 CRS received hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Systemic chemotherapy was categorised as 'prior' (>6 months before), 'neoadjuvant' (<6 months before), 'adjuvant' (<6 months after CC0-1 CRS) or 'palliative' (after CC2-3 CRS). Analyses used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods.

RESULTS

Between January 2005 and August 2021, 216 AA patients were identified for inclusion. Median age was 59 years (21-81 years). CRS/HIPEC was carried out in 182 (84%) patients, of whom 164/182 (76%) had mitomycin C HIPEC. CC0-1 was achieved in 172 (80%) patients. Systemic chemotherapy was given to 97 (45%) patients from the whole cohort and to 37/46 (80%) patients with positive nodes. Median overall survival (OS) was 122 months (95% confidence interval 61-182 months). After multivariate analysis, patients with acellular and lower-grade PM had similar OS to those with localised (M0) disease (P = 0.59 and P = 0.19). For patients with positive nodes, systemic chemotherapy was associated with reduced risk of death compared to no chemotherapy (P < 0.0019).

CONCLUSION

This study identifies AA patients with positive lymph nodes derive the most benefit from systemic chemotherapy. We confirm the prognostic importance of stage and peritoneal grade, with excellent outcomes in patients with acellular mucin and lower-grade PM.

Treatment outcome analysis of bevacizumab combined with cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal malignant tumor syndrome. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is its standard treatment. However, there are few studies and insufficient evidence regarding systemic chemotherapy of advanced PMP. Regimens for colorectal cancer are often used clinically, but there is no uniform standard for late-stage treatment.

AIM

To determine if bevacizumab combined with cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin (Bev+CTX+OXA) is effective for treatment of advanced PMP. The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with advanced PMP who received Bev+CTX+OXA regimen (bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg ivgtt d1, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² ivgtt d1 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² ivgtt d1, q3w) in our center from December 2015 to December 2020. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. PFS was followed up. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve, and log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the independent influencing factors of PFS.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients were enrolled. After 2 cycles, the ORR and DCR were 3.1% and 93.7%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 7.5 mo. During the follow-up period, 14 patients (43.8%) had disease progression, and the median PFS was 8.9 mo. Stratified analysis showed that the PFS of patients with a preoperative increase in CA125 (8.9 vs 2.1, P = 0.022) and a completeness of cytoreduction score of 2-3 (8.9 vs 5.0, P = 0.043) was significantly longer than that of the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a preoperative increase in CA125 was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (HR = 0.245, 95%CI: 0.066-0.904, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective assessment confirmed that the Bev+CTX+OXA regimen is effective in second- or posterior-line treatment of advanced PMP and that adverse reactions can be tolerated. A preoperative increase in CA125 is an independent prognostic factor of PFS.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Algorithm for Appendiceal Tumors and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Consensus of the Peritoneal Malignancies Oncoteam of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO)

Aim: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an uncommon pathology, and its rarity causes a lack of scientific evidence, precluding the design of a prospective trial. A diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm (DTA) is necessary in order to standardize the disease treatment while balancing optimal patient management and the correct use of resources. The Consensus of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO) Oncoteam aims at defining a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for PMP and appendiceal primary tumors applicable in Italian healthcare. Method: The consensus panel included 10 delegated representatives of oncological referral centers for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (PSM) affiliated to the SICO PSM Oncoteam. A list of statements regarding the DTA of patients with PMP was prepared according to recommendations based on the review of the literature and expert opinion. Results: A consensus was obtained on 33 of the 34 statements linked to the DTA; two flowcharts regarding the management of primary appendiceal cancer and peritoneal disease were approved. Conclusion: Currently, consensus has been reached on pathological classification, preoperative evaluation, cytoreductive surgery technical detail, and systemic treatment; some controversies still exist regarding the exclusion criteria for HIPEC treatment. A shared Italian model of DTA is an essential tool to ensure the appropriateness and equity of treatment for these patients.

Relapse of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Pattern of Failure, Clinical Management and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) have dramatically improved pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) prognosis, but treatment failures are still a concern. We investigated the pattern of failure, treatment and outcomes of progressing disease.

METHODS

A prospective database of 374 PMP patients was reviewed, and 152 patients relapsing after complete CRS/HIPEC were identified. PMP was graded according to the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) classification. Hematogenous metastases and non-regional lymph node involvement were considered as systemic metastases.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 78.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.7-90.4). PMP relapse involved the peritoneum in 112 patients, pleural cavity in 8, both peritoneum and pleura in 8, systemic sites in 11, and both peritoneum and systemic sites in 13 patients. Systemic metastases involved the lung (n = 14), liver (n = 4), distant nodes (n = 3), bone (n = 2), and both lung and distant nodes (n = 1). Survival after diagnosis of PMP relapse was independently associated with curative versus palliative treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.75; p = 0.001) and PSOGI histology (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.19-2.74; p = 0.005), but was not influenced by site of failure (p = 0.444). Ten-year overall survival was 77.5% for 62 patients who had curative-intent surgery for PMP relapse, compared with 83.0% for 192 patients who had no recurrences (p = 0.154) and 26.1% for 90 patients who underwent palliative treatments (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Relapse after CRS/HIPEC most commonly involves the peritoneum, but pleural recurrences and systemic metastases occur in a small but clinically relevant number of patients. In selected patients, surgical resection of recurrent disease can result in long survival, irrespective of sites of failure.

The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced appendiceal cancers: summary of the literature and future directions

Appendiceal cancer is rare and encompasses a diverse group of tumours ranging from low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms to high-grade adenocarcinomas. Appendiceal cancers often spread to the peritoneal cavity causing extensive mucinous dissemination and peritoneal metastases. Prognosis varies with histological subtype. Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy is well-established as the most effective treatment achieving long-term survival in some patients. Chemotherapy regimens used to treat appendiceal cancer are extrapolated from the colorectal cancer setting, but disease biology differs and outcomes are inferior. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of appendiceal cancer remains poorly defined. There is an urgent need to develop novel tailored treatment strategies in the perioperative and unresectable setting. This review aims to evaluate the literature for patients who received intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy for appendiceal cancers.

Comprehensive Understanding and Evolutional Therapeutic Schemes for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Literature Review

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an infrequent solid tumor in clinical practice. The low morbidity and deficient understanding of this mucus-secreting malignant disease increase the risks of delayed identification or uncontrollable deterioration. In quite a lot cases, patients go through complete cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy could receive a long time survival over 5 years. But the recurrence rate is also hard to overlook. Unlike other types of cancer, the standard treatment for this considerable groups has not been confirmed yet. With the advanced medical progression, studies have been carrying out based on pathogenesis, biological characters, and mutated gene location. All but a few get statistical survival benefits, let alone the breaking progress on research or therapeutic practice in the field. We try to give a comprehensive exposition of pseudomyxoma peritonei around the epidemiology, radiologic features, clinical manifestation, present treatment and promising schemes, hoping to arise much attention and reflection on the feasible solutions, especially for the recrudescent part.

Novel Perspectives in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Treatment

Simple Summary

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) represents a rare entity which greatly benefits from Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) associated with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). In fact, CRS-HIPEC represents the treatment with potential chances of cure and long-term disease control of patients affected by PMP. This therapeutic strategy should be performed in referral centers, where a consolidated know-how of this locoregional treatment and a multidisciplinary approach are available. CRS-HIPEC provides excellent results for PMP patients in terms of postoperative outcome, overall and disease-free survival, and quality of life. However, in patients with an extensive or recurrent disease, few therapeutic opportunities are available. This review is focused on the most recent clinical evidence and provides a better understanding of the molecular prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets in this rare malignancy.

Abstract

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is an anatomo-clinical condition characterized by the implantation of neoplastic cells on peritoneal surfaces with the production of a large amount of mucin. The rarity of the disease precludes the evaluation of treatment strategies within randomized controlled trials. Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has proven to be the only therapeutic option with potential chances of cure and long-term disease control. The present review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of PMP, focusing on the molecular factors involved in tumor progression and mucin production that could be used, in the upcoming future, to improve patient selection for surgery and to expand the therapeutic armamentarium.

The Role of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei After Cytoreductive Surgery

Importance

Studies on the prognostic role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) are currently not available.

Objectives

To evaluate outcomes after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC compared with CRS alone in patients with PMP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study analyzed data from the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) registry, including 1924 patients with histologically confirmed PMP due to an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Eligible patients were treated with CRS with or without HIPEC from February 1, 1993, to December 31, 2017, and had complete information on the main prognostic factors and intraperitoneal treatments. Inverse probability treatment weights based on the propensity score for HIPEC treatment containing the main prognostic factors were applied to all models to balance comparisons between the CRS-HIPEC vs CRS-alone groups in the entire series and in the following subsets: optimal cytoreduction, suboptimal cytoreduction, high- and low-grade histologic findings, and different HIPEC drug regimens. Data were analyzed from March 1 to June 1, 2018.

Interventions

HIPEC including oxaliplatin plus combined fluorouracil-leucovorin, cisplatin plus mitomycin, mitomycin, and other oxaliplatin-based regimens.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall survival, severe morbidity (determined using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology for Adverse Events, version 3.0), return to operating room, and 30- and 90-day mortality. Differences in overall survival were compared using weighted Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards multivariable models. A sensitivity analysis was based on the E-value from the results of the main Cox proportional hazards model. Differences in surgical outcomes were compared using weighted multivariable logistic models.

Results

Of the 1924 patients included in the analysis (997 [51.8%] men; median age, 56 [interquartile range extremes (IQRE), 45-65] years), 376 were in the CRS-alone group and 1548 in the CRS-HIPEC group. Patients with CRS alone were older (median age, 60 [IQRE, 48-70] vs 54 [IQRE, 44-63] years), had less lymph node involvement (14 [3.7%] vs 119 [7.7%]), received more preoperative systemic chemotherapy (198 [52.7%] vs 529 [34.2%]), and had higher proportions of high-grade disease (179 [47.6%] vs 492 [31.8%]) and suboptimal cytoreduction residual disease (grade 3, 175 [46.5%] vs 117 [7.6%]). HIPEC was not associated with a higher risk of worse surgical outcomes except with mitomycin, with higher odds of morbidity (1.99; 95% CI, 1.25-3.19; P = .004). HIPEC was associated with a significantly better overall survival in all subsets (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 0.60-0.68, with 95% CIs not crossing 1.00). The weighted 5-year overall survival was 57.8% (95% CI, 50.8%-65.7%) vs 46.2% (95% CI, 40.3%-52.8%) for CRS-HIPEC and CRS alone, respectively (weighted HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50-0.83; P < .001; E-value, 2.03). Such prognostic advantage was associated with oxaliplatin plus fluorouracil-leucovorin (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19-0.93; P = .03) and cisplatin plus mitomycin (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.78; P = .001) schedules.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, HIPEC was associated with better overall survival when performed after CRS in PMP, generally without adverse effects on surgical outcomes.

Metronomic capecitabine as maintenance treatment after first line induction with XELOX for metastatic colorectal cancer patients

Maintenance treatment after first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a priority strategy. However, which medicine is chosen is controversial. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of maintenance treatment with metronomic capecitabine vs observation.In this randomized controlled trial, patients who completed 18 weeks of induction chemotherapy with XELOX and achieved disease control were randomly assigned centrally (1:1) to receive maintenance therapy with metronomic chemotherapy or observation until disease progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival from randomization; secondary endpoints included overall survival and safety. Analyses were performed by intention to treat.Between January 1st, 2017 and December 31th 2018, 48 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive maintenance treatment with metronomic capecitabine (n = 25) or only observation (n = 23). The median progression-free survival in the metronomic capecitabine group was 5.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.25-6.07) months vs 3.98 (95%CI 3.71-4.24) months in the observation group (hazard ratio 0.11, 95% [CI] 0.04-0.26, P = .000). There was no statistically significant difference in median overall survival: 23.82 (95% CI 22.38-25.25) months in the metronomic capecitabine group vs 21.81 (95% CI 20.23-23.38) months in the observation group (hazard ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.21-1.11, P = .087). Subgroup analyses were generally consistent with the primary finding. Similar safety profiles were observed in both arms. The most frequent adverse events in metronomic capecitabine group included neutropenia, diarrhea, hand-foot skin reaction, and mucositis.Maintenance therapy with metronomic capecitabine can be considered an alternative option following first-line chemotherapy of XELOX in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with controlled toxicities.

Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Implications for Locoregional Treatments

The mechanisms by which neoplastic cells disseminate from the primary tumor to metastatic sites, so-called metastatic organotropism, remain poorly understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in cancer development and progression by converting static epithelial cells into the migratory and microenvironment-interacting mesenchymal cells, and by the modulation of chemoresistance and stemness of tumor cells. Several findings highlight that pathways involved in EMT and its reverse process (mesenchymal-epithelial transition, MET), now collectively called epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), play a role in peritoneal metastases. So far, the relevance of factors linked to EMP in a unique peritoneal malignancy such as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we focus on the role of epithelial-mesenchymal dynamics in the metastatic process involving mucinous neoplastic dissemination in the peritoneum. In particular, we discuss the role of expression profiles and phenotypic transitions found in PMP in light of the recent concept of EMP. A better understanding of EMP-associated mechanisms driving peritoneal metastasis will help to provide a more targeted approach for PMP patients selected for locoregional interventions involving cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Efficacy of modified FOLFOX6 chemotherapy for patients with unresectable pseudomyxoma peritonei

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignancy, and there is insufficient evidence about systemic chemotherapy for this disease.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of a chemotherapeutic regimen with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (modified FOLFOX6, mFOLFOX6) for patients with unresectable pseudomyxoma peritonei. Patients who received the therapy between April 2000 and February 2019 at the Department of Medical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, were enrolled in this study.

Results

Eight patients were treated with mFOLFOX6. The sites of primary tumor were appendix in six patients, ovary in a patient, and urachus in a patient. Six patients received surgery. Seven patients had histologically high-grade PMP, and one patient had low-grade PMP. The median follow-up duration was 27.2 months. All the patients had non-measurable regions as the targets of tumor response. Non-complete response or non-progressive disease was observed in seven patients, with a disease control rate of 87.5%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 13.0 months and 27.9 months, respectively. An obvious reduction in the symptoms was observed in two patients. Five patients experienced decline in the serum tumor markers, CEA or CA19-9. The grade 3/4 toxicity that was observed was grade 4 neutropenia in one patient and grade 3 neutropenia in two patients.

Conclusions

mFOLFOX6 might be an effective and tolerable treatment option for patients with unresectable PMP. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of mFOLFOX6 in patients with unresectable PMP and the first case series of systemic chemotherapy for Asian patients with unresectable PMP.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10147-019-01592-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.