Systematic review of cytoreductive surgery and heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in primary and recurrent ovarian cancer

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) with cisplatin and doxorubicin in patients with ovarian cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

PIPAC consists in delivering normothermic chemotherapy solution directly into the peritoneal cavity as an aerosol under pressure. Currently PIPAC is considered as a palliative treatment for patients suffering from non-resectable peritoneal carcinomatosis. We performed a SR to assess tolerance and response of this novel method among patient with OC.

METHODS

We searched electronic database PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Clinical Trials.gov. We only included clinical studies reporting PIPAC with cisplatin and doxorubicin in patients with ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

This systematic review included 4 studies. In 3 studies all patients were pretreated with cytoreductive surgery, in 1 study surgery was performed in 8/34 (23 %) patients. Mean PCI at first PIPAC procedure ranged from 16.3 to 19.6. All studies reported the proportion of patients with ascites at the first PIPAC with a pooled rate of 48,3 %. Pooled rate of CTCAE Grade 3 toxicity calculated on the total number of PIPAC was 6 % and Grade 4 was 0.9 %. One study reported two cases of small bowel perforation related or potentially related to PIPAC. On study reported a cumulative survival after 400 days of 62 % and a mean actuarial survival time of all patients who underwent PIPAC of 442 days. In another study the mean time to progression was 144 days (95 % CI 122-168 days).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrated that PIPAC with cisplatin and doxorubicin appear to have a good safety profile with low toxicity and encouraging trend in terms of overall survival.

Closed hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with CO2 recirculation system compared with the open Coliseum technique in peritoneal malignity treatment

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis can be performed in two ways: first, the standard open abdominal technique (Open HIPEC); or second, the closed technique. In recent years, a new technique has been introduced to perform closed HIPEC; the Peritoneal Recirculation System (PRS-1.0 Combat) with CO₂ recirculation technology (PRS Closed HIPEC). The objective of this study is to present our experience with the PRS Closed HIPEC by comparing the intraoperative, postoperative and oncological results with the standard Open HIPEC technique (the Coliseum technique).

METHODS

Data on patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at the Sanchinarro University Hospital, Madrid from October 2012 to June 2021 were collected in a prospective database. The inclusion criteria were patients with primary or recurrent peritoneal metastases in gastrointestinal malignancies or ovarian cancer. The presence of an unresectable peritoneal carcinomatosis, the coexistence of another oncological disease, unresectable and distant metastases were the exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

From October 2014 to June 2021, 84 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC at the Sanchinarro University Hospital, Madrid with curative intent. Since the introduction of the PRS Closed HIPEC technique in 2016, 65 patients have been treated. Before the introduction of PRS Closed HIPEC, 19 cases were performed using the Coliseum technique (the Open HIPEC group). The intraoperative results were similar in the two groups. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all cases in the Open HIPEC group and in 98% in the PRS Closed HIPEC group. The rate of major complications was similar between the groups. Median Overall Survival (OS) resulted better in the Closed HIPEC group (67 months) with respecto to the Open group (43 months) (p < 0,001). Median Disease-Free Survival (DFS) was 15 months in the Open HIPEC group and 40 months in the PRS Closed HIPEC group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Peritoneal Recirculation System with CO₂ recirculation technology (PRS Closed HIPEC) is a reproducible and safe technique and may represent a valid alternative for the administration of HIPEC.

Sodium thiosulfate during cisplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with transient hypernatraemia without clinical sequelae

Objectives

Cisplatin is commonly used during intraperitoneal chemotherapy however has well-established nephrotoxic side-effects. Sodium thiosulfate is often added to cisplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) protocols to mitigate this, however evidence regarding risk of hypernatraemia is scarce as of yet.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal surface malignancies of any origin at a single high-volume unit between April 2018 and December 2020. Patients were included if they received cisplatin-based HIPEC with intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Blood tests were collected pre-surgery and then daily during admission. Hypernatraemia was defined as serum sodium >145 mmol/L. Renal impairment was defined using the RIFLE criteria.

Results

Eleven CRSs met inclusion criteria, the majority of which were indicated for ovarian cancer (72.7%). One (9.1%) patient with mesothelioma received mitomycin C as an additional chemotherapy agent. The incidence of hypernatraemia was 100% but all cases were transient, with no clinical sequelae observed. The rate of AKI was 36.4%, with three (27.3%) patients classified as risk and one (9.1%) instance of failure. No long-term renal impairment was observed.

Conclusions

Despite biochemical evidence of mild hypernatraemia but with the absence of clinical sequelae, sodium thiosulfate appears to be safe when used in adjunct to cisplatin-based HIPEC during CRS. These findings should be evaluated with further comparative studies. When describing renal impairment, it is important that standardisation in reporting occurs, with the RIFLE and Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria now the preferred consensus definitions.

Loco-regional drug delivery in oncology: current clinical applications and future translational opportunities

Introduction: Drug-based treatment regimens for cancer are often associated with off-target toxic side effects and low penetration of the drug at the tumor site leading to patient morbidity and limited efficacy. Loco-regional drug delivery has the potential to increase efficacy while concomitantly reducing toxicity.Areas covered: Clinical applications using loco-regional delivery include intra-arterial drug delivery in retinoblastoma, direct intra-tumoral (IT) injection of ethanol for ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the use of HIPEC in peritoneal carcinomas. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in both approved products and clinical trials, with a particular emphasis on drug delivery platforms such as drug-eluting beads for HCC and hydrogel platforms for intravesical delivery in bladder cancer.Expert opinion: Development of loco-regional drug-delivery systems has been slow, limited by weak clinical data for early applications and challenges relating to dosing, delivery and retention of drugs at the site of action. However, there is increasing focus on the potential of loco-regional drug delivery when combined with bespoke drug-delivery platforms. With the growth in immunotherapies, the use of IT delivery to drive priming of the anti-tumor response has opened up a new field of opportunity for loco-regional drug delivery.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases: an expert opinion

Introduction: The rationale for intraperitoneal (IP) drug delivery for patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) is based on the pharmacokinetic advantage resulting from the peritoneal-plasma barrier, and on the potential to adequately treat small, poorly vascularized PM. Despite a history of more than three decades, many aspects of IP drug delivery remain poorly studied.Areas covered: We outline the anatomy and physiology of the peritoneal cavity, including the pharmacokinetics of IP drug delivery. We discuss transport mechanisms governing tissue penetration of IP chemotherapy, and how these are affected by the biomechanical properties of the tumor stroma. We provide an overview of the current clinical evidence on IP chemotherapy in ovarian, colorectal, and gastric cancer. We discuss the current limitations of IP drug delivery and propose several potential areas of progress.Expert opinion: The potential of IP drug delivery is hampered by off-label use of drugs developed for systemic therapy. The efficacy of IP chemotherapy for PM depends on cancer type, disease extent, and mode of drug delivery. Results from ongoing randomized trials will allow to better delineate the potential of IP chemotherapy. Promising approaches include IP aerosol therapy, prolonged delivery platforms such as gels or biomaterials, and the use of nanomedicine.

Preclinical evaluation of local prolonged release of paclitaxel from gelatin microspheres for the prevention of recurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis in advanced ovarian cancer

Patients with advanced ovarian cancer develop recurrence despite initial treatment response to standard treatment of surgery and intravenous/intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, partly due to a limited peritoneal exposure time of chemotherapeutics. Paclitaxel-loaded genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres (PTX-GP-MS) are evaluated for the treatment of microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis and prevention of recurrent disease. The highest drug load (39.2 µg PTX/mg MS) was obtained by immersion of GP-MS in aqueous PTX nanosuspension (PTXnano-GP-MS) instead of ethanolic PTX solution (PTXEtOH-GP-MS). PTX release from PTX-GP-MS was prolonged. PTXnano-GP-MS displayed a more controlled release compared to a biphasic release from PTXEtOH-GP-MS. Anticancer efficacy of IP PTX-GP-MS (PTXEtOH-GP-MS, D = 7.5 mg PTX/kg; PTXnano-GP-MS D = 7.5 and 35 mg PTX/kg), IP nanoparticular albumin-bound PTX (D = 35 mg PTX/kg) and controls (0.9% NaCl, blank GP-MS) was evaluated in a microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis xenograft mouse model. PTXnano-GP-MS showed superior anticancer efficacy with significant increased survival time, decreased peritoneal carcinomatosis index score and ascites incidence. However, prolonged PTX release over 14 days from PTXnano-GP-MS caused drug-related toxicity in 27% of high-dosed PTXnano-GP-MS-treated mice. Dose simulations for PTXnano-GP-MS demonstrated an optimal survival without drug-induced toxicity in a range of 7.5-15 mg PTX/kg. Low-dosed PTXnano-GP-MS can be a promising IP drug delivery system to prevent recurrent ovarian cancer.

Hypoxic Isolated Abdominal Perfusion (HAP) chemotherapy for non-operable advanced staged ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinosis: an experience in 45 platinum-refractory ovarian cancer patients

In order to break through drug resistance in platinum-refractory ovarian cancer, augmented drug exposure was administered to the abdomen by means of an isolated perfusion system. Four cycles of isolated hypoxic abdominal perfusion with cisplatin, adriamycin, and mitomycin were conducted in 4-week intervals. Cisplatin and adriamycin were chosen because of their increased cytotoxicity under hypoxic conditions. Chemofiltration was performed for prophylaxis of cumulative toxicity of adriamycin and mitomycin. The study included 45 patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who had prior platinum containing therapies (3, stage Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IIIB; 20, stage FIGO IIIC; 22; stage FIGO IV). The median survival rate in stage FIGO IIIBC was 12 months, and in stage IV was 10 months. The tumor marker decreased to complete response or partial response at 17.8% and 55.6% of the patients. CT or MRI visualization showed complete response in 4.1%, and partial response was in 54.1%. Complete resolution of ascites was noted in 30% of cases and substantial reduction in another 43%. Toxicity was generally low. Quality of life was improved in the majority of cases. Bone-marrow suppression ranged between WHO grade 1 and 2, and in patients with previous third- or fourth-line chemotherapy, it was WHO grade 3. Isolated hypoxic abdominal perfusion with chemofiltration for patients with progressive and platinum-refractory stage III and IV ovarian cancer is an effective therapy, breaking through chemoresistance and offering comparably long survival at good quality of life.

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.

Prevention and Treatment of Peritoneal Metastases: a Comprehensive Review

Peritoneal metastases may occur from a majority of cancers that occur within the abdomen or pelvis. When cancer spread to the peritoneal surfaces is documented, a decision regarding palliation versus an aggressive approach using cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) must be made. This decision is dependent on a well-defined group of prognostic indicators. In addition to treatment, prevention of peritoneal metastases may be an option. The clinical and pathologic features of a primary cancer can be used to select perioperative treatments that may prevent cancer cells within the abdomen and pelvis from progressing to established peritoneal metastases. In some clinical situations with appendiceal and colorectal cancers, the clinical or histopathologic features may indicate that second-look surgery plus perioperative chemotherapy should occur. Peritoneal metastases should always be considered by the multidisciplinary team for treatment or prevention.

Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is effective regarding peritoneum tissue paclitaxel distribution

BACKGROUND

In some patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, we could perform the cytoreductive surgery and the HIPEC procedure by a complete laparoscopic approach to avoid morbidity. We consider that using laparoscopic approach for performing peritoneal carcinomatosis cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC with closed CO₂ recirculation technique is possible and safe, with equal efficacy to conventional methods and hemodynamic complications.

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring the effectiveness of the drug distribution in a laparoscopic ctoreductive and HIPEC surgery group with CO₂ recirculation respect to a closed and open HIPEC group METHODS: Porcine model that included fifteen mini-pigs. Five pigs were operated with laparoscopic approach performing a pelvic and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. They later received a total laparoscopic closed HIPEC with CO₂ recirculation (G1). Group 2 (G2): five pigs operated by an open cytoreductive surgery and closed HIPEC technique. Group 3 (G3): five animals in which an open cytoreductive surgery and an open HIPEC technique was performed. Blood and peritoneal determinations were realized after recirculation of the drug, at 60 min using chromatographic analysis.

RESULTS

G1-G2: phrenic right peritoneum, p: 0.46. Phrenic left peritoneum, p: 0.46. Pelvic peritoneum, p: 0.17. Serum paclitaxel: p: 0.01. G1-G3: phrenic right peritoneum, p: 0.34. Phrenic left peritoneum, p: 0.34. Pelvic peritoneum, p: 0.17. Serum paclitaxel G1-G3, p: 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

A total laparoscopic approach for ctoreductive surgery and closed HIPEC with CO₂ recirculation may be safe and feasible. In our experimental model there was no significant difference in tissue drug distribution respect the conventional techniques and there was a less toxicity because the serum drug concentration was significantly lower with laparoscopic approach respect the other groups.

[Protocol for the examination of surgical specimens from patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis originating in ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum]

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a malignant entity with a high rate of morbimortality. It is considered an end-stage common to several abdominal and pelvic malignant tumours, such as epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal and peritoneal cancer. Although many of these tumors have a good response to chemotherapy, prognosis is poor due to the high rate of recurrence. Surgeons, gynecologists and oncologists are increasingly concerned with improving the survival. The surgical technique described by Sugarbaker in the eighties is a plausible option. It aims for a complete resection of macroscopic carcinomatosis (cytoreductive surgery) followed by intraoperative or perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This therapeutic option necessarily involves specific multidisciplinary units; histopathology of specimens from this surgical technique is now more frequent in our department. We describe our initial experience with PC originating from epithelial ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer treated with the modified Sugarbaker surgery employed in our hospital. We outline our protocol designed to achieve uniformity in procedure, and summarize the initial results.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in seven patients with peritoneal sarcomatosis from uterine sarcoma

Peritoneal sarcomatosis from uterine sarcoma is a rare disease with no effective treatment and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) has successful results in peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal/gynecological origins. We show that CRS/HIPEC is safe, feasible, and may benefit selected patients with peritoneal sarcomatosis from uterine sarcoma.

Evaluation of the peritoneal surface disease severity score (PSDSS) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC: Two pathogenetic types based study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Clinical experience suggests that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) play an important role in the management of ovarian cancer. In order to improve patient selection, the peritoneal surface disease severity score (PSDSS) was previously introduced for use in colorectal cancer patients. However, almost no data exist regarding the utility of the PSDSS index in ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the effectiveness of CRS and HIPEC was carried out in 59 patients with ovarian cancer. The PSDSS was based on three criteria: symptoms, extent of peritoneal dissemination, and primary tumor structure as assessed by histology and biomarker expression.

RESULTS

The overall survival time for patients with ovarian cancer in PSDSS Stage I was 48 ± 25.3 months. For PSDSS Stage II, the survival time was 26.5 ± 4.7 months. For PSDSS Stage III, it was 15.5 ± 4 months, and for PSDSS Stage IV, it was 6 ± 4.3 months. A multivariate analysis showed that the PSDSS stage was the only independent survival predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that a PSDSS based on two pathogenetic types may be useful for predicting survival outcomes in ovarian cancer patients treated with CRS/HIPEC.

Adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer at risk for peritoneal carcinomatosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The peritoneal surface is the second most common site of disease recurrence, after the liver, following definitive surgery for colorectal cancer. Adjuvant intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy delivered at time of surgical resection has the potential to delay or prevent future spread to the peritoneal surface and improve clinical outcome. The exact role of adjuvant IP chemotherapy in colorectal cancer, including its associated morbidity and mortality, is not well defined.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and pooled random effect analysis of comparative trials examining the addition of adjuvant IP chemotherapy compared to surgery alone in colorectal cancer. The primary outcome was overall survival, and the secondary outcomes were of post-operative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

In nine colorectal cancer studies identified, seven were two-arm trials comparing adjuvant IP chemotherapy to surgery alone. Of these, four trials had outcome reporting and met criteria that allowed inclusion into a random effects model. Heterogeneity was measured by Cochran's Q-test (Q = 13.9; p = 0.01) and random effect models were utilised. Pooling eligible trials together revealed a 0.55 odds ratio of death associated with the administration of IP chemotherapy compared to surgery alone (CI = 0.31, 0.98; p = 0.04). Trials selecting patients at elevated risk for the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis by clinicopathological biomarkers for administration of adjuvant IP chemotherapy reported more favourable overall outcomes. There was no increase in mortalities or IP chemotherapy-related abdominal complication rates among patients undergoing IP chemotherapy (OR = 1.4; CI = 0.52, 3.8; p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review supports the use of adjuvant IP chemotherapy in resectable colorectal cancer at risk for peritoneal spread. Future trials should seek to standardise inclusion criteria and IP chemotherapy modalities to better define the role of this treatment in patients with resectable colorectal cancer.

Isolated thoracic perfusion with chemofiltration for progressive malignant pleural mesothelioma

Introduction

Therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma and especially the adequate role of surgery in this context remain the subject of controversial discussions. Radical surgery in particular, which is associated with substantial morbidity, failed to translate into a definite survival advantage. We report on interim results of an ongoing Phase II study of regional chemotherapy in terms of isolated thoracic perfusion with chemofiltration (ITP-F).

Patients and methods

Twenty-eight patients (25 male, 3 female, mean age 63.4 years) with advanced pleural mesothelioma were included in this study. Isolation of the chest was achieved by insertion of a venous and arterial stop-flow balloon catheter via a femoral access. The aorta and inferior vena cava were blocked at the level of the diaphragm and the upper arms were blocked by pneumatic cuffs. Chemotherapy, consisting of 60 mg/m² cisplatin and 15 mg/m² mitoxantrone, was administered directly into the aorta. The isolated circuit was maintained for 15 minutes followed bŷ45 minutes of chemofiltration with a hemoprocessor until 5 L of filtrate were reached. The endpoints of the study were overall survival and quality of life (QoL).

Results

Out of 28 patients enrolled in the study, 5 had prior surgeries, 10 patients had systemic chemotherapy, and 5 patients additional irradiation. In all patients in restaging, clinical progress was noted. In all, 162 cycles were administered. Due to chemofiltration, toxicity was within tolerable limits, revealing World Health Organization grade I leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in 9 patients and mucositis grade I in 6 patients. The major surgical complication was inguinal lymphatic fistula in 40% of the cases. Gastrointestinal toxicity and/or neurotoxicity were never observed. One-year survival was 49%, 2-year and 3-year survival was 31%, and 5-year survival was 18%. Median overall survival was 12 months and progression-free survival 9 months.

Conclusion

ITP-F for patients with advanced pleural mesothelioma, progressive after standard therapies, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality, offering comparably long survival data at a good QoL.

What the Radiologist Should Know About Treatment of Peritoneal Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of the radiologist in the treatment of peritoneal cancer, with focus placed on advanced treatment options and selection of patients with resectable disease for whom complete cytoreduction can be achieved.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal cancers traditionally have been associated with significant morbidity and universal mortality; however, the management of such cancers has evolved substantially. Advanced treatment options, including cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, are associated with significantly improved long-term patient survival. To ensure that patients benefit from aggressive multimodality treatments, the radiologist plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary team to ensure careful patient selection, identifying individuals with resectable disease for whom complete cytoreduction can be achieved.

Peritoneal Metastases from Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma Treated by Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Purpose

Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare cancer that often presents in an advanced stage. Not only systemic metastases but also local recurrence and peritoneal metastases prevent long-term survival in these patients.

Methods

A profoundly symptomatic patient with extensive peritoneal metastases and local recurrence was treated using cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with melphalan as the chemotherapy agent.

Results

Relative sparing of the small bowel within the abdomen and pelvis allowed a visible complete resection of all cancer. The HIPEC with melphalan was used to control microscopic residual disease. Similar surgical technology used in this patient could be used to prevent local recurrence and peritoneal metastases in patients at the time of resection of the primary adrenal cortical carcinoma.

Conclusions

Rare diseases may have peritoneal metastases as a component of disease progression and profit from treatment with CRS plus HIPEC. The clinical features suggesting a favorable outcome from this combined treatment are relative sparing of small bowel and its mesentery, absence of disease outside the abdomen, low-grade disease, or limited extent of high-grade disease.

Introducing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy into Gynecological Oncology Practice - Feasibility and Safety Considerations: Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Within the surgical oncology community interest is increasingly focusing on combining surgical cytoreduction and regional chemotherapeutic drug delivery to manage solid abdominal tumors. In particular, the role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is evolving for treating epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs), as EOCs remain confined to the peritoneal cavity for most of their natural history. Currently there is no evidence from prospective trials to confirm an overall survival benefit associated with HIPEC. In addition, there are no generally accepted regimens, which results in heterogeneous clinical procedures.

METHODS

We have initiated a HIPEC program at our institution and completed a phase I study of HIPEC with cisplatin in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. The data have been published and prove the feasibility of this approach. In the process of introducing HIPEC, several safety measures had to be taken into consideration.

RESULTS

We present the implications and requirements of introducing HIPEC in clinical practice and discuss our proposed procedure referring to the recent literature.

CONCLUSION

HIPEC is feasible and can be performed safely in daily gynecological oncology routine provided that certain considerations and precautions are taken into account during its introduction to guarantee a proper and safe operating sequence.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy hyperthermia (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin by fluid and CO2 recirculation using the closed abdomen technique (PRS-1.0 Combat): A clinical pilot study

Background This paper reports a study of 21 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC by means of PRS-1.0 Combat®, a new model for closed abdomen HIPEC aimed at improving fluid distribution with assistance from a CO2 recirculation system. This new technology has been previously shown to be successful in an experimental study (pig model) performed by our group, and has been approved for use in our hospital. Methods Twenty-one patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin were included in the study. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC were performed by a closed abdomen fluid and CO2 recirculation technique using the PRS-1.0 Combat(®) model. We analysed the intraoperative safety tolerance and post-operative morbidity and mortality during the first 30 days. Results Between November 2011 and March 2014 21 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II-IV, were included in the study. During the procedure there were no significant haemodynamic or analytical disturbances. Complication rates were 38.1% and 57.14% for grade III/IV and minor (grade I/II) complications, respectively. Post-operative mortality was 4.76% (one patient). Complete cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy improved overall survival and disease-free survival in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The association of intra-abdominal hyperthermia with chemotherapy (HIPEC) increased the therapeutic benefit. Conclusions This study has shown that closed abdomen intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia by a fluid and CO2 recirculation system (PRS-1.0 Combat(®)) can be a safe and feasible model for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin.

Multimodality treatment strategies have changed prognosis of peritoneal metastases

For a long time, treatment of peritoneal metastases (PM) was mostly palliative and thus, this status was link with “terminal status/despair”. The current multimodal treatment strategy, consisting of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), has been strenuously achieved over time, but seems to be the best treatment option for PM patients. As we reviewed the literature data, we could emphasize some milestones and also, controversies in the history of proposed multimodal treatment and thus, outline the philosophy of this approach, which seems to be an unusual one indeed. Initially marked by nihilism and fear, but benefiting from a remarkable joint effort of human and material resources (multi-center and -institutional research), over a period of 30 years, CRS and HIPEC found their place in the treatment of PM. The next 4 years were dedicated to the refinement of the multimodal treatment, by launching research pathways. In selected patients, with requires training, it demonstrated a significant survival results (similar to the Hepatic Metastases treatment), with acceptable risks and costs. The main debates regarding CRS and HIPEC treatment were based on the oncologists’ perspective and the small number of randomized clinical trials. It is important to statement the PM patient has the right to be informed of the existence of CRS and HIPEC, as a real treatment resource, the decision being made by multidisciplinary teams.

Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Management of Peritoneal Sarcomatosis: A Preliminary Single-Center Experience from Saudi Arabia

Aim. To report our preliminary single-center experience with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for management of peritoneal sarcomatosis (PS). Methods. Eleven patients were retrospectively analyzed for perioperative details. Results. Cytoreduction completeness (CC-0/1) was achieved in all patients with median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 14 ± 8.9 (range: 3-29). Combination cisplatin + doxorubicin HIPEC chemotherapy was used in 6 patients. Five patients received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). The median operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 8 ± 1.4 hours (range: 6-10), 1000 ± 250 mL (range: 700-3850), and 11 ± 2.4 days (range: 7-15), respectively. Major postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications occurred in 1 patient and none developed HIPEC chemotherapy-related toxicities. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after CRS + HIPEC were 28.3 ± 3.2 and 18.0 ± 4.0 months, respectively. The median follow-up time was 12 months (range: 6-33). Univariate analysis of several prognostic factors (age, gender, PS presentation/pathology, CC, PCI, HIPEC chemotherapy, and IORT) did not demonstrate statistically significant differences of OS and DFS. Conclusion. CRS + HIPEC appear to be feasible, safe, and offer survival oncological benefits. However, definitive conclusions cannot be deduced.

Cytoreductive surgery (SRC) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: Our initial experience and technical details

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to present our initial experience in peritoneal carcinomatosis treatment and the technical details of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the light of current literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of 27 consecutive patients who were treated with CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis in Medical Park Samsun Hospital, between November 2012 and September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment indication and management were evaluated at the multidisciplinary oncology council. All patients underwent CRS and HIPEC with the aim of complete cytoreduction. Patients with unresectable disease and/or palliative surgery were excluded from analysis. Perioperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification, and HIPEC-related side effects were identified using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 54 (32-72). Nineteen patients were female. The origin of peritoneal carcinomatosis was colorectal cancer in 12 patients, ovarian cancer in 12 patients, gastric cancer in 2 patients and pseudomyxoma peritonei in 1 patient. The mean Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index was 12 (3-32), with a mean operative time of 420 (300-660) minutes. Perioperative morbidity, HIPEC-related toxicity and perioperative mortality were observed in eight (30%), one (3.7%) and four patients (14.8%), respectively. During a mean follow up of 13 (1-22) months, overall and disease-free survival rates were 95.8% and 82.6%, respectively. Two patients with colorectal cancer (after 9 and 12 months) and one patient with ovarian cancer (after 11 months) had intra-abdominal recurrence. One patient with ovarian cancer had liver metastases 13 months after surgery, and underwent resection of segments 6-7. The remaining patients are being followed-up without any recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC have favorable results in the treatment of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Compatible with the literature, surgical outcomes of the presented series are encouraging for this treatment modality that have been recently popularized in our country. Careful perioperative evaluation, proper patient selection and multidisciplinary approach are essential for success in curative treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Simulation of Chemoperfusion Treatment for Abdominal Carcinomatosis

Experimental perfusion system and technology for normothermic and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion are developed for the treatment of abdominal carcinomatosis in rats with transplanted ovarian cancer. MTD of cisplatin in normothermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion and hyperthermic perfusion are 40 and 20 mg/kg, i.e. by 10- and 5-fold higher than the dose of this cytostatic for routine intraperitoneal injection. Normothermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with cisplatin increases median survival time by 200% (p=0.039) in comparison with intraperitoneal injection.

Preliminary Experience and Morbidity Analysis of Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) from a Tertiary Cancer Center in India

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) can arise directly from peritoneum (primary) or from regional spread of gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. It is often considered a terminal event. CRS/HIPEC procedure provides encouraging outcomes in select sub-set of patients with PC. In this study we present our initial experience of this combined procedure from a tertiary cancer care center in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 to January 2015, 13 patients underwent CRS + HIPEC procedure at our center. Preoperative assessment for cytoreduction was done using contrast CT-scan of the abdomen and staging laparoscopy. All procedures were performed by the same surgical team. After cytoreduction, HIPEC was performed by closed method.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 52 and median PCI was 13.5 (5-21). Ovarian cancers were commonest origin of PC in our series. All patients had a complete cytoreduction with a median operative time of 8.3 hours. Postoperative ileus was the commonest adverse event. In the immediate postoperative period, major complications were observed in 23% (3/13) of our patients (1. intra-abdominal abscess 2. Septicemia and liver function derangement 3. Bowel obstruction which required a re-operation. Median hospital stay was 12 days (range 9-45 days) and there was no perioperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our initial results indicate that CRS + HIPEC procedure can be performed with acceptable morbidity and no mortality. Appropriate case selection by a multi-disciplinary team is vital to achieve complete cytoreduction and optimize outcomes.

Miscellaneous conditions of the peritoneal cavity--peritoneal tumors, pseudomyxoma, mesothelioma, fibroblastic reaction, cocoon, cystic lymphatic malformations, blue-bleb, and chylous ascites

The peritoneum is subject to both primary neoplasia and secondary malignancy from direct, trans-coelomic, or hematogenous spread from any cancer. The knowledge base in the pediatric age group is very limited due to the rarity of peritoneal conditions in children, and much of the information is extrapolated from adult literature. There have been few reports in the pediatric population on the diagnosis and management of peritoneal conditions including peritoneal malignancy. In this article, we aim to highlight some of these conditions and the treatments available with a special emphasis on the evolving role of cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of certain peritoneal malignancies in children.

The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and isolated perfusion (ILP) interventions in sarcoma

Locally advanced sarcomas in the extremity and in the retroperitoneum/abdominal cavity (peritoneal sarcomatosis, PS) can be managed administering chemotherapy locally using isolated limb perfusion (ILP) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), respectively. In this review, the authors discuss the pros and cons of the use of these locoregional therapies in locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma, with a view to establishing their role in the multidisciplinary approach to these difficult diseases.

Accuracy of MDCT in the preoperative definition of Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of MDCT in the preoperative definition of Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent a peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy to obtain a pre-surgery prognostic evaluation and a prediction of optimal cytoreduction surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pre-HIPEC CT examinations of 43 patients with advanced ovarian cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed by two radiologists. The PCI was scored according to the Sugarbaker classification, based on lesion size and distribution. The results were compared with macroscopic and histologic data after peritonectomy and HIPEC. To evaluate the accuracy of MDCT to detect and localize peritoneal carcinomatosis, both patient-level and regional-level analyses were conducted. A correlation between PCI CT and histologic values for each patient was searched according to the PCI grading.

RESULTS

Considering the patient-level analysis, CT shows a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and an accuracy in detecting the peritoneal carcinomatosis of 100 %, 40 %, 93 % 100 %, and 93 %, respectively. Considering the regional level analysis, a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of 72 %, 80 %, 66 %, 84 %, and 77 %, respectively were obtained for the correlation between CT and histology.

CONCLUSION

Our results encourage the use of MDCT as the only technique sufficient to select patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC on the condition that a CT examination will be performed using a dedicated protocol optimized to detect minimal peritoneal disease and CT images will be analyzed by an experienced reader.

Experimental development of an intra-abdominal chemohyperthermia model using a closed abdomen technique and a PRS-1.0 Combat CO2 recirculation system

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the best operative treatment currently available for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin. The open abdomen technique is the classic technique for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. We developed a closed abdomen model that improves temperature control and increases exposure of peritoneal surfaces to the drug by recirculating the perfusate.

METHODS

We used a porcine model with 12 female, Large White pigs-4 in the open technique group and 8 in the closed technique CO2 group. We performed cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for 60 minutes using paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) at an input temperature of 42°C. Perfusate recirculation was performed under controlled pressure (range, 12-15 mmHg). The infusion of 0.7 L of CO2 via a separate intraperitoneal infusion catheter mixed the perfusate within the peritoneal cavity. Intra-abdominal temperature was assessed using 6 intra-abdominal temperature probes and 2 temperature probes in the inflow and outflow circuits. Drug distribution was assessed using methylene blue staining.

RESULTS

Intra-abdominal temperatures remained constant and homogeneous in all intra-abdominal quadrants with a constant input temperature of 42°C and a minimum output temperature of 41.4°C. The infused CO2 caused the fluid to bubble and created agitation inside the abdominal cavity to facilitate a homogeneous distribution of the drug-containing perfusate.

CONCLUSION

The closed recirculation hyperthermia with intraperitoneal chemotherapy technique developed in this study is safe and feasible, and may provide a more homogeneous delivery of heated chemotherapy to the peritoneal cavity in patients with peritoneal malignancies.

Comprehensive management of epithelial ovarian cancer with peritoneal metastases

Ovarian cancer has as its predominant pattern of dissemination metastases to the peritoneal surfaces and disease spread within the abdomen and pelvis that most commonly causes the patients demise. To combat peritoneal metastases, cytoreductive surgery with peritoneal and visceral resections is combined with intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy. Chemotherapy given in the operating room after the complete visible removal of ovarian cancer is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The results of the combined treatment are determined by the extent of prior surgery, the extent of disease as established by the peritoneal cancer index, and the quality of the cytoreduction as measured by the completeness of cytoreduction score. Recent clinical information on patients with recurrent ovarian cancer suggest a median overall survival of up to 60 mo. These data are greatly improved over the one year survival observed in the past.

Statement by the Kommission OVAR of the AGO Study Group on the Use of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) to Treat Primary and Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

HIPEC is offered to patients with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer at some hospitals. Altogether, there is still no evidence that HIPEC leads to an improvement of prognosis in any gynecologic tumor, neither in primary therapy nor in treatment of relapse. The available data indicate an increased complication rate which might negatively impact the benefit-risk balance of this procedure. In addition, standard treatment with proven efficacy might be withheld due to application of unproven methods. The use of HIPEC outside of well designed, prospective and controlled clinical trials is therefore disregarded.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer: rationale and clinical data

The outcome of ovarian cancer remains poor with conventional therapy. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy has some advantages over systemic chemotherapy, including favorable pharmacokinetics and optimal treatment timing. Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) provides improved exposure of the entire seroperitoneal surface to the agent and utilizes the direct cytoxic and drug-enhancing effect of hyperthermia. While standard normothermic, nonintraoperative, intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been demonstrated to be beneficial in randomized trials and meta-analyses, there are no data from randomized HIPEC trials available yet. Cautious extrapolation of data from standard normothermic, nonintraoperative, intraperitoneal chemotherapy and data from Phase II and nonrandomized comparative studies suggest that HIPEC delivered at the time of surgery for ovarian cancer has definite potential. Data from ongoing randomized HIPEC trials to adequately answer the question of whether the addition of HIPEC actually prolongs survival in patients with peritoneal dissemination of primary and recurrent ovarian cancer are awaited in the near future.