Prognostic factors of early recurrence after complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Although cytoreductive surgery(CRS)and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)offer the potential for long-term survival in peritoneal carcinomatosis,outcomes following CRS/HIPEC vary significantly.AIM To identify the clinical factors associated with progression-free survival(PFS)after complete CRS/HIPEC in patients with colorectal/high-grade appendiceal,ovarian,and gastric cancers.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the risk of recurrence within 1 year after CRS/HIPEC and its impact on overall survival(OS)in patients recruited between 2015 and 2020.Logistic regression models were used to assess the prognostic factors for the risk of recurrence within 1 year.Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between recurrence and OS.RESULTS Of the 80 enrolled patients,39 had an unfavorable PFS(<1 year)and 41 had a favorable PFS(≥1 year).Simple logistic models revealed that the patients with a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0(CC-0)or length of CRS≤6 h had a favorable PFS[odds ratio(OR)=0.141,P=0.004;and OR=0.361,P=0.027,respectively].In multiple logistic regression,achieving CC-0 was the strongest prognostic factor for a favorable PFS(OR=0.131,P=0.005).A peritoneal cancer index score>12 was associated with a lower rate of achieving CC-0(P=0.027).The favorable PFS group had a significantly longer OS(median 81.7 mo vs 17.0 mo,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Achieving CC-0 was associated with a lower early recurrence rate and improved long-term survival.This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate candidates for CRS/HIPEC to manage peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on gastric cancer survival: Peritoneal metastasis and cytology perspectives

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer presenting with peritoneal metastasis is notably associated with diminished survival prospects.The use of cytoreductive surgery in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been shown to increase survival rates in these patients.Despite these advancements,debates persist regarding the magnitude of survival improvement attributed to this treatment modality.The present investigation examined survival outcomes following HIPEC in individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,and it took a comparative analysis of patients exhibiting positive and negative cytological findings.Between April 2013 and March 2020,84 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated at our institution were categorized into three cohorts:HIPEC(20 patients with peritoneal metastasis),cytology-positive(23 patients without peritoneal nodules but with positive wash cytology),and cytology-negative(41 patients with advanced gastric cancer,no peritoneal nodules,and negative wash cytology).The HIPEC cohort underwent gastrectomy with HIPEC,while the cytology-positive and cytology-negative groups received gastrectomy alone.The demographic,pat-hological,and survival data of the groups were compared.RESULTS The HIPEC cohort-predominantly younger females-exhibited relatively extended surgical durations and high blood loss.Nevertheless,the complication rates were consistent across all three groups.Median survival in the HIPEC group was 20.00±4.89 months,with 1-year,2-year,and 3-year overall survival rates of 73.90%,28.70%,and 9.60%,respectively.These figures paralleled the survival rates of the cytology-positive group(52.20%at 1 year,28.50%at 2 years,and 19.00%at 3 years).Notably,47%of patients experienced peritoneal recurrence.CONCLUSION HIPEC may offer a modest improvement in short-term survival for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,mirroring the outcomes in cytology-positive patients.However,peritoneal recurrence remained high.

Prolonged hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy duration with 90 minutes cisplatin might increase overall survival in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases

BACKGROUND Advanced gastric cancer with synchronous peritoneal metastases(GC-PM)is associated with a poor prognosis.Although cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(CRS-HIPEC)is a promising approach,only a limited number of Western studies exist.AIM To investigate the clinicopathological outcomes of patients who underwent CRSHIPEC for GC-PM.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients with GC-PM was conducted.All patients were seen at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery,Hospital Barmherzige Brüder,Regensburg,Germany between January 2011 and July 2021 and underwent CRS-HIPEC.Preoperative laboratory results,the use of neoadjuvant trastuzumab,and the details of CRS-HIPEC,including peritoneal carcinomatosis index,completeness of cytoreduction,and surgical procedures were recorded.Disease-specific(DSS),and overall survival(OS)of patients were calculated.RESULTS A total of 73 patients were included in the study.Patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab(n=5)showed longer DSS(P=0.0482).Higher white blood cell counts(DSS:P=0.0433)and carcinoembryonic antigen levels(OS and DSS:P<0.01),and lower hemoglobin(OS and DSS:P<0.05)and serum total protein(OS:P=0.0368)levels were associated with shorter survival.Longer HIPEC duration was associated with more advantageous median survival times[60-min(n=59):12.86 mo;90-min(n=14):27.30 mo],but without statistical difference.To obtain additional data from this observation,further separation of the study population was performed.First,propensity score-matched patient pairs(n=14 in each group)were created.Statistically different DSS was found between patient pairs(hazard ratio=0.2843;95%confidence interval:0.1119-0.7222;P=0.0082).Second,those patients who were treated with trastuzumab and/or had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity(median survival:12.68 mo vs 24.02 mo),or had to undergo the procedure before 2016(median survival:12.68 mo vs 27.30 mo;P=0.0493)were removed from the original study population.CONCLUSION Based on our experience,CRS-HIPEC is a safe and secure method to improve the survival of advanced GC-PM patients.Prolonged HIPEC duration may serve as a good therapy for these patients.

Cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from pseudomixoma peritonei

AIM： To investigate the most important aspects of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy （HIPEC） that has been accepted as the standard treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei （PMP）, with special regard to morbidity, overall survival （OS） and disease free survival （DFS） over 10 years. METHODS： Fifty-three patients affected by PMP underwent cytoreduction （CCR） and HIPEC with a ＂semi-closed＂ abdomen technique in our institution. The peritonectomy procedure and completeness of CCR were classified according to Sugarbaker criteria. Preoperative evaluation always included thoracic and abdominal CT scan to stage peritoneal disease and exclude distant metastases. Fifty-one patients in our series were treated with a protocol based on administration of cisplatinum 100 mg/m^2 plus mitomycin C 16 mg/m^2, at a temperature of 41.5℃ for 60 min. Anastomoses were always performed at the end of HIPEC. The mean duration of surgery was 12 h including HIPEC. Continuous monitoring of hepatic and renal functions and hydroelectrolytic balance was performed in the postoperative period. RESULTS： Twenty-four patients presented with postoperative complications： surgical morbidity was observed in 16 patients and 6 patients were reoperated. All complications were successfully treated and no postoperative deaths were observed. Risk factors for postoperative morbidity were considered to be gender, age, body surface, duration of surgery,Peritoneal Cancer Index （PCI） and tumor residual value （CC score）. No statistically significant correlation was found during the multivariate analysis： only the CC score was statistically significant. The OS in our experience was 81.8%, with a DFS of 80% at 5 years and of 70% at 10 years. CONCLUSION： In our experience, even if HIPEC combined with cytoreductive surgery involves a high risk of morbidity, postoperative complications can be resolved favorably in most cases with correct patient selection and adequate postoperative care, thus minimizing mortality. The association of CCR and HIPEC can be considered as the standard treatment for PNP. The OS and DFS results confirm the validity of this combined approach for the treatment of this rare neoplasm. The impact of preoperative chemotherapy on OS, in our opinion, is due to a major aggressiveness of tumors in treated patients.

Current status and future strategies of cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis

This article is to offer a concise review on the use of cytoreductive surgery （CRS） plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy （IPHC） for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis （PC）. Traditionally, PC was treated with systemic chemotherapy alone with very poor response and a median survival of less than 6 too. With the establishment of several phase Ⅱ studies, a new trend has been developed toward the use of CRS plus IPHC as a standard method for treating selected patients with PC, in whom sufficient cytoreduction could be achieved. In spite of the need for more high quality phase Ⅲ studies, there is now a consensus among many surgical oncology experts throughout the world about the use of this new treatment strategy as standard care for colorectal cancer patients with PC. This review summarizes the current status and possible progress in future.

Chinese expert consensus on cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal malignancies

Locoregional spread of abdominopelvic malignant tumors frequently results in peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC). The prognosis of PC patients treated by conventional systemic chemotherapy is poor, with a median survival of < 6 mo. However, over the past three decades, an integrated treatment strategy of cytoreductive surgery(CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) has been developed by the pioneering oncologists, with proved efficacy and safety in selected patients. Supported by several lines of clinical evidence from phases Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ clinical trials, CRS + HIPEC has been regarded as the standard treatment for selected patients with PC in many established cancer centers worldwide. In China, an expert consensus on CRS + HIPEC has been reached by the leading surgical and medical oncologists, under the framework of the China Anti-Cancer Association. This expert consensus has summarized the progress in PC clinical studies and systematically evaluated the CRS + HIPEC procedures in China as well as across the world, so as to lay the foundation for formulating PC treatment guidelines specific to the national conditions of China.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitonealchemotherapy in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer associated peritoneal carcinomatosis(GCPC) has a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than one year. Systemic chemotherapy including targeted agents has not been found to significantly increase the survival in GCPC. Since recurrent gastric cancer remains confined to the abdominal cavity in many patients, regional therapies like aggressive cytoreductive surgery( CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) have been investigated for GCPC. HIPEC has been used for three indications in GC- as an adjuvant therapy after a curative surgery, HIPEC has been shown to improve survival and reduce peritoneal recurrences in many randomised trials in Asian countries; as a definitive treatment in established PC, HIPEC along with CRS is the only therapeutic modality that has resulted in longterm survival in select groups of patients; as a palliative treatment in advanced PC with intractable ascites, HIPEC has been shown to control ascites and reduce the need for frequent paracentesis. While the results of randomised trials of adjuvant HIPEC from western centres are awaited, the role of HIPEC in the treatment of GCPC is still evolving and needs larger studies before it is accepted as a standard of care.

Chemotherapy with laparoscope-assisted continuous circulatory hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion for malignant ascites

AIM:To investigate the procedure, feasibility and effects of laparoscopeassisted continuous circulatory hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy (CHIPC) in treatment of malignant ascites induced by peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancers. METHODS: From August 2006 to March 2008, the laparoscopic approach was used to perform CHIPC on 16 patients with malignant ascites induced by gastric cancer or postoperative intraperitoneal seeding. Each patient underwent CHIPC three times after laparoscopeassisted perfusion catheters placing. The first session was completed in operative room under general anesthesia, 5% glucose solution was selected as perfusion liquid, and 1500 mg 5 fluorouracil (5FU) and 200 mg oxaliplatin were added in the perfusion solution. The second andthird sessions were performed in intensive care unit, 0.9% sodium chloride solution was selected as perfusion liquid, and 1500 mg 5FU was added in the perfusion solution alone. CHIPC was performed for 90 min at a velocity of 450600 mL/min and an in flow temperature of 43 ± 0.2℃.RESULTS: The intraoperative course was uneventful in all cases, and the mean operative period for laparoscopeassisted perfusion catheters placing was 80 min for each case. No postoperative deaths or complications related to laparoscopeassisted CHIPC occurred in this study. Clinically complete remission of ascites and related symptoms were achieved in 14 patients, and partial remission was achieved in 2 patients. During the followup, 13 patients died 29 mo after CHIPC, with a median survival time of 5 mo. Two patients with partial remission suffered from port site seeding and tumor metastasis,and died 2 and 3 mo after treatment. Three patients who are still alive today survived 4, 6 and 7 mo, respectively. The Karnofsky marks of patients (5090) increased significantly (P < 0.01) and the general status improved after CHIPC. Thus satisfactory clinical efficacy has been achieved in these patients treated by laparoscopic CHIPC. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopeassisted CHIPC is a safe, feasible and effective procedure in the treatment of debilitating malignant ascites induced by unresectable gastric cancers.

MicroRNA-218 is upregulated in gastric cancer after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and increases chemosensitivity to cisplatin

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of miRNA in advanced gastric cancers (AGCs) before and after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis:A multicenter propensity scorematched cohort study

Objective:Systemic chemotherapy has limited efficacy in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis(PM)in gastric cancer(GC).Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)combined with complete cytoreductive surgery(CRS)has shown promising outcomes but remains controversial.The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HIPEC without CRS in GC patients with PM.Methods:This retrospective propensity score-matched multicenter cohort study included GC patients with PM treated with either chemotherapy alone(Cx group)or with HIPEC combined with chemotherapy(HIPEC-Cx group)in four Chinese high-volume gastric medical centers between 2010 and 2017.The primary outcomes were median survival time(MST)and 3-year overall survival(OS).Propensity score matching was performed to compensate for controlling potential confounding effects and selection bias.Results:Of 663 eligible patients,498 were matched.The MST in the Cx and HIPEC-Cx groups was 10.8 and 15.9 months,respectively[hazard ratio(HR)=0.71,95%confidence interval(95%CI),0.58-0.88;P=0.002].The 3-year OS rate was 10.1%(95%CI,5.4%-14.8%)and 18.4%(95%CI,12.3%-24.5%)in the Cx and HIPEC-Cx groups,respectively(P=0.017).The complication rates were comparable.The time to first flatus and length of hospital stay for patients undergoing HIPEC combined with chemotherapy was longer than that of chemotherapy alone(4.6±2.4 d vs.2.7±1.8 d,P<0.001;14.2±5.8 d vs.11.4±7.7 d,P<0.001),respectively.The median follow-up period was 33.2 months.Conclusions:Compared with standard systemic chemotherapy,HIPEC combined with chemotherapy revealed a statistically significant survival benefit for GC patients with PM,without compromising patient safety.

Selection criteria for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gastric cancer

Peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer is associated with a dismal prognosis.Systemic chemotherapy is not effective because of the existence of a blood-peritoneal barrier.Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy can improve survival and quality of life in selected patients.Patient selection for this multimodal approach is one of the most critical issues,and calls for interdisciplinary evaluation by radiologists,medical and surgical oncologists,and anaesthetists.This article sets forth criteria for selection of gastric cancer patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Early and long-term postoperative management following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Peritoneal surface malignancies have been traditionally regarded as end-stage conditions amenable to merely palliative options. The combination of aggressive cytoreductive surgery (CRS), involving peritonectomy procedures and multivisceral resections, with intra-operative hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and/or early postoperative intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) to treat the microscopic residual tumor is a new concept. In recent years, promising results have been reported for peritoneal mesothelioma and carcinomatosis of gastrointestinal and gynaecologic origin treated by this combined protocol. However, CRS with HIPEC and/or EPIC is a complex procedure associated with high rates of potentially life-threatening complications. Furthermore, disease progression following comprehensive treatment is not uncommon and represents a relevant cause of treatment failure. The present paper reviews the available information on early postoperative management and long-term follow-up in patients treated with CRS and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The peculiar clinical and biological alterations that can be expected during an uncomplicated postoperative course, as compared to standard digestive surgery, are discussed. Early recognition and appropriate management of the most common adverse events are addressed, in order to minimize the impact of treatment-related morbidity on survival and quality of life results. Since re-operative surgery with additional HIPEC, has proven to be useful in selected patients with recurrent disease, long-term surveillance aiming at early detection of postoperative disease progression has become a relevant issue. Current results on follow-up investigations are presented.

Role of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in China,ranking third among all malignant tumor mortality rates.Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been shown to increase significantly the effectiveness of intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic drugs,prolong the action time of these drugs on intraperitoneal tumor cells,and enhance their diffusion in tumor tissues.HIPEC may be one of the best choices for the eradication of residual cancer cells in the abdominal cavity.AIM The aim of this study was to study the role of preventive HIPEC after radical gastrectomy.METHODS A prospective analysis was performed with patients with c T4 N0-3 M0 gastric cancer to compare the effects of postoperative prophylactic HIPEC plus intravenous chemotherapy with those of routine adjuvant chemotherapy.Patients’medical records were analyzed,and differences in the peritoneal recurrence rate,diseasefree survival time,and total survival time between groups were examined.RESULTS The first site of tumor recurrence was the peritoneum in 11 cases in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy group and in 2 cases in the HIPEC group(P=0.020).The 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 91.9%and 60.4%,respectively,in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy group and 92.1%and 63.0%,respectively,in the HIPEC group.The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 95.2%and 66.3%,respectively,in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy group and 96.1%and 68.6%,respectively,in the HIPEC group.No significant difference in postoperative or chemotherapy complications was observed between groups.CONCLUSION In patients with c T4 N0-3 M0 gastric cancer,prophylactic HIPEC after radical tumor surgery is beneficial to reduce peritoneal tumor recurrence and prolong survival.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in treatment of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Although gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis is associated with poor prognosis and is generally treated with palliative systemic therapy, recent studies have shown that cytoreductive surgery（CRS） and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy（HIPEC） may prove to be an efficacious treatment option. In addition to reviewing the natural history of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis, this mini-review examines literature on the efficacy of CRS and HIPEC as compared to chemotherapy and surgical options. Both randomized and nonrandomized studies were summarized with the emphasis focused on overall survival. In summary, CRS and HIPEC are indeed a promising treatment option for gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and large randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Second-look surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer at high risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis:Does it really save lives?

The treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin with cytoreductive surgery(CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has a 5-year recurrence-free or cure rate of at least 16%, so it is no longer labeled as a fatal disease, and offers prolonged survival for patients with a low peritoneal carcinomatosis index. Metachronous PC of colorectal origin is so predictable that there is a model which has been used to successfully determine the individual risk of each patient. Patients at risk are clearly identified; those with the highest risk have small peritoneal nodules present in the first surgery (70% probability of developing PC), ovarian metastases(60%), perforated tumor onset or intraoperative tumor rupture(50%). Current clinical, biological and imaging techniques still lack sufficient sensitivity to diagnose PC in its initial stages, when CRS plus HIPEC has a greater impact and a higher cure rate. Second-look surgery with HIPEC or prophylactic HIPEC at the time of the first intervention have been proposed as means of preventing and/or anticipating clinical or radiological relapse in at-risk patients. Both techniques have shown a significant decrease in peritoneal relapses and should be considered essential weapons in the management of colorectal cancer.

“En bloc ” caudate lobe and inferior vena cava resection following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer

There are diverse protocols to manage patients with recurrent disease after primary cytoreductive surgery(CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis. We describe a case of metachronous liver metastasis after CRS and HIPEC for colorectal cancer, successfully treated with a selective metastectomy and partial graft of the inferior vena cava. A 35-year-old female presented with a large tumour in the cecum and consequent colonic stenosis. After an emergency right colectomy, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. One year later she was diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis, and it was decided to carry out a CRS/HIPEC. After 2 years of total remission, an isolated metachronous liver metastasis was detected by magnetic resonance imaging surveillance. The patient underwent a third procedure including a caudate lobe and partial inferior vena cava resection with a prosthetic graft interposition, achieving an R0 situation. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 17 after the liver resection. At 18-mo follow-up after the liver resection the patient remained free of recurrence. In selected patients, the option of re-operation due to recurrent disease should be discussed. Even liver resection of a metachronous metastasis and an extended vascular resection are acceptable after CRS/HIPEC and can be considered as a potential treatment option to remove all macroscopic lesions.

Comparison of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimens for treatment of peritoneal-metastasized colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Cytoreductive surgery(CRS)in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)improves patient survival in colorectal cancer(CRC)with peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC).Commonly used cytotoxic agents include mitomycin C(MMC)and oxaliplatin.Studies have reported varying results,and the evidence for the choice of the HIPEC agent and uniform procedure protocols is limited.AIM To evaluate therapeutic benefits and complications of CRS+MMC vs oxaliplatin HIPEC in patients with peritoneal metastasized CRC as well as prognostic factors.METHODS One hundred and two consecutive patients who had undergone CRS and HIPEC for CRC PC between 2007 and 2019 at the Medical Center of the University Freiburg regarding interdisciplinary cancer conference decision were retrospectively analysed.Oxaliplatin and MMC were used in 68 and 34 patients,respectively.Each patient’s demographics and tumour characteristics,operative details,postoperative complications and survival were noted.Complications were stratified and graded using Clavien/Dindo analysis.Prognostic outcome factors were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis of survival.RESULTS The two groups did not differ significantly regarding baseline characteristics.We found no difference in median overall survival between MMC and oxaliplatin HIPEC.Regarding postoperative complications,patients treated with oxaliplatin HIPEC suffered increased complications(66.2%vs 35.3%;P=0.003),particularly intestinal atony,intraabdominal infections and urinary tract infection,and had a prolonged intensive care unit stay compared to the MMC group(7.2 d vs 4.4 d;P=0.035).Regarding univariate analysis of survival,we found primary tumour factors,nodal positivity and resection margins to be of prognostic value as well as peritoneal cancer index(PCI)-score and the completeness of cytoreduction regarding peritoneal carcinomatosis.Multivariate analysis of survival confirmed primary distant metastasis and primary tumour resection status to have a significant impact on survival and likewise peritoneal cancer index-scoring regarding peritoneal carcinomatosis.CONCLUSION In this single-institution retrospective review of patients undergoing CRS with either oxaliplatin or MMC HIPEC,overall survival was not different,though oxaliplatin was associated with a higher postoperative complication rate,indicating treatment favourably with MMC.Further studies comparing HIPEC regimens would improve evidence-based decision-making.

Elemene-containing hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with chemotherapy for elderly patients with peritoneal metastatic advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Almost all elderly patients with peritoneal metastatic gastric cancer(PGC)are unlikely to tolerate cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)and adjuvant chemotherapy.However,determining how to optimize the treatment strategy for such patients has always been a clinical problem.Both HIPEC and palliative adjuvant chemotherapy can benefit patients with PGC.Therefore,optimizing HIPEC and chemotherapy regimens has potential clinical value in reducing side effects,and improving treatment tolerance and clinical effectiveness.AIM To explore the effect of HIPEC containing elemene,which is an anti-cancer component extracted in traditional Chinese herbal medicine,combined with reduced capecitabine and oxaliplatin(CapeOx)chemotherapy regimens,in elderly patients with PGC.METHODS In the present study,39 of 52 elderly PGC patients were included and assigned to different HIPEC treatment groups[lobaplatin group(group L)and mixed group(group M)]for analysis.Lobaplatin was used for all three HIPECs in group L.In group M,lobaplatin was used in the middle of the three HIPECs,and elemene was used for the first and third HIPEC.After HIPEC,patients received CapeOx chemotherapy.The incidence of complications(abdominal infection,lung infection,and urinary tract infection),myelosuppression,immune function(CD4/CD8 ratio),average length of hospital stay,and prognosis were compared between these two groups.RESULTS There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Compared to patients in group M,patients in group L exhibited severe myelosuppression(P=0.027)and increased length of hospital stay(P=0.045).However,no overall survival benefit was observed in group M.Furthermore,the immune function of patients in group M was less affected(P<0.001),when compared to that of patients in group L.The multivariate analysis suggested that the cycles of chemotherapy after perfusion significantly affected the prognosis of patients in both groups.CONCLUSION Compared to the lobaplatin-based HIPEC regimen,the administration of elemene reduced the myelosuppression incidence in elderly PGC patients.The present study sheds light on the implementation of this therapeutic strategy for this set of patients.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and colorectal cancer:From physiology to surgery

The pursuit of this paper is to collect principal reviews and systematic reviews about hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery(CRS) used in colorectal cancer(CRC).We focus on principal biological aspects of CRC,hyperthermia effects,and surgical procedures.We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for the principal reviews and systematic reviews published from 2010 to 2021 regarding the bimodal treatment(CRS + HIPEC) against local and advanced CRC.In the literature,from several studies,it seems that the efficacy of bimodal treatment with an accurate CRS can extend overall survival.Despite these studies,there are not still any straight guidelines more detailed and scheduled about the use of combined treatment in patients with CRC.Even if the concept is still not very clear and shared,after a careful evaluation of the published data,and after some technical and pathophysiological descriptions,we concluded that it is possible to improve the overall survival and quality of life and to reduce the tumor relapse in patients affected by locally advanced(pT4) CRC with peritoneal metastases.

Pneumonectomy of Primary Pulmonary Angiosarcoma with Malignant Effusion and Intrapleural Hypotonic Hyperthermic Chemotherapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Primary pulmonary angiosarcoma is extremely rare and the prognosis is very poor. We report a combination therapy of pneumonectomy and intrapleural hypotonic hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHHC). Case report: A 48-year-old male with exertional dyspnea was found to have a left massive pleural effusion. Bronchoscopic examination displayed endobronchial stenosis of the left lower bronchus B8,9,10?and diagnosed with pulmonary angiosarcoma. Chest computed-tomographic scanning revealed a 5-cm mass in the left inferior lobe, which invaded the left upperbronchus. Intrapleural dissemination and malignant pleural effusion were also suspected (cT3N1M1a,?c-stage IV). As a palliative initial therapy, we performed a pneumonectomy. On the 7th?postoperative day, under general anesthesia, we performed video-assisted IPHHC (43°C, 60 min, 200 mg/m2?of CDDP). After the IPHHC, there was no major adverse event (more than Grade 3) during the postoperative course. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed a highly-cellular growth of atypical spindle cells with a storiform pattern. By immunohistochemical testing, the tumor cells stained positive for markers including CD31 and the factor VIII related antigen, and the diagnosis of pulmonary angiosarcoma was made. No adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was given, and the postoperative clinical course was uneventful. Although there had been a recurrence in the chest wall, the patient eventually died twenty-one months later. Conclusion: As a new therapeutic option, we performed IPHHC after the pneumonectomy for an advanced pulmonary angiosarcoma with malignant pleural effusion. Although the patient had a recurrence in the chest wall, he had a reasonable postoperative outcome, that is, he returned to a work, retained a good quality of life and had a longer survival in spite of the poor prognosis of the pulmonary angiosarcoma.