Chemotherapy For Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Research Articles

Is There a Role for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Due to Uterine Cancer?

Uterine canceris one of the most common pelvic tumors in females. Advanced stage uterine cancer only represents 15% of newly diagnosed cases; however, they are related with poor prognosis. Our aim was to analyze the benefits of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis due to uterine cancer. At the Istanbul Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Surgical Oncology Clinic, morbidity, overall survival and survival without progression were analyzed over the 5-year follow up. Twenty-two cases who had undergone cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy due to uterine-peritoneal carcinomatosis were included in this study. Cases were followed up in terms of postoperative morbidity-mortality, disease-free survival and overall survival. The cut off value for the peritoneal carcinomatosis index score was set at 15. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and doxorubicin was applied to all patients for 60 min after the suturation of the abdomen. Median age of the patients was 64.6 (43-72). Average PCI score was 12.8 (3-15). CC score was 0 in 16 (72.7%) cases, 1 in 3 cases and 2 in 3 cases. Of these patients, 12 of them were previously operated upon. Median stay at the hospital was 13.1 days. No major complications due to chemotherapy were reported. A Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 complication was observed in seven (31.8%) patients. Mortality was not observed in patients during their stay at the hospital. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 36.8 (36%) months and 45.3 (57%) months, respectively. We think that due to longer disease-free survival and overall survival, cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be preferred in peritoneal carcinomatosis due to uterine cancer patients having low peritoneal carcinomatosis index scores and manageable complication rates. However, prospective randomizedtrials with a high number of cases are needed for this subject.

Safety and Effectiveness of High-Precision Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Perfusion Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Real-World Study.

BackgroundHyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been reported to effectively control peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in various patient populations, but there is a lack of real-world data. This study aimed to examine the safety and effectiveness of HIPEC in patients with PC in a real-world setting.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients with PC treated with the high-precision BR-TRG-I type HIPEC device between December 2006 and December 2016. Vital signs during HIPEC and adverse events were recorded. Effectiveness was evaluated by total objective remission rate (ORR), which was based on ascites’ remission 4 weeks after HIPEC.ResultsA total of 1,200 patients were included. There were 518 males and 682 females, with a mean age of 58.6 ± 6.5 years (range, 32–76 years). Among the patients, 93.6% of the patients (1123/1200) successfully received the three sessions of HIPEC, 158 had massive ascites. The changes of vital signs during HIPEC were within acceptable ranges, and patients only had a transient fever and abdominal distension. Regarding the HIPEC-related complications, hemorrhage was observed in seven (0.6%) patients, anastomotic leakage in four (0.5%), and intestinal obstruction in eight (0.7%). Nine (0.8%, 9/1200) patients had CTCAE grade IV bone marrow suppression, and three (0.3%, 3/1200) patients had severe renal failure (SRF), which were considered to be drug-related. The ORR of malignant ascites was 95.6% (151/158).ConclusionThis real-world study strongly suggests that HIPEC was safe in treating PC patients with a low rate of adverse events and leads to benefits in PC patients with massive malignant ascites.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis: is it all up in the air?

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis: is it all up in the air?

A pilot trial of intravital microscopy in the study of the tumor vasculature of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Aberrancies in the tumor microvasculature limit the systemic delivery of anticancer agents, which impedes tumor response. Using human intravital microscopy (HIVM), we hypothesized that HIVM would be feasible in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). During cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PC, HIVM was performed in both tumor and non-tumor areas. The primary outcome was HIVM feasibility to measure vessel characteristics. We secondarily evaluated associations between HIVM vessel characteristics and oncologic outcomes (RECIST response to neoadjuvant therapy and disease-specific survival). Thirty patients with PC were enrolled. Nineteen patients (63.3%) received neoadjuvant therapy. HIVM was feasible in all patients. Compared to non-tumor (control) areas, PC areas had a lower density of functional vessels, higher proportion of non-functional vessels, smaller lumenal diameters, and lower blood flow velocity. Qualitative differences in these vessel characteristics were observed among patients who had partial response, stable disease, or progressive disease after receiving neoadjuvant therapy. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between HIVM vessel characteristics and oncologic outcomes. These novel findings comprise the first-in-human, real-time evidence of the microscopic differences between normal and tumor-associated vessels and form the basis for our larger, ongoing clinical trial appropriately powered to determine the clinical utility of HIVM (NCT03823144).

77286 Intravital microscopy in the study of the tumor vasculature of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Investigation of tumor-associated blood vessels may serve as an imaging biomarker of response to systemic therapy and cancer outcomes. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Aberrancies in the tumor microvasculature limit the systemic delivery of anticancer agents, which impedes tumor response. Using human intravital microscopy (HIVM), we hypothesized that HIVM would be feasible in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and generate clinical utility. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: During cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PC, HIVM was performed in both tumor and non-tumor areas. The primary outcome was HIVM feasibility to measure vessel characteristics. We secondarily evaluated associations between HIVM vessel characteristics and oncologic outcomes (RECIST response to neoadjuvant therapy and disease-specific survival). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Thirty patients with PC were enrolled. Nineteen patients (63.3%) received neoadjuvant therapy. HIVM was feasible in all patients. Compared to non-tumor (control) areas, PC areas had a lower density of functional vessels, higher proportion of non-functional vessels, smaller lumenal diameters, and lower blood flow velocity. Qualitative differences in these vessel characteristics were observed among patients who had partial response, stable disease, or progressive disease after receiving neoadjuvant therapy. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between HIVM vessel characteristics and oncologic outcomes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: These novel findings comprise the first-in-human, real-time evidence of the microscopic differences between normal and tumor-associated vessels and form the basis for our larger, ongoing clinical trial appropriately powered to determine the clinical utility of HIVM (NCT03823144).

Postoperative C-reactive protein kinetics predict postoperative complications in patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis

BackgroundRelatively high morbidity rates are reported after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, early predictors of complications after CRS plus HIPEC have not been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of early postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (Day 2–4) for the detection of post-operative complications.Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective study including 94 patients treated with complete CRS (R1) and HIPEC for PC from various primary origins (2011–2016). Post-operative complications were recorded. The values for postoperative inflammatory markers (white blood cells [WBC] and platelet counts, CRP) were compared between the different groups.ResultsCRP on post-operative days 2–4 was significantly higher in patients with than without complications (124 mg/L vs 46 mg/L; p < 0.0001) and higher in those with more major complications (162 mg/L vs 80 mg/L; p < 0.0012). WBC and platelet counts showed no difference within 5 days postoperatively.ConclusionCRP levels, and kinetics mainly, between post-operative day 2 and 4, are decisive predictive markers of early and late post-operative complications after CRS plus HIPEC. The presence of post-operative complications should be suspected in patients with a high CRP mean, and a plateau level (days 2–4).

Current Opinion on Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treatment: a Survey of the Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM)

PurposePatients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) are increasingly treated with multidisciplinary combined approaches. The study aim was to assess current practice and perceptions of treatment modalities of PC.MethodsIndian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM) members were invited to complete an online survey. Current practice and perceptions of treatment modalities were assessed through 19 closed questions. Scores were assessed using a Likert scale (0: not important, 5: very important). Treatment modality satisfaction was assessed using a semantic scale (frustrated: 0, perfectly happy: 10). Participants were sent 3 reminders at 4-week intervals.ResultsFifty-seven out of 182 members completed the survey (31%). Forty percent of participants had an experience of at least 10 years, and 75% stated treating less than 20 PC patients per year. Main treatment goals for patients with PC were cure (5/5) and symptom relief (4/5). Participant’s satisfaction with treatment modalities for ovarian, colorectal, and gastric PC were 6/10, 5/10, and 2/10, respectively. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian (57%) and colorectal (44%) origins were considered to be useful. Clinical usefulness of chemotherapy for gastric PC was rated to be low (17%).ConclusionsCurrent treatment modalities fall short to satisfy the needs (cure, symptom relief) of patients with PC. Alternative systemic and intraperitoneal treatment modalities should be assessed.

Strategies for 'bloodless' surgery: the experience of cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis in Jehovah's Witnesses.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) can involve significant blood loss which necessitates the transfusion of blood products. This poses a particular challenge in the Jehovah's Witnesses population whose beliefs do not permit the transfusion of blood products or blood-related derivatives. This report describes the experience of one institution performing CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for PC in Jehovah's Witnesses and perioperative management strategies employed to avoid blood transfusion. A review of literature and prospectively collated data of Jehovah's Witnesses patients who underwent extensive CRS for PC and HIPEC for PC. Four patients had CRS and HIPEC for PC. The median PC index score was 11 and complete cytoreduction was achieved in all cases. Primary tumours were ovarian (n = 1), colorectal (n = 2) and neuroendocrine tumour of gastrointestinal origin (n = 1). The median difference between preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin was 38 g/L (23-43 g/L). Strategies included acute normovolumaeic haemodilution and autotransfusion within a closed circuit, autotransfusion from cell salvage and provisions for possible use of a haemoglobin based oxygen carrier. Ancillary measures identified and implemented to minimize transfusion dependence included, but were not limited to, preoperative iron infusion, perioperative acute haemodilution and cell salvage, administration of tranexamic acid, prothrombinex and use of paediatric tubes for venepuncture. The review suggests CRS and HIPEC for extensive PC can be done safely in circumstances where transfusion of allogenic blood products is not permitted.

Role of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of gastric origin have a poor prognosis of life with an average survival of 1-3 months. Systemic chemotherapy has improved the survival of those patients with gastric metastatic cancer at 7-10 months. However, this benefit could not be reproduced in those patients with PC. The current literature for the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for gastric PC has significant variation related to patient selection, treatment intent (palliative vs. attempt at curative treatment), surgical technique, intraperitoneal chemotherapy agent utilized, and systemic chemotherapy administered adjuvantly. From the perspective of patient selection for cytoreduction and HIPEC, patients with extensive PC are not candidates. In addition, unresectable location would make a patient a poor candidate for cytoreduction and HIPEC. Optimally, those with positive peritoneal cytology alone could benefit most. However, the role of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC in patients with PC of gastric origin has not yet been clarified.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Ovarian Cancer (Cyto-chip 2)

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Ovarian Cancer (Cyto-chip 2)

Cytoreduction plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal cancer patients: a single-center cohort study

BackgroundIn this study, we report our experience of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on the factors affecting survival.MethodsAll patients with surgically treated PC from colorectal cancer and with no involvement of other organs referred to our institute from March 2005 to December 2017 were included in the analysis.ResultsThirty-eight patients underwent CRS-HIPEC, and all had a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0 (CC0). The median operating time was 645 min (interquartile range [IQR] 565–710). Five patients (13.1%) had Clavien-Dindo grade > 2 postoperative complications. Median overall survival (OS) was 60 months. In the Cox regression for OS, calculated on the CRS-HIPEC group, the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) > 6 (hazard ratio [HR] 4.48, IQR 1.68–11.9, P = 0.003) and significant nodal involvement (N2) (HR 3.89, IQR 1.50–10.1, P = 0.005) were independent prognostic factors. Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 16 months. Only N2 (HR 2.44, IQR 1.11–5.36, P = 0.027) was a significantly negative prognostic factor for DFS in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsCRS-HIPEC can substantially improve survival. However, patients with high PCI (PCI > 6) and significant nodal involvement (N2) may not benefit from the procedure.

Concomitant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy in patients with extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin: Clinical trial protocol of the INTERACT trial

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become standard of care for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin with a low/moderate abdominal disease load. In case of a Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) >20, CRS-HIPEC procedure is not considered to be beneficial. Patients who have undergone an open-close procedure are offered palliative/life prolonging systemic chemotherapy. Previous research shows that systemic chemotherapy is less effective against peritoneal carcinomatosis than it is against hematogeneous spread of colorectal cancer. Several studies suggested that in patients with PC, intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be superior to intravenous chemotherapy. The addition of intraperitoneal to systemic chemotherapy in patients with PC of ovarian and gastric origin showed promising results. As of yet, there are no studies investigating intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PC of colorectal origin in this specific patient population.

A phase I dose-escalation trial of intraperitoneal oxaliplatin with systemic capecitabine and bevacizumab following cytoreduction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal or colorectal cancer.

746 Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is the intraperitoneal spread of cancer. Optimal treatment for PC is controversial. Systemic chemotherapy offers limited benefit (Franko, 2011). Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) improves outcomes (Verwaal, 2008). Oxaliplatin (Ox), capecitabine, and bevacizumab are standard agents for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence suggests benefit of IP Ox at high doses. However, the optimal dose of IP Ox combined with standard systemic therapy is unclear. Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved phase I dose-escalation study of IP Ox D1 at 25mg/m2-100mg/m2, with systemic bevacizumab D1 at 5mg/kg, and capecitabine 850mg/m2 BID for 7 days (cycle = 14 days), in patients with PC from appendiceal or CRC after CRS. The primary aim was to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D)/maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for this regimen. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed during cycle 1. DLTs included grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicities, or grade 4 hematological toxicities. Results: 18 patients (12 females, median age 56) were enrolled on the study. No DLTs were observed during cycle 1 in the first 4 cohorts. One DLT (abdominal pain) was observed in cohort 5. Another patient in cohort 5 experienced grade 3 abdominal pain soon after cycle 2, thus limiting repeated treatment for this cohort. Other toxicities included fatigue (72%), nausea (61%), peripheral neuropathy (50%), constipation (50%), mucositis (39%) and dizziness (39%). See table below for average # of cycles per cohort and responses. Conclusions: IP Ox combined with capecitabine and bevacizumab is feasible. Our recommended dose for IP Ox is 85 mg/m2 with systemic therapy (cohort 4). An expansion cohort is underway for this dose level. Based on these data, further investigation of IP Ox with systemic chemotherapy for PC is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT01061515. [Table: see text]

Laparoscopic Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Gastric Cancer: Its Beneficial Effects on Reduction and Exact Evaluation of the Peritoneal Cancer Index

We assessed whether the laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-HIPEC) + neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (NIPS) could reduce the peritoneal cancer index (PCI; which is defined by Sugerbaker) and improve the possibility to obtain a complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS with peritonectomy; basically according to the Sugerbaker's procedure). After L-HIPEC + NIPS, the PCI score was decreased in 89.5 per cent of patients, and the average score was significantly reduced. The average PCI reduction of improved PCI cases was 10.2 ± 8.4. The hypothetical cut-off was at a PCI score of six with significant higher possibility of CRS completeness. Twelve patients had high-PCI (PCI > 6), and six of them (50.0%) were converted to low-PCI (PCI ≦ 6) and got a complete CRS. There was a significant relationship between post-PCI (PCI after L-HIPEC + NIPS) and CRS completeness; however, pre-PCI (PCI before L-HIPEC + NIPS) value was not a relevant factor. The high-PCI and increased PCI even after L-HIPEC + NIPS (deteriorated-PCI) were suggested as important risk factors for surgical completeness. Neither pre- nor postcytological results had a significant relationship between CRS completeness. However, the deteriorated cytological class was considered as a risk factor for CRS completeness. The second-look laparoscopy would be recommended for the better selection of the patients who can receive benefits by this extensive surgery.

Clinical efficacy of endostar combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer: results from a retrospective study.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) resulting from metastatic dissemination of gastric cancer (GC) cells carries a dismal prognosis, and current treatments have shown little efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (Endostar), a broad-spectrum anti-angiogenic peptide, in combination with chemotherapy in PC derived from GC. From January 2014 to December 2016, 33 patients with advanced stage GC associated with PC were enrolled. Pathological, imaging, and treatment data were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one patients received systemic chemotherapy (control group), while 12 patients were administered Endostar and chemotherapy. Combined treatment with Endostar/chemotherapy showed the tendency to increase objective response rate (41.7% vs. 23.8%) and disease control rate (83.3% vs. 61.9%) compared with the control group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Endostar plus chemotherapy effectively extended time to progression (4.6 ± 0.3 months vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 months, P = 0.03) and median overall survival (15.8 ± 1.7 months vs. 9.8 ± 0.9 months, P = 0.01) compared with chemotherapy alone. The combination therapy did not cause more adverse reactions than chemotherapy alone. Thus, the addition of Endostar to conventional chemotherapy treatment effectively attenuated the development of PC and extended survival, with high safety and tolerance.

Long-term outcomes with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer: An 18-year experience.

4098 Background: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) have become standard of care for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from appendiceal cancer (AC). We reviewed our experience and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 614 CRS/HIPEC procedures from 1998-2016 was performed. Patient characteristics, surgical variables, and postoperative outcomes of first CRS/HIPEC were analyzed. Results: Two hundred ninety patients with PC from AC underwent 334 CRS/HIPEC’s. Median age at diagnosis and surgery was 52 (22-79) and 53 (23-81) years, respectively; 65% (187) were female. Prior surgical score was 0, 1, 2, and 3 in 20%, 38%, 37%, and 5%, respectively. Prior systemic chemotherapy was reported in 30% of patients. Median time from diagnosis to CRS/HIPEC was 4 months (0-182). Pre-operative tumor markers (CEA, CA-125, CA-19-9) were positive in 48% with one, two, and three positive markers in 21%, 15%, and 13% patients, respectively. Median Peritoneal Cancer Index was 29. Mitomycin-C was the HIPEC agent of choice. Mean operative time was 10 hours (R: 4-19) and median length of stay was 10 days (R: 4-93). Histology included 59% (171) peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA), 41% (119) disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis (DPAM). Lymph nodes were positive in 47% PMCA. Complete cytoreduction rate was 87% (84% PMCA, 92% DPAM [p = 0.048]). Grade III-V complications occurred in 21%, with one 30-day mortality (0.3%). Overall, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 84 months with 5-year PFS of 56%. Median PFS was 43 months in PMCA and not reached in DPAM. Five year PFS was 40% PMCA and 82% DPAM (p &lt; 0.001). Median overall survival (MOS) was 139 months with 61% 5-year OS. MOS was 53 months in PMCA and not reached in DPAM. Five year OS was 47% PMCA and 85% DPAM (p &lt; 0.001). At 42-month median follow-up, 68% were alive (92 PMCA/103 DPAM) with 84% disease free (72 PMCA/92 DPAM), 28% died of disease (73 PMCA/7 DPAM). Conclusions: CRS/HIPEC is an effective treatment for patients with PC from AC providing meaningful long term survival in low and high grade tumors and should be considered the standard of care.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal and appendiceal cancer: five-years of experience

An increasing promising evidence support the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for treatment of peritoneal carcinosis from colorectal cancer (CRC) and appendiceal cancer (AC). In our institute 18 patients with CRC and 4 patients with AC undergone to CRS and HIPEC were retrospectively analyzed from 2011 to 2016. Patients and tumor characteristics were analyzed. Overall survival and disease free survival were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank testing. Median disease free survival (DFS) is 20.5 and 31.4 months in CRC and AC respectively (P=0.76). Instead mean overall survival is 37.8 and 44.6 months in CRC and AC group respectively (P=0.46). Primary CRC have an improved DFS compared patients with relapse tumor (45.2 versus 19.4 months) (P=0.037). Comparing with conventional chemotherapy regimens CRS and HIPEC from CRC and AC may obtain a better disease control particularly when a complete cytoreduction is achieved. The combined treatment can have a potential curative intent.

Su1739 Risk Factors for Pulmonary Embolism Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Introduction: Peritoneal carcinomatosis denotes extensive tumour involvement of the peritoneum, and is often regarded as terminal. There has been a paradigm shift in treatment, with the application of cytoreductive surgery combined with intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. The extensive nature of the surgery and malignancy-associated hypercoagulable state should increase the risk of PE, which can further increase morbidity and/or mortality. Incidence and risk factors for pulmonary embolism (PE) in this population have not been investigated in detail. Aims: To establish the incidence and specific operative risk factors for developing PE in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis post peritonectomy and peri-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Methods: A cohort of 596 patients that underwent cytoreductive surgery (peritonectomy) over a 12-year period was identified using the prospective database from St George Hospital Peritonectomy Unit. A case-control study was undertaken whereby cases were defined by the development of PE within 60 days of peritonectomy. A diagnosis of PE was based on computed tomography pulmonary angiography confirmation. The prospective database was reviewed to obtain the following clinical information for both cases (with PE) and controls (without PE): length of surgery, use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC), peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) and number of intraoperative blood transfusions. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 52.7 ± 13.1 years, with no significant difference in the ages of cases or controls; 43.3% were male and 56.7% were female. Primary malignancies in these patients were pseudomyxoma peritonei, appendiceal, ovarian or colorectal cancer, and mesothelioma. Out of the 596 patient cohort, 34 were identified as having PE post cytoreductive surgery (5.7%). When compared to controls, the PE group had longer mean operative time of 10.4 ± 2.8 hours vs 8.9 ± 3.1 hours (p=0.01) and higher mean PCI values at 23 ± 12 vs 18 ± 11 (p=0.02). An operative time of more >9 hours increased the risk of developing PE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.41-7.72, p=0.006) as did having a PCI of >20 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.18-4.9, p=0.02). There was no difference in mean transfusion requirements (6.6 vs 6.0; p=0.67). No significant association was found between HIPEC and development of PE (x2=2.87, 1 df, P=0.9) or EPIC and subsequent PE (x2=0.001, 1 df, P=1). Conclusions: There is a relatively high incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients following cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients at highest risk of developing PE postoperatively are those with PCI of more than 20 and those who have operations lasting more than 9 hours. Peri-operative chemotherapy and blood transfusions are not risk factors for PE.

The modified Glasgow prognostic score for early mortality in patients with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer.

Few studies have investigated the risk factors in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) who die within 3 months of undergoing surgical intervention and systemic chemotherapy. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the post-treatment 3-month mortality rate. Retrospectively collected data from Hiroshima University were analyzed for patients presenting with synchronous PC from CRC between 1992 and 2012. The clinical, histological and survival data were evaluated and correlated with the overall survival rate at 3 months after surgical intervention. In patients who underwent surgical intervention with systemic chemotherapy for synchronous PC from CRC (N = 65), a Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test revealed that systemic chemotherapy (P = 0.023) and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) (P = 0.00001) were associated with the 3-month mortality rate. Multivariate analyses using these two factors revealed that the mGPS (0/1, 2) (odds ratio 8.087; 95 % CI 1.512-43.25; P = 0.015) was an independent risk factor for the 3-month mortality rate. The mGPS is an important independent predictor of the 3-month mortality rate in patients who undergo surgical intervention with systemic chemotherapy for synchronous PC from CRC. The mGPS could aid surgeons in choosing the appropriate treatment strategy and best care for patients.

Management of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: review of the literature.

Today, we do not have a universally accepted evidence on how to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) in international guidelines. The present study is a review of the literature investigating current strategies to treat CRC PC. Despite the progresses of systemic chemotherapy, the presence of PC among patients with metastatic CRC reduces the overall survival to 30 %, and only 4 % of patients with PC from CRC treated are alive for 5 years. Many trials evaluate the combined treatment of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for CRC PC, suggesting a survival benefit in highly selected patients. Only one trial is randomized and presents some biases. The two main prognostic factors are Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score). There is no universal agreement on how to approach the synchronous presence of PC and liver metastasis with a curative intent during the same procedure. A growing interest among the scientific community has arisen about systematic second-look surgery and HIPEC treatment in high-risk patients. Current evidences suggest that CRS and HIPEC might be beneficial in highly selected patients affected with PC from CRC. Anyway, today, there is a shortage of well-designed phase 3 trials.