Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a review of complications and completion rates

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Attenuates the Adverse Reactions Triggered by Selenium Nanoparticles without Compromising Their Suppressing Effect on Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Mice Bearing Hepatocarcinoma 22 Cells

Increasing evidence shows that selenium and polyphenols are two types of the most reported compounds in tumor chemoprevention due to their remarkable antitumor activity and high safety profile. The cross-talk between polyphenols and selenium is a hot research topic, and the combination of polyphenols and selenium is a valuable strategy for fighting cancer. The current work investigated the combination anti-peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in mice bearing murine hepatocarcinoma 22 (H22) cells. Results showed that SeNPs alone significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and extended the survival time of mice bearing H22 cells. Still, the potential therapeutic efficacy is accompanied by an approximately eighty percent diarrhea rate. When EGCG was combined with SeNPs, EGCG did not affect the tumor proliferation inhibition effect but eliminated diarrhea triggered by SeNPs. In addition, both the intracellular selectively accumulated EGCG without killing effect on cancer cells and the enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels in ascites after EGCG was delivered alone by intraperitoneal injection indicated that H22 cells were insensitive to EGCG. Moreover, EGCG could prevent SeNP-caused systemic oxidative damage by enhancing serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels in healthy mice. Overall, we found that H22 cells are insensitive to EGCG, but combining EGCG with SeNPs could protect against SeNP-triggered diarrhea without compromising the suppressing efficacy of SeNPs on PC in mice bearing H22 cells and attenuate SeNP-caused systemic toxicity in healthy mice. These results suggest that EGCG could be employed as a promising candidate for preventing the adverse reactions of chemotherapy including chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and systemic toxicity in cancer individuals.

Survival and recurrence after intraperitoneal chemotherapy use: Retrospective review of ovarian cancer hospital registry data

Background

Intraperitoneal/intravenous chemotherapy (IP/IV) was associated with improved survival for ovarian cancer (OC) patients in several randomized clinical trials. However, the uptake of IP/IV in clinical practice is varied due to conflicting evidence about its impact on survival and recurrence. The aim of this study was to explore the uptake of IP/IV treatment and to evaluate its impact on survival and recurrence in OC patients.

Methods

Demographic and clinical information on OC patients (N = 2916) who underwent treatment for OC between 2000 and 2017 was obtained from the large healthcare system cancer registry. Duplicate records, grade 1, rare (eg, gelatinous carcinoma), and non‐epithelial (eg, granulosa cell carcinoma) tumors were excluded. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed to compare 5‐ and 10‐year survival based on the chemotherapy type, surgery type, and stage. Multivariable Gray's piecewise constant time‐varying coefficient models were fitted to evaluate the effect of IP/IV on adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of OC survival and recurrence adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The final sample consisted of 1846 OC patients, 14% (250/1846) of which received IP/IV chemotherapy. IP/IV was significantly associated with improved 10‐year survival (P < .001). Multivariable Gray's model demonstrated that IP/IV therapy significantly reduced the AHR of death (AHR = 0.39‐1.07, P < .001) with the beneficial effect gradually declining over time. Use of IP/IV chemotherapy had no impact on OC recurrence.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that only a small fraction of eligible patients underwent IP/IV chemotherapy. We report a significant 10‐year survival, but not necessarily recurrence benefit is associated with IP/IV chemotherapy compared to IV only, suggesting the need for novel ways of identifying patients who may benefit from IP/IV chemotherapy.

A phase I study of intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel for pancreatic cancer with peritoneal metastasis

PURPOSE

A phase I study of intraperitoneal paclitaxel (ip PTX) combined with gemcitabine (GEM) plus nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX) (GnP) was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended dose (RD) in pancreatic cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis in first-line setting.

METHODS

Based on the 3 + 3 dose-escalation model, ip PTX, GEM and nab-PTX were administered at doses of 20 or 30 mg/m², 800 or 1000 mg/m² and 100 or 125 mg/m² (level 1, 2 and 3, respectively) on days 1, 8 and 15 in 4-week cycles. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) defined as severe adverse events was evaluated during the first cycle of the treatment. Safety and preliminary efficacy were also investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 12 patients were enrolled. While 2 of the first 6 patients enrolled at level 1 experienced DLTs (grade 3 ip port dysfunction and grade 3 pneumonia), no DLT was observed in the next 6 patients enrolled at level 2 and 3. Therefore, we did not reach the MTD and the RD was determined to be level 3 (ip PTX of 30 mg/m², GEM of 1000 mg/m², and nab-PTX of 125 mg/m²). The major grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (58%), anemia (33%), and ip port dysfunction (25%). The response rate was 25% and the median PFS was 5.4 (95% confidence interval; 2.4-16.0). The cytological status in peritoneal lavage turned negative in 8 patients (67%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ip PTX combined with GnP was feasible and potentially effective in pancreatic cancer with peritoneal metastasis as a first-line treatment deserved further evaluations.

Evaluation of non-completion of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective

To identify factors associated with non-completion of intraperitoneal with intravenous chemotherapy [IP/IV] in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

This was an Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective cohort study in women with stage III EOC following optimal cytoreductive surgery (CRS) (<1 cm) followed by IP/IV chemotherapy from 2000–2016. Demographic, surgical, and oncologic variables were collected. Pearson χ² test and 2 sample t-test evaluated for variables associated with IP/IV chemotherapy completion. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 96 women, 71.9% (n=69) completed 6 cycles of IP/IV chemotherapy. The majority had high grade serous histology (n=82; 85.4%) and stage IIIC disease (n=83; 86.5%). Common reasons for IP/IV chemotherapy discontinuation were grade 3–4 gastrointestinal (n=10; 37.0%), neurologic (n=6; 22.2%), hematologic (n=3; 11.1%), renal toxicities (n=3; 11.1%) and port infections (n=3; 11.1%). Incidence of IP port complications was 20.8% (n=20). Port complications (48.0% vs. 11.6%; p<0.001) and hospitalization during chemotherapy (29.6% vs. 2.9%; p<0.001) were more frequent in patients who discontinued IP/IV chemotherapy. Patients who completed IP/IV chemotherapy had higher rates of home discharge following CRS (92.2% vs. 72.0%; p<0.01) and lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (0 vs. 1.0; p=0.04). There was no significant difference in PFS (p=0.51) nor OS (p=0.38) between the cohorts.

Conclusion

In this series, the rate of IP/IV chemotherapy completion is high. Non-home discharge and higher ECOG status following CRS are associated with IP/IV chemotherapy non-completion and should be considered in treatment planning.

Low rate of intraperitoneal port placement in ovarian cancer patients, a population-based assessment

INTRODUCTION

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend intraperitoneal chemotherapy in optimally debulked stage III ovarian cancer patients. The objective of this investigation was to determine the rate of intraperitoneal port placement in patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer in a national database maintained by the American College of Surgeons.

METHOD

We identified ovarian cancer patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2006 to 2012. Demographics, comorbidities, operative outcomes, and postoperative complications were abstracted. Descriptive analyses were conducted using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi square tests, and multivariate regression models were used to analyze pre-operative and post-operative variables associated with intraperitoneal port placement.

RESULTS

We identified 2659 ovarian cancer patients who underwent primary surgical management. Of these patients, only 128 (4.8%) had an intraperitoneal port placed at the time of surgery. In multivariable analyses, intraperitoneal ports were associated with body mass index ≤25, disseminated cancer, later portion of the study period (2009-2012), and operative time >200 min. Intraperitoneal port placement was not associated with any difference in surgical site infection, wound disruption, major postoperative complication, readmission within 30 days, or death within 30 days.

DISCUSSION

Recent investigation of practice at NCCN institutions between 2003 and 2012 found only 35% of eligible ovarian cancer patients received intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Using intraperitoneal port placement as a surrogate for intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration, our investigation suggests an even lower rate (4.8%) nationally.

Randomized Trial of Intravenous Versus Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Plus Bevacizumab in Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of two different intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy regimens on progression-free survival (PFS) among women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

Eligible patients were randomly assigned to six cycles of IV paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 once per week with intravenous (IV) carboplatin area under the curve 6 (IV carboplatin) versus IV paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 once per week with IP carboplatin area under the curve 6 (IP carboplatin) versus once every 3 weeks IV paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 over 3 hours day 1, IP cisplatin 75 mg/m2 day 2, and IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 day 8 (IP cisplatin). All participants received bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks in cycles 2 to 22.

RESULTS

A total of 1,560 participants were enrolled and had 84.8 months of follow-up. The median PFS duration was 24.9 months in the IV carboplatin arm, 27.4 months in the IP carboplatin arm, and 26.2 months in the IP cisplatin arm. For the subgroup of 1,380 patients with stage II/III and residual disease of 1 cm or less, median PFS was 26.9 (IV-carboplatin), 28.7 (IP-carboplatin), and 27.8 months (IP cisplatin), respectively. Median PFS for patients with stage II/III and no residual disease was 35.9, 38.8, and 35.5 months, respectively. Median overall survival for all enrolled was 75.5, 78.9, and 72.9 months, respectively, and median overall survival for stage II/III with no gross residual disease was 98.8 months, 104.8 months, and not reached. Mean patient-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy neurotoxicity scores (Gynecologic Oncology Group) were similar for all arms, but the mean Trial Outcome Index of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovary scores during chemotherapy were statistically worse in the IP cisplatin arm.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the IV carboplatin reference arm, the duration of PFS was not significantly increased with either IP regimen when combined with bevacizumab and was better tolerated than IP cisplatin.

Safety and Effectiveness of Percutaneously Inserted Peritoneal Ports Compared to Surgically Inserted Ports in a Retrospective Study of 87 Patients with Ovarian Carcinoma over a 10-Year Period

PURPOSE

Placement of peritoneal ports has become a favorable technique for direct chemotherapy infusion in treating peritoneal metastases from ovarian cancer. We aim to outline an approach to the percutaneous insertion of peritoneal ports and to characterize success and complication rates compared to surgically inserted ports.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was collected from 87 patients who had peritoneal port insertion (28 inserted surgically and 59 percutaneously) for treatment of peritoneal metastases from ovarian cancer from July 2004 to July 2014. Complications were classified according to the SIR Clinical Practice Guidelines as major or minor.

RESULTS

Technical success rates for surgically and percutaneously inserted ports were 100 and 96.7 %, respectively (p = 0.44), with the two percutaneous failures successful at a later date. There were no major complications in either group. Minor complication rates for surgically versus percutaneously inserted ports were 46.4 versus 22.0 %, respectively (p = 0.02). The infection rate for surgically inserted versus percutaneously inserted ports was 14.3 and 0 %, respectively (p = 0.002). The relative risk of developing a complication from percutaneous peritoneal port insertion without ascites was 3.4 (p = 0.04). For percutaneously inserted ports, the mean in-room procedure time was 81 ± 1.3 min and mean fluoroscopy time was 5.0 ± 4.5 min.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneously inserted peritoneal ports are a safe alternative to surgically inserted ports, demonstrating similar technical success and lower complication rates.

Investigating the Impact of Body Mass Index on Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Outcomes in Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on completion, complications, and clinical outcomes of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients with optimally cytoreduced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIC ovarian cancer treated with IP chemotherapy were retrospectively identified using an institutional review board-approved database. Clinical data were abstracted from the longitudinal medical record. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients (35.5%) completed at least one cycle of IP chemotherapy. For these patients, there was no difference in histology, surgical complexity, or degree of cytoreduction based on BMI. Sixty-five percent of normal weight, 70% of overweight, and 59.1% of obese women completed 6 cycles (P = 0.697). There was also no significant difference in IP chemotherapy complications (P = 0.303). Body mass index had no impact on disease-free survival (P = 0.44) or overall survival, with a median overall survival of 68.5 months for normal weight, 65.9 months for overweight, and 61.7 months for obese women (P = 0.25). However, on multivariate analysis, obesity had an odds ratio of 2.92 (P = 0.02) for mortality. There was a trend toward treatment with intravenous chemotherapy (84.2%) over IP (15.8%) in patients with class II obesity (P = 0.06).

DISCUSSION

There was no difference in completion of IP chemotherapy or complications with respect to BMI; however, there was a trend away from treatment with IP therapy in extreme obesity. These data suggest that IP chemotherapy is feasible in obese patients without incurring increased morbidity.

Efficacy and safety of selenium nanoparticles administered intraperitoneally for the prevention of growth of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity

Peritoneal implantation of cancer cells, particularly postoperative seeding metastasis, frequently occurs in patients with primary tumors in the stomach, colon, liver, and ovary. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is associated with poor prognosis. In this work, we evaluated the prophylactic effect of intraperitoneal administration of selenium (Se), an essential trace element and a putative chemopreventive agent, on peritoneal implantation of cancer cells. Elemental Se nanoparticles were injected into the abdominal cavity of mice, into which highly malignant H22 hepatocarcinoma cells had previously been inoculated. Se concentrations in the cancer cells and tissues, as well as the efficacy of proliferation inhibition and safety, were evaluated. Se was mainly concentrated in cancer cells compared to Se retention in normal tissues, showing at least an order of magnitude difference between the drug target cells (the H22 cells) and the well-recognized toxicity target of Se (the liver). Such a favorable selective distribution resulted in strong proliferation suppression without perceived host toxicity. The mechanism of action of the Se nanoparticle-triggered cytotoxicity was associated with Se-mediated production of reactive oxygen species, which impaired the glutathione and thioredoxin systems. Our results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of Se is a safe and effective means of preventing growth of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity for the above-mentioned high-risk populations.

Necrotizing fasciitis after placement of intraperitoneal catheter

•

Necrotizing fasciitis has not previously been reported in association with placement of intraperitoneal port at time of cytoreductive surgery.

•

Consensus is lacking regarding the placement of intraperitoneal ports at the time of bowel surgery.

•

Delayed placement of intraperitoneal ports may be considered in patients undergoing bowel resection.

Toxicities, complications, and clinical encounters during intraperitoneal chemotherapy in 17 women with ovarian cancer

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is a viable and superior treatment to standard intravenous (IV) chemotherapy in women with small volume residual ovarian cancer following optimal debulking. Despite this clinical advantage, widespread adoption of the treatment regimen has been hampered by concerns related to toxicities and complications. The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe nursing implications related to toxicities, complications and clinical encounters in 17 women with ovarian cancer who received IP chemotherapy.

METHODS AND SAMPLE

Women with ovarian cancer who received IP chemotherapy at one NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center were accrued. Data related to IP chemotherapy summary, clinical encounters and admissions were obtained through comprehensive chart audits.

KEY RESULTS

Common treatment-related toxicities included nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hypomagnesia, pain, neuropathy, anemia, and constipation. Reasons for dose-modifications were multi-factorial, and were primarily related to catheter complications and chemotherapy toxicities. The number of clinical encounters was high, and they were primarily related to admissions for inpatient IP chemotherapy and follow-up clinic visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment-related toxicities and complications were common in women with ovarian cancer who received IP chemotherapy. Use of IP chemotherapy results in multiple clinical encounters, such as outpatient clinic visits and inpatient admissions. Nursing is a critical part of the interdisciplinary approach in caring for women treated with IP chemotherapy. Interdisciplinary teams with high levels of knowledge and skills related to IP chemotherapy administration are needed to manage treatment-related toxicities and complications, and support multiple clinical encounters during treatment.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy by ultrasound-guided direct puncture in recurrent ovarian cancer: feasibility, compliance, and complications

OBJECTIVE

This prospective pilot study investigated the feasibility, complications, and compliance of the administration of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy by direct puncture under ultrasonographic guidance performed on consecutive patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC).

METHODS

Patients were evaluated to undergo secondary cytoreduction and/or to receive IP chemotherapy. Patients received standard intravenous therapy for ROC plus IP administration by direct puncture needle, under ultrasonographic guidance.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to January 2011, 38 patients were enrolled. A total of 402 IP procedures were performed, with a mean of 10.5 procedures per patient. The feasibility rate was 97.4%. In 237 cases (98.8%) of subgroup 1 (abdominal wall thickness ≤6 cm), the procedure was performed after 1 attempt, meanwhile in 6% of cases of subgroup 2 (abdominal wall thickness >6 cm), more than 1 attempt was necessary (P < 0.01). The mean procedure time was 10 minutes (range, 5-30 minutes). We recorded a total of 2.25% mild intraprocedure complications. No significant difference was identified for the complication rate according to the abdominal wall thickness or according to the number of previous laparotomies. A total of 5 procedures (1.2%) were not performed as a result of patients' noncompliance. The mean pain score according to the visual analog pain scale was moderate at the first evaluation (after 3 minutes) and mild at the final evaluation (after 10 minutes).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of IP chemotherapy with a direct puncture, under ultrasound guidance, for patients with ROC, is a safe and feasible method, with a high acceptance from patients.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer - single center experience

Majority of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy complications were related to the chemoport. Aim of our study was to find the means of reducing complications of IP chemoport, to increase the benefits of IP chemotherapy. During January 2007 to December 2010, hundred consecutive patients of stage III epithelial ovarian cancer who had optimal cytoreduction underwent chemoport insertion during laparotomy. Initial 20 cases had 14.3F Bard IP chemoport, and later cases had 9.6Fr single lumen venous port inserted intraperitoneally. Entry point into the peritoneum was single, 6 cm lateral to the umbilicus and double purse-string suture taken around the catheter to prevent peri-catheter backflow of ascitic fluid or drug. Modified IP chemotherapy regimen (SWOG-9912 trial) was used. Age of the patient ranged from 34 years to 76 years. In total 600 cycles, 516 cycles (86 %) were completed. Seventy patients (70 %) received all the 6 cycles by IP route. Two in the initial 10 patients had vaginal leak, for whom first 2 cycles were given by IV route and then shifted to IP route. Subsequently all cases had double layer closure of vaginal vault. Nine patients (9 %) had port related complications, in which 8 were transient. Catheter block was seen in 5 cases, of which 4 salvaged by heparin injection lock for 2 h and in subsequent cases IV port access catheter with valve replaced the fenestrated IP catheter. None of the IV catheters had the block. Four cases had backflow of fluid around catheter collecting around the port chamber site. Two patients had severe abdominal pain due to dense adhesions and further cycles were completed by IV route. Cisplatin was replaced with carboplatin in 5 cases with severe toxicity. Longest follow-up is 4 years with median follow up of 1.8 years.70 % are disease free on follow up. Local recurrence rate was 18 and systemic in 8 cases. Mortality rate is 4 %. Complications of IP ports are low when insertion is done meticulously with a dedicated team. With modified IP dose and drug regimen, side effects are less and most patients can complete all the desired cycles.

One port laparoscopic technique for interval placement of intraperitoneal chemotherapy port under direct visualization

PURPOSE

In an effort to minimize catheter-related complications we present a 1-port laparoscopic procedure for interval placement of an intraperitoneal chemotherapy catheter under direct visualization.

METHODS

A single 5-mm laparoscopic port is placed in the umbilicus. A 5-cm incision is made in the midaxillary line and a pocket is created to hold the intraperitoneal chemotherapy port. The introducer is then tunneled from the pocket towards the umbilicus and is used to pierce the fascia under direct visualization. It is then tunneled towards the camera and removed through the umbilical port. The catheter is cut and allowed to fall back into the abdomen under direct visualization.

RESULTS

No patient had their chemotherapy regimen altered because of catheter-related complications. Specifically, there were no other infections, leakage, blockage, or access problems.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, this may be considered as a new minimally invasive option.

Percutaneous insertion of peritoneal ports

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technique for image-guided percutaneous insertion of peritoneal ports in patients without ascites who have undergone surgical debulking for stage III ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2010, 29 intraperitoneal ports were placed percutaneously in 29 patients who presented after debulking surgery for stage III ovarian cancer. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance were used to assist in the port placement.

RESULTS

We demonstrated a technical success rate of 100% in 29 patients. The ports remained in place for an average of 186 days; and during that time, only 2 complications (6.9%) arose. One patient presented with kinking and looping of the catheter/port reservoir connection, and the redundant loop was removed. The other patient presented with a suspected wound infection over the port pocket, and the port was removed.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of percutaneous intraperitoneal ports is feasible with an acceptably low complication rate of 6.9% in patients without abdominal ascites.

Ports and complications for intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivery

Intraperitoneal access ports are essential to the delivery of chemotherapy agents into the peritoneal cavity of women with ovarian cancer, but their malfunction and adverse effects are frequently responsible for the failure to complete planned therapy. Complications, such as obstruction of the catheter, infection, leakage, rotation, retraction, and pain, together with bowel and vaginal perforation, cause delays in treatment, patient suffering and the expenditure of medical resources. A wide variety of ports have been used, including vascular access devices and intraperitoneal access devices. This paper reviews the development and use of ports for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, their complications and reported methods of prevention.

Phase II trial of intraperitoneal cisplatin combined with intravenous paclitaxel in patients with ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancer

BACKGROUND.: The objective of this study was to determine the toxicity of cisplatin-based intraperitoneal (IP)/intravenous (IV) treatment using a modified version of the IP/IV arm of GOG 172. METHODS.: Patients with stage IC-IV and recurrent ovarian cancer were treated with D1 paclitaxel (IV at 135 mg/m², 3-h infusion) and cisplatin (IP at 50 mg/m²) and D8 cisplatin (IP at 50 mg/m²) every 21 days for 6 cycles. The primary outcome measure was completion of 6 cycles. Toxicity was assessed using the CTCAE, v.3.0 as well as subjective reporting by patients after each cycle. RESULTS.: Twenty-one patients completed 87 cycles of chemotherapy with IP cisplatin and intravenous (IV) paclitaxel. Eleven patients (52%) were able to complete all 6 cycles. Reasons for failing to complete treatment: progression of disease (n=3), grade 3-4 ototoxicity (n=2), IP port complication (n=1), grade 4 fatigue (n=1), small bowel obstruction (n=1), severe paclitaxel reaction (n=1) and one patient refused further treatment (n=1). Dose reductions of paclitaxel (135 mg/m² to 110 mg/m²) were implemented per protocol for neutropenia (n=3) at a frequency of 3.75%. Dose delays were noted prior to 9 cycles for neutropenia (n=6), thrombocytopenia (n=1), elevated creatinine (n=1), and grade 3 rash (n=1) at a frequency of 10%. CONCLUSIONS.: Although only 52% of patients were able to complete 6 cycles of cisplatin-based IP chemotherapy, significant reductions in cisplatin-related metabolic toxicity and catheter-related complications were noted.

Reducing excessive toxicity in ovarian cancer treatment: a personalized approach

The management of ovarian cancer is not only multifactorial, but also patient-specific. Different treatment modalities lead to varying levels of toxicity and individual patient responses, necessitating a personalized approach to each treatment plan. Surgical treatment along with first-line and salvage chemotherapies, are standard modalities but recent innovations in chemotherapy delivery and innovative therapy with mechanism of action are reviewed in this article. Extensive experience with standard chemotherapy has outlined algorithms for managing various toxicities. The focus of treatment may ultimately point towards palliative care and clinicians must be comfortable and well versed in addressing this important option. Overall, management of ovarian cancer requires a multi-faceted approach, keeping the patients’ overall health, curative goals and well-being at the forefront. It is nearly impossible to detail exact management plans for every possible toxicity for every patient; formulating personalized treatment plans should be based on evidence and clinician experience, all part of the art of medicine. The objective of this article is to highlight the most frequently encountered and most limiting toxicities of current standard therapies for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian malignancy: lessons learned

BACKGROUND

The administration of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy as first-line adjuvant treatment for women with optimally debulked advanced ovarian malignancy results in improved median and overall survival when compared with intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. However, the number of adverse events and toxicities are increased in patients treated with IP chemotherapy. In addition, the administration of IP chemotherapy is technically more challenging and the schedule is more demanding in terms of time and resources.

AIMS

We report on our initial experience with the administration of IP chemotherapy at two gynaecological oncology units in Australia.

METHODS

We collected retrospective data from a series of 23 women undergoing IP chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. In addition to standard (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0, CTCAE) toxicity data, we collected technical data specific to the administration of IP chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The average number of IP chemotherapy cycles received was 4.3. Forty-three per cent of patients received all six planned IP chemotherapy cycles. Thirty-nine per cent of patients discontinued their IP treatment. Of those, 22% were discontinued because of drug-related toxicities and the remaining 17% experienced a port complication or toxicity directly related to the route of administration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and practicality of and lessons learned from initial experiences with IP chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in Australia.

Incidence of intestinal obstruction following intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian tubal and peritoneal malignancies

OBJECTIVES

To report the incidence of intestinal obstruction after intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IP) in women with ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal malignancies, and determine the frequency of malignant versus adhesion-related obstruction.

METHODS

Patients who were treated with at least one dose of IP chemotherapy between 1986 and 1997, and who had at least 3 month follow-up, were included. Data regarding admissions for gastrointestinal obstruction complaints, radiologic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and medical or surgical management of obstruction were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 334 patients; 307 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 104 (34%) patients developed symptomatic intestinal obstruction after IP therapy commenced. The overall incidence of adhesion-related or mechanical bowel obstruction was only 4%. In the group of patients with a mechanical bowel obstruction, the median time to diagnosis of obstruction was 21 months (range, 2-51) after initiation of IP treatment. Surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction was performed in 6 (50%) patients diagnosed with adhesion-related bowel obstruction. Similarly, in those diagnosed with a malignant bowel obstruction, 42 (48%) were taken to the operating room in an attempt to relieve the obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal obstructions developed in a third of patients who received IP therapy as part of their treatment for advanced ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer. However, the majority of the obstructions are related to progression of malignant intra-abdominal disease. Only 4% of the patients develop intestinal obstruction due to intestinal adhesions after IP treatment.

An outpatient intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimen for advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility, associated toxicities, and reasons for early cessation of an outpatient intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy regimen for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer following optimal cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2007, 42 patients with stages IIC-IV epithelial ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer who had residual disease <1 cm after cytoreductive surgery were treated with an outpatient IP chemotherapy protocol. Patients received intravenous (IV) docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and IP cisplatin 75-100 mg/m(2) on day 1, followed by IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2) on day 8, with the intent to treat patients every 21 days for 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Charts were abstracted for demographic, chemotherapy, and toxicity-related data.

RESULTS

The median age of the 42 patients was 59 years (range 33-70) and the majority of patients had epithelial ovarian cancer (80%), FIGO stage IIIC (83%), and papillary serous histology (74%). Of an intended 252 IP chemotherapy cycles, 172 (68%) were administered. Twenty-nine patients (69%) completed >or=4 cycles and 12 (29%) received all 6 IP cycles. Common grade 3/4 toxicities by patient included neutropenia (43%), infection (21.5%), and gastrointestinal effects (14%). There was one treatment-related death. Reasons for discontinuation were largely chemotherapy (43%) or port (37%) related.

CONCLUSIONS

With supportive measures, such as scheduled hydration and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, outpatient administration of IP chemotherapy was feasible. This regimen resulted in few hospitalizations or treatment delays and demonstrated less toxicity than previously reported IP chemotherapy regimens. Port-related complications were a leading cause of IP chemotherapy discontinuation.