Administration Of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Research Articles

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases of gastric origin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases is associated with a dismal prognosis. Normothermic catheter-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy and normothermic pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) are methods to deliver chemotherapy intraperitoneally leading to higher intraperitoneal concentrations of cytotoxic drugs compared to intravenous administration. We reviewed the effectiveness and safety of different methods of palliative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched for articles studying the use of repeated administration of palliative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases, published up to January 2024. The primary outcome was overall survival. Twenty-three studies were included, representing a total of 999 patients. The pooled median overall survival was 14.5 months. The pooled hazard ratio of the two RCTs using intraperitoneal paclitaxel and docetaxel favoured the intraperitoneal chemotherapy arm. The median overall survival of intraperitoneal paclitaxel, intraperitoneal docetaxel and PIPAC with cisplatin and doxorubicin were respectively 18.4 months, 13.2 months and 9.0 months. All treatment methods had a relatively safe toxicity profile. Conversion surgery after completion of intraperitoneal therapy was performed in 16% of the patients. Repeated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, regardless of method of administration, is safe for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases. Conversion surgery after completion of the intraperitoneal chemotherapy is possible in a subset of patients.

Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosolised Chemotherapy-Results from the First Hundred Consecutive Procedures.

PIPAC is a new and promising technique for the intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy. It can be used in patients with various peritoneal cancer metastases. It is mainly a palliative treatment, but there is some neoadjuvant treatment potential. We have operated on 41 patients with various intra-abdominal cancers. PIPAC was performed every 6 weeks. The indication was extension of peritoneal carcinomatosis beyond the criteria for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. The effect was evaluated according to the peritoneal cancer index, the peritoneal regression grading score and the amount of ascites. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. We have performed 100 PIPAC procedures. There were two major complications, classified as Clavien Dindo III (2%). The number of procedures varied from 1 to 6. Five patients switched to cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, and one was indicated for the watch and wait strategy due to total regression according to PRGS. Three patients are still continuing treatment. The others stopped treatment mainly because of progression of the disease and loss of metastases. We observed a reduction in ascites production soon after PIPAC application. PIPAC is a safe and well-tolerated treatment modality. It is mainly a palliative treatment that can improve the quality of life by reducing the production of ascites, but in about 10% of cases, it can reduce the extent of the disease and allow for further radical treatment.

Intraperitoneal irinotecan with concomitant FOLFOX and bevacizumab for patients with unresectable colorectal peritoneal metastases: protocol of the multicentre, open-label, phase II, INTERACT-II trial

IntroductionThe peritoneum is the second most affected organ for the dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) face a poor prognosis, despite the majority of patients...

Current treatment strategies for ovarian cancer in the East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial Group (EAGOT).

Ovarian cancer, notable for its severe prognosis among gynecologic cancers, has seen substantial progress in treatment approaches recently. Enhanced protocols in chemotherapy and the introduction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for maintenance therapy have markedly improved outcomes for patients with specific genetic profiles, such as those positive for BRCA mutations or exhibiting homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Additionally, the method of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration has emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional transvenous routes, showing promise for wider clinical adoption. The field of surgery has also evolved, with increasing exploration into the benefits and feasibility of laparoscopic methods over more invasive traditional surgeries, aiming for complete tumor removal but with reduced patient impact. The hereditary nature of ovarian cancer underscores the importance of genetic testing, which has become integral in tailoring treatment strategies, particularly in determining suitability for PARP inhibitors. The formation of the East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial Group (EAGOT) aims to optimize treatment across Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. The ovarian cancer committee of EAGOT shared the current policies, focusing on 5 topics: 1) strategies for maintenance therapy after initial surgery and chemotherapy, 2) drug regimens for platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant recurrence, 3) intraperitoneal chemotherapy, 4) laparoscopic surgery as an alternative to laparotomy, and 5) current status of genetic testing (BRCA, HRD, and panel tests) for ovarian cancer and its prospects. EAGOT's multi-national trials aim to harmonize these evolving treatment strategies, ensuring that the latest and most effective protocols are accessible across the region, thereby significantly impacting patient outcomes in East Asia.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy plus Interval Cytoreductive Surgery with or without Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (NIHIPEC) in the Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Multicentric Propensity Score Study.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is primarily confined to the peritoneal cavity. When primary complete surgery is not possible, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is provided; however, the peritoneum-plasma barrier hinders the drug effect. The intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy could eliminate residual microscopic peritoneal tumor cells and increase this effect by hyperthermia. Intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) after interval cytoreductive surgery could improve outcomes in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). A multicenter, retrospective observational study of advanced EOC patients who underwent interval cytoreductive surgery alone (CRSnoH) or interval cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC (CRSH) was carried out in Spain between 07/2012 and 12/2021. A total of 515 patients were selected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS analyses were performed. The series of patients who underwent CRSH or CRSnoH was balanced regarding the risk factors using a statistical analysis technique called propensity score matching. A total of 170 patients were included in each subgroup. The complete surgery rate was similar in both groups (79.4% vs. 84.7%). The median PFS times were 16 and 13 months in the CRSH and CRSnoH groups, respectively (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94; p = 0.031). The median OS times were 56 and 50 months in the CRSH and CRSnoH groups, respectively (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.64-1.20; p = 0.44). There was no increase in complications in the CRSH group. The addition of HIPEC after interval cytoreductive surgery is safe and increases DFS in advanced EOC patients.

HSF-1/miR-145-5p transcriptional axis enhances hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy efficacy on peritoneal ovarian carcinosis

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy (HIPEC) increases local drug concentrations and reduces systemic side effects associated with prolonged adjuvant intraperitoneal exposure in patients affected by either peritoneal malignancies or metastatic diseases originating from gastric, colon, kidney, and ovarian primary tumors. Mechanistically, the anticancer effects of HIPEC have been poorly explored. Herein we documented that HIPEC treatment promoted miR-145-5p expression paired with a significant downregulation of its oncogenic target genes c-MYC, EGFR, OCT4, and MUC1 in a pilot cohort of patients with ovarian peritoneal metastatic lesions. RNA sequencing analyses of ovarian peritoneal metastatic nodules from HIPEC treated patients unveils HSF-1 as a transcriptional regulator factor of miR-145-5p expression. Notably, either depletion of HSF-1 expression or chemical inhibition of its transcriptional activity impaired miR-145-5p tumor suppressor activity and the response to cisplatin in ovarian cancer cell lines incubated at 42 °C. In aggregate, our findings highlight a novel transcriptional network involving HSF-1, miR145-5p, MYC, EGFR, MUC1, and OCT4 whose proper activity contributes to HIPEC anticancer efficacy in the treatment of ovarian metastatic peritoneal lesions.

Temperature management during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

In addition to attaining complete or near complete cytoreduction, the instillation of select heated chemotherapeutic agents into the abdominal cavity has offered a chance for cure or longer survival inpatients with peritoneal surface malignancies. While the heating of chemotherapeutic agents enhances cytotoxicity, the resulting systemic hyperthermia has been associated with an increased risk of severe hyperthermia and its associated complications. Factors that have been associated with an increased risk of severe hyperthermia include intraoperative blood transfusions and longer perfusion duration. However, the development of severe hyperthermia still remains largely unpredictable. Thus, at several institutions, cooling protocols are employed during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). Cooling protocols for CRS-HIPEC are not standardized and may be associated with episodes of severe hyperthermia or alternatively hypothermia. In theory, excessive cooling could result in a decreased effectiveness of the intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic agents. This presumption has been supported by a recent study of 214 adults undergoing CRS-HIPEC, where failure to attain a temperature of 38° C at the end of chemo-perfusion was associated with worse survival. Although not statistically significant, failure to maintain a temperature of 38° C for at least 30 minutes was associated with worse survival. Although studies are limited in this regard, the importance of maintaining a steady state of temperature during the hyperthermic phase of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration cannot be disregarded. The following article describes the processes and physiological mechanisms responsible for hyperthermia during CRS-HIPEC. The challenges associated with temperature management during CRS-HIPEC and methods to avoid severe hypothermia and hyperthermia are also described.

The Role of Surgery in the Management of Gastric Cancer: State of the Art.

Surgery still represents the mainstay of treatment of all stages of gastric cancer (GC). Surgical resections represent potentially curative options in the case of early GC with a low risk of node metastasis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and indocyanine green fluorescence are novel techniques which may improve the employment of stomach-sparing procedures, ameliorating quality of life without compromising oncological radicality. Nonetheless, the diffusion of these techniques is limited in Western countries. Conversely, radical gastrectomy with extensive lymphadenectomy and multimodal treatment represents a valid option in the case of advanced GC. Differences between Eastern and Western recommendations still exist, and the optimal multimodal strategy is still a matter of investigation. Recent chemotherapy protocols have made surgery available for patients with oligometastatic disease. In this context, intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy via HIPEC or PIPAC has emerged as an alternative weapon for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In conclusion, the surgical management of GC is still evolving together with the multimodal strategy. It is mandatory for surgeons to be conscious of the current evolution of the surgical management of GC in the era of multidisciplinary and tailored medicine.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Urothelial Origin: a Case Report and Literature Review.

Urothelial carcinomas (UC) are the fourth most common tumours. Approximately, 50% of patients with invasive bladder cancer relapse after radical cistectomy (RC). In this report, we present the case of peritoneal carcinomatosis from bladder UC treated with cytoreductive surgery plus the administration of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer with peritoneal recurrence in 2017. She underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC with mitomycin C. Histopathological results showed metastases from UC in the left ovary and right diaphragmatic peritoneum. In 2021, the patient underwent surgery after treatment with atezolizumab for abdominal wall recurrence. Today, the patient is alive and free of tumor recurrence 12months after the last surgery. Despite advances in surgical technique and patient selection, the risk of relapse remains high among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We face the case of a young female patient with local, peritoneal, and lymphatic recurrence of bladder cancer after RC who had a partial response to chemotherapy. The possibility of CRS + HIPEC is offered by the surgical oncology unit, referent in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Surgery is capable of resecting residual tumor in patients with a partial response or who have been erroneously underdiagnosed. CRS + HIPEC might be a valid option to be considered in well-selected patients and to be performed in reference units. There is a need for more collaborative clinical trials and prospective studies addressing the role of surgery in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

Defining the Cytokine Storm – DECYST 01

Background: Recent data have described a survival advantage associated with the administration of hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) following complete cytoreductive surgery(CRS) in ovarian cancer(OC). It is unlikely that HIPEC administered as a single dose has sufficient direct cytotoxicity to account for the improved survival. We hypothesise that HIPEC improves outcome by aborting a surgery induced cytokine storm, thereby reducing the proliferative stimulus to residual tumour cells.

Role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in combination with an intraperitoneal port system in the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer

Background. The survival rate of patients with ovarian malignancies depends on the prevalence of the tumor process, the volume of surgical treatment, and the size of the residual tumor. At the first stage, an «aggressive» surgical tactic of removing all macroscopically determined tumor foci with subsequent antitumor drug therapy is recommended. However, the results of treatment remain unsatisfactory, which dictates the need to search for new methods of treatment.Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of implantable port systems for intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration in the treatment of patients with advanced stages of ovarian cancer.Materials and methods. 37 cases of stage IIIC ovarian cancer were studied for the period 2018–2019. At the first stage of treatment, a cytoreductive operation was performed. At the second stage, the patients were randomly randomized into three groups: group 1 (n = 9) – installation of a port system + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy; group 2 (n = 11) – hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion followed by systemic intravenous chemotherapy; group 3 (n = 17) – control group, intravenous administration of antitumor drugs. The observation period is 27 months. In the study groups, the indicators of age distribution, the degree of malignancy of the neoplasm, the volume of the residual tumor, and the relapse-free survival were analyzed.Results. Trends towards differences in progression-free survival were found in all study groups. In group 1, there was no relapse in all patients. In group 2, relapses amounted to 18.2 %, in group 3–23.5 %. G3 ovarian cancer (6 (66.7 %) and 6 (54.5 %) cases, respectively) prevailed in groups 1 and 2; G1 ovarian cancer (9 (52.9 %) cases) prevailed in group 3. Discussion. Features of the chemical composition and method of administration of the drug increase the effectiveness of local exposure to tumor cells. The introduction of cytostatic agents into the abdominal cavity leads to minimal systemic toxicity, which exceeds the results of standard intravenous therapy.Conclusion. An advantage in the relapse-free survival of patients after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion in combination with an implantable port system was found in comparison with standard methods of treatment.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Stage II-IV Epithelial Ovary, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma: A Practice Guideline.

Background: This study aims to provide guidance for the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy in women with newly diagnosed stage II–IV epithelial ovary, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were investigated for relevant systematic reviews and phase III trials. Articles focusing on consolidation and maintenance therapies were excluded. Results: For women with potentially resectable disease, primary cytoreductive surgery, followed by six to eight cycles of intravenous three-weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin is recommended. For those with a high-risk profile for primary cytoreductive surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be an option. Adjuvant chemotherapy with six cycles of dose-dense weekly paclitaxel plus three-weekly carboplatin can be considered for women of Japanese descent. In women with stage III or IV disease, the incorporation of bevacizumab concurrent with paclitaxel and carboplatin is not recommended for use as adjuvant therapy unless bevacizumab is continued as maintenance therapy. Intravenous paclitaxel plus intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel can be considered for stage III optimally debulked women who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy with bevacizumab should not be considered as an option for stage II–IV optimally debulked women. Discussion: The recommendations represent a current standard of care that is feasible to implement and valued by both clinicians and patients.

Efficacy of conversion surgery after a single intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel and systemic chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis.

The prognosis of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) remains dismal with standard systemic chemotherapy. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapy with paclitaxel (PTX) has local effects on intra-abdominal cancer cells. According to this phenomenon, we have developed regimens combining single i.p. PTX administration with systemic chemotherapy. This treatment strategy is very promising; however, the effect of "conversion surgery" in patients responding to this chemotherapy is unclear. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conversion surgery for gastric cancer patients with PM. We enrolled 52 gastric cancer patients with PM who were treated with single i.p. PTX plus systemic chemotherapy between 2005 and 2015. Conversion surgery was performed where PM was eliminated by combination chemotherapy. Among 52 gastric cancer patients, the disappearance of PM was confirmed in 33 patients (63.5%). Gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was performed in all these patients. Histological response of grade ≥ 1b was achieved in 13 patients (39%). Clavien-Dindo grade II postoperative complications occurred in three patients (9%). There were no treatment-related deaths. The median survival time and 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the 33 patients who underwent conversion surgery were 30.7months and 78.8%, 36.3%, and 24.2%, respectively, and those of the 19 patients who did not undergo surgery were 12.5months and 52.6%, 5.2%, and 0%, respectively. Conversion surgery is safe and may prolong survival for gastric cancer patients with PM who have responded to single i.p. PTX plus systemic chemotherapy.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Holistic Investigation of Global Outputs with Bibliometric Analysis

Background: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy (HIPEC) targets microscopic residues remaining after complete cytoreduction. Objectives: We systematically presented the development process of the HIPEC treatment regimen, the most remarkable publications on this topic, the most productive countries, and the future of treatment in the coming years. Methods: The source of our study was the Web of Science (WoS) database which included the Korean Journal Database, core collection index, Russian Science Citation Index, and Sci ELO citation index. Results: We reached a total of 3,343 publications by analyzing the WoS database using the keyword of "Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy". When the citations of the documents written about HIPEC were evaluated, we found that the highest citation was made in 2019. Co-citation analysis showed that there were 27,724 authors investigating the issue of HIPEC. The most active university was determined as Wake Forest University, USA. Collaboration and citation collaboration was observed between Wake Forest University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Texas. The intersection point of all researcher countries was the USA. While reviewing the articles on HIPEC, we also identified new trends and topics in this regard. Ovarian cancers, gastric cancers, and colorectal cancers were found to be the types of cancer that had the strongest relationship with HIPEC. Conclusion: HIPEC therapies should be considered an area of research that has been studied, published, and cited by surgeons, oncologists, and pharmacologists interested in the treatment of tumors with peritoneal spread.

1839P Infectious complications post-cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A meta-analysis

The intraoperative administration of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is a novel treatment strategy that tries to provide similar therapeutic effects while avoiding some of the limitations of traditional treatment. The purpose of this analysis is to systemically review the available clinical studies to determine the infection rates postoperatively as complication of HIPEC with CRS procedure. As there are currently evolving guidelines for clinical application of this intervention this study helps in evaluating the safety of combined CRS and HIPEC for rates of infection.

Long-term outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy for morcellated uterine leiomyosarcoma: case series

<h3>Objectives:</h3> Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is a rare aggressive malignant mesenchymal tumor with high risk of recurrence and poor prognosis regardless of stage. If the tumor was morcellated, the oncologist will encounter special problems that require aggressive management of peritoneal metastases. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration under hyperthermic condition. Early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) is a second perioperative regional chemotherapy with a goal to eradicate peritoneal metastatic disease. These treatments are possible following a complete cytoreduction surgery (CRS). Only few studies have evaluated outcomes in patients with morcellated uLMS who underwent HIPEC and/or EPIC following CRS. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes in patients with morcellated uLMS who underwent CRS and HIPEC plus EPIC. <h3>Methods:</h3> We previously reported short-term outcomes (median 14.5 months) in six patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC in an attempt to successfully manage the disseminated disease following morcellation. We reviewed patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment history, perioperative complications and outcomes. The grade of the malignancy, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score) were available for all patients. <h3>Results:</h3> Six patients with morcellated uLMS who underwent CRS and HIPEC were identified in our database. HIPEC was used for 90 minutes following the CRS in the operating room. The regimen consisted of cisplatin 50 mg/m² and doxorubicin 15 mg/m² by intraperitoneal instillation that was manually distributed into the abdominal and pelvic space and maintained at 42.5?. Of the six patients, five patients also received EPIC.Mean age at CRS followed by HIPEC was 49 years (range 40-62) and mean interval from the initial surgery was 17 months (range 1 month to 7 years). The mean PCI was 18 and a CC-0 cytoreduction was achieved in all patients. The 3-year overall survival was 50% and 5-year overall survival was 33% with the median follow-up of 30 months (range 5 months to 73 months). A low grade of sarcoma and a low PCI suggested a favorable outcome. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our case series suggests that CRS and HIPEC plus EPIC is well-tolerated and may be a therapeutic option for newly diagnosed uterine leiomyosarcoma following morcellation. Therapeutic options for patients with uLMS post-morcellation are limited and further research to eliminate disease dissemination is needed.

Role and responsibility of operating room nurse in preparation operation theatre for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery in the tertiary health center in north India

Hyperthermic (or Heated) Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a surgical procedure that’s giving new hope to patients with abdominal cancers. Immediately after removing visible tumors through cytoreductive surgery, surgeons give a dose of heated chemotherapy inside a patient’s abdomen. The technique involves macroscopic resection of disease burden and metastases, followed by infusion of chemotherapy heated to 41°C–43°C into the peritoneal cavity through a special device. After 90 minutes of the infusion, the chemo is washed out and incisions are closed. Chemotherapy: -In HIPAC (Intraperitoneal) mitomycin-c is the most common drug administrated and platinum-based drugs, cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin which have a synergistic effect with heat, and doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil drugs are commonly less used. The technique of Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy Administration: HIPEC is administrated by two classical methods, the open abdomen method, and the closed method. Skin preparation of patient: Skin preparation is from the mid-chest to midthigh with the preparation of the genitalia and catheterization.Safety guidelines for administration of HIPEC: A sign the HIPEC is in progress should be placed at the door and the entry of personnel not involved in the procedure should be restricted. N95 grade mask provides the best protection against surgical smoke produced during the use of electrocautery. Doors should be closed during the operation with pressurized closures. The temperature should be 18–26 degrees Celsius and air humidity 45–60 %. The Association for peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommends that operating room air exchanges should be maintained at a minimum of 15 air exchanges per hour. Air inflow volume should be 15 % higher than the outflow, airspeed must be lesser than 0.3 m/s. Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) consists of an N95 face mask (a simple surgical mask does not provide adequate protection), gloves, protective gown, and overshoes or laggings to provide adequate protection to all involved team members.Handling of the chemotherapy during HIPEC: it should be prepared in the bio-safety cabinet not in the ward because of the danger from spillage and contamination, while preparing cytotoxic drugs to wear nitrile or neoprene powder-free long cuff gloves and wear a gown non-permeable long sleeve, cuffed and solid fronted and use an aerosol-free mask. Every effort should be taken to avoid any spill. Hospital policies to prevent spills should be adopted by the surgical and operation theatre team members and written procedures must specify the team responsible for spill management. Health care institutions should develop a plan and policy for handling hazardous medications. Collection, labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of contaminated waste should be done as per hospital policy.Cleaning the operating room after HIPEC: Soap water is adequate to clean the operating room after HIPEC three consecutive times. 70% of isopropyl alcohol is also safe and effective.Conclusions: All available studies point out that the correct use of specific protective measures is a key factor to minimize exposure. Emphasis has to be also placed on educating and instructing the involved personnel in the hazards and safe use of chemotherapy, the importance of adherence to safety protocols, and the correct use of the recommended personal protective equipment.

Hyperthermic intra-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy as an adjuvant to pancreatic cancer resection

Even after potentially curative resection the long-term survival of pancreatic cancer is poor. The local-regional failures are frequent. Previous studies have shown that adjuvant treatment with hyperthermic intra-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may effectively control local disease. The objective of the study is to update the results of the prior publications by integrating data from recently accrued cases. Also, to revisit the clinical and pharmacological rationale for the intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing potentially curative resection. This is a prospective study of pancreatic cancer patients that underwent R0 resection in combination with HIPEC-gemcitabine. Morbidity and mortality were recorded. Survival was calculated and the sites for recurrent disease were recorded. The updated results for 33 patients that underwent treatment until 2016 and for 6 more patients that were included until 2018 were presented. The hospital mortality and morbidity rate were 5.1% (2 patients), and 28.2% (11 patients) respectively. The median and 5-year survival rate was 17 months and 24% respectively. With a median follow-up time of 13 months 23 patients (59%) were recorded with recurrence. Local regional failures were recorded in 4 patients (10.3%). HIPEC following R0 resection is a feasible and safe adjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer. The local-regional failures appear to be significantly decreased and to result in an increased overall survival. Further studies with combined intraperitoneal and systemic perioperative chemotherapy may serve to supplement our data with an increased benefit for patients having pancreas cancer resection.

Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy Enhanced by Electrostatic Precipitation (ePIPAC) for Patients with Peritoneal Metastases.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new mode of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration that can potentially be improved by the addition of electrostatic precipitation (ePIPAC). This study aimed to describe the procedural details of ePIPAC and to analyze its safety for patients with nonresectable peritoneal metastasis as well as their tolerance and response to this treatment. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients treated with ePIPAC in three centers from April 2019 to April 2020. The toxicities of each patient were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Complications were documented according to the Clavien classification. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using EORTC-QLQ-C30, and the peritoneal regression grading score (PRGS) was used to grade histologic responses. Further surrogates for responses were the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), ascites, and symptoms. Overall, 69 patients received 147 ePIPACs with oxaliplatin (n = 34) or cisplatin/doxorubicin (n = 35) mainly for colorectal (n = 25), ovarian (n = 14), and gastric (n = 13) primary cancers. Systemic chemotherapy was used in the treatment of 54 patients (76%). The median electrostatic therapy time was 12min (range 6-30min). The overall and major CTCAE toxicity rates were respectively 24.6% and 15.9%. The postoperative complications rate according to Clavien classification was 4.7%. The responses of 22 patients who had three or more ePIPAC treatments were evaluated as follows: PCI (16 vs 14; p = 0.4), ascites (320 vs 98ml; p = 0.1), and PRGS (2.23 vs 1.73; p = 0.15). The complete (PRGS1) and major (PRGS2) histologic responses at the third ePIPAC were respectively 38.5% and 53.8%. Overall QoL was stable during the first ePIPACs. Repetitive ePIPACs were safe and well tolerated for patients with unresectable peritoneal metastasis.

Does timing of intraperitoneal chemotherapy initiation following bowel resection in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer impact short- and long-term outcomes?

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether early administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) and intraoperative insertion of an intraperitoneal (IP) port are associated with increased complications in patients who undergo a bowel resection procedure as part of primary cytoreductive surgery. Secondary outcomes included the impact of patient and surgical factors on progression-free survival (PFS) in this population, and measuring the association between the mode of delivery of chemotherapy and the time to chemotherapy.