Current role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is one of the most common routes of dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is encountered in 7% of patients at primary surgery, while it develops in about 4% to 19% of patients after curative surgery and in up to 44% of patients with recurrent CRC. Peritoneal involvement from colorectal malignancies has been considered traditionally as a manifestation of terminal disease, due to limited response to conventional surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments. In the past few years the introduction of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion has shown promising results in selected patients. Currently, the surgical management of peritoneal surface malignancies of colonic origin with this combined locoregional therapy has resulted in a signif icant improvement in survival of these patients. However, further controlled studies will help to standardize indications and the technique of this locoregional therapy in order to achieve an improvement of morbidity and mortality rates.

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.

Gastric peritoneal carcinomatosis-a retrospective review

AIM To characterize patients with gastric peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC) and their typical clinical and treatment course with palliative systemic chemotherapy as the current standard of care.METHODS We performed a retrospective electronic chart review of all patients with gastric adenocarcinoma with PC diagnosed at initial metastatic presentation between January 2010 and December 2014 in a single tertiary referral centre.RESULTS We studied a total of 271 patients with a median age of 63.8 years and median follow-up duration of 5.1 mo. The majority(n = 217, 80.1%) had the peritoneum as the only site of metastasis at initial presentation. Palliative systemic chemotherapy was eventually planned for 175(64.6%) of our patients at initial presentation, of which 171 were initiated on it. Choice of first-line regime was in accordance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Gastric Cancer Treatment. Thesepatients underwent a median of one line of chemotherapy, completing a median of six cycles in total. Chemotherapy disruption due to unplanned hospitalizations occurred in 114(66.7%), while cessation of chemotherapy occurred in 157(91.8%), with 42 cessations primarily attributable to PC-related complications. Patients who had initiation of systemic chemotherapy had a significantly better median overall survival than those who did not(10.9 mo vs 1.6 mo, P < 0.001). Of patients who had initiation of systemic chemotherapy, those who experienced any disruptions to chemotherapy due to unplanned hospitalizations had a significantly worse median overall survival compared to those who did not(8.7 mo vs 14.6 mo, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION Gastric PC carries a grim prognosis with a clinical course fraught with disease-related complications which may attenuate any survival benefit which palliative systemic chemotherapy may have to offer. As such, investigational use of regional therapies is warranted and required validation in patients with isolated PC to maximize their survival outcomes in the long run.

Peritoneal cancer index is a prognostic indicator of survival in advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Objective The peritoneal cancer index(PCI)has been used for the detailed evaluation of the peritoneal spread in tumors of a gynecologic origin and has been found to be a prognostic indicator of survival.The aim of this study was to identify the significance of the PCI in advanced gastric cancer(AGC)with peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC).Methods From 2010 to 2018,a retrospective analysis was carried out of 60 AGC patients with PC,including 21 patients with a PCI≤13 and 39 with a PCI>13.All patients were treated with both surgery and intraoperative peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy(IPHC).The performance status(Karnofsky performance status),age,sex,Borromann’s classification,differentiation,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis,PCI,extent of gastrectomy,extent of lymph node dissection,and residual tumor volume were retrospectively evaluated and correlated to survival.Results The overall 5-year survival rate was 43%and mean survival was(54.47±4.53)months.The favorable clinical prognostic indicators of survival were Borromann’s classification,differentiation,depth of invasion,PCI,and residual tumor volume on univariate analyses(P<0.05).The Cox proportional regression hazard model showed that only the volume of residual tumor and PCI were associated with postoperative survival.The median survival time was 69.76 months for patients with a PCI≤13 and 39.96 months for patients with a PCI>13.There was a significant difference in survival rate between the two group(P=0.004).Postoperative major morbidity and mortality rates were 23.81%and 4.76%in the PCI≤13 group and 43.59%and 5.12%in the PCI>13 group,respectively.Conclusion The peritoneal spread in advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis can be assessed in detail using the PCI.It is also a significant prognostic factor of survival and is useful in identifying subgroups.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of gastrointestinal tumors: Where are we now?

The peritoneal stromal tissue which provides a rich source of growth factors and chemokines is a favorable environment for tumor proliferation. The pathophysiological mechanism of peritoneal carcinomatosis is an individual sequence consisting of genetic and environmental factors and remains controversial. The natural history of the disease reveals a poor median prognosis of approximately 6 mo; however aggressive surgery and multimodal treatment options can improve oncologic outcomes. Considering peritoneal carcinomatosis as though it is a locoregional disease but not a metastatic process, cytoreductive surgery and and intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been a curative option during recent years. Cytoreductive surgery implies a series of visceral resections and peritonectomy procedures. Although the aim of cytoreductive surgery is to eliminate all macroscopic disease, viable tumor cells may remain in the peritoneal cavity. At that point, intraperitoneal chemotherapy can extend the macroscopic disease elimination to microscopic disease elimination. The successful treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis requires a comprehensive management plan including proper patient selection, complete resection of all visible disease, perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and postoperative systemic chemotherapy. Surgical and oncologic outcomes are strictly associated with extent of the tumor, completeness of cytoreduction and patientrelated factors as well as multidisciplinary management and experience of the surgical team. In this review, pathophysiology and current management of peritoneal carcinomatosis originating from gastrointestinal tumors are discussed according to the latest literature.

Analysis of 154 T4 Colorectal Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treated by Surgery

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the factors related to T4 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Methods: 154 T4 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery in the first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included in the study between August, 1994 and December, 2005. Some clinical variables were selected and statistically correlated with prognosis. Results: The overall survival time was 91.7 months at the end of December of 2010 or death. The complete cytoreduction had significant survival benefit than the palliative surgery group. The age, location, histological grade, complete cytoreduction and liver metastasis were associated with overall survival time (OS) according to the univariate analysis (P < 0.05). In addition, Cox multivariate analysis showed that the complete cytoreduction (CCR) and liver metastasis were independent factor influencing survival. Conclusion: Compared with palliative surgery, the incomplete cytoreduction fails to improve patient prognosis. Patients performed completed cytoreduction have a relative good prognosis.

CT Differentiation of Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Tuberculous Peritonitis, and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Objective:To investigate the significance of computed tomography findings in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(DMPeM),tuberculous peritonitis(TBP),and peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC)to differentiate the three diseases.Methods:The clinical manifestation and computed tomography scans of 147 patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(n=60),tuberculous peritonitis(n=32),and peritoneal carcinomatosis(n=55)were retrospectively reviewed,while taking into account of ascites,pleural plaques,viscera infiltration;abnormalities in the peritoneum;involvement of the mesentery and omentum;as well as the presence and location of enlarged lymph nodes.Results:There was no significant difference among all three groups in terms of clinical manifestation,peritoneum,omentum,and mesentery involvement,ascites,as well as the presence and location of enlarged lymph nodes.The study found that 95%of DMPeM patients had been exposed to asbestos in the past.The patients showed significant differences in the following aspects:(1)irregular peritoneum thickening,caked omentum thickening,pleural plaques,visceral infiltration,and asbestos exposure were more common in peritoneal mesothelioma patients;(2)nodular peritoneum thickening and visceral metastasis were more common in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis;(3)smooth peritoneal thickening,pleural effusion,and extraperitoneal tuberculosis were more common in patients with tuberculous peritonitis.Conclusion:A combination of computed tomography findings could improve our ability in differentiating the three diseases.

Treatment of liver metastases in patients selected for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis

comCytoreductive surgery(CS)and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)have gained increasing consensus in treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer.The presence of liver metastases is generally considered a contraindication for CS+HIPEC,as hepatic involvement no longer represents a loco-regional aspect of disease.Despite this,liver resection(LR)has been tested in selected cases in combination with CS+HIPEC for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with liver metastasis.Relevant studies on this topic were identified through a search in the electronic PubMed database,using the appropriate keywords.CS+HIPEC+LR allows similar outcomes in terms of survival and morbidity with respect to CS+HIPEC,especially in patients with low tumor load.CS+HIPEC+LR represents a reasonable approach for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and liver metastases from colorectal cancer.Patients should be selected in high volume tertiary centres,preferably in the context of a prospective trial.

Gastric cancer treated with pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy:revising an option for peritoneal carcinomatosis

Aim:Gastric cancer is the cancer with the highest rate of peritoneal metastization and this type of spread is associated with a higher death rate compared to dista nt orga n metastasis.The systemic chemotherapy has a mini mal effect in peritoneal metastasis so new types of treatment have emerged.The authors revised the main studies done in pressurized in traperit on eal aerosol chemotherapy(PIPAC)and prese nted the main con clusi ons.Methods:A PubMed search was con ducted focus ing on PIPAC in gastric can cer.The MeSH database was searched with the terms:"Gastric can cer[MeSH]and in traperit on eal aerosol chemotherapy".Results:Seve n studies were an alyzed.All the studies performed the tech nique with aerosol of doxorubic in and cisplat in.All cases were well tolerated,with minor adverse effects.Patients presented resolution of their abdominal symptoms and regression of macroscopic carcinomatosis.Cytoreductive surgery or hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy could be performed in some patients with good response to PIPAC.The peritonitis caused by the chemotherapy was well tolerated.Conclusion:PIPAC can induce remission in end-stage and resistant disease with acceptable side effects,good safety levels for patients and health professionals,and quality of life improvement.

Colorectal peritoneal metastases:Optimal management review

The peritoneum is a common site of dissemination for colorrectal cancer, with a poorer prognosis than other sites of metastases. In the last two decades, it has been considered as a locoregional disease progression and treated as such with curative intention treatments. Cytoreductive surgery(CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) is the actual reference treatment for these patients as better survival results have been reached as compared to systemic chemotherapy alone, but its therapeutic efficacy is still under debate. Actual guidelines recommend that the management of colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases should be led by a multidisciplinary team carried out in experienced centers and consider CRS + HIPEC for selected patients. Accumulative evidence in the last three years suggests that this is a curative treatment that may improve patients disease-free survival, decrease the risk of recurrence, and does not increase the risk of treatment-related mortality. In this review we aim to gather the latest results from referral centers and opinions from experts about the effectiveness and feasibility of CRS + HIPEC for treating peritoneal disease from colorectal malignancies.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy and its evolving role in management of gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases

Advanced gastric cancer （GC） has been recognized as lethal disease when peritoneal metastases （PM） occurred.There is no standard treatment for advanced GC with PM.Until 1980s,the therapeutic arena for these patients had remained stagnant,with no therapeutic approach having shown a survival gain in GC with PM.However,cytoreductive surgery （CRS） with peritonectomy procedures and intraperitoneal chemotherapy （IPC） promising new combined therapeutic approach to achieve disease control for GC with PM.The recent publications changed the GC with PM treatment landscape by providing an evidence that CRS and IPC led to prolongation in overall survival （OS）.This review will provide an overview of the evolving role of CRS and IPC in the management of advanced GC with PM in the current era.

Destruction of Gastric Cancer Cells to Mesothelial Cells by Apoptosis in the Early Peritoneal Metastasis

This study examined the mechanism by which the gastric cancer cells lead to early peritoneal metastasis. HMrSV5 cells, a human peritoneal mesothelial cell line, were co-incubated with the supernatants of gastric cancer cells. Morphological changes of HMrSV5 cells were observed. The cell damage was quantitatively determined by MTT assay. The apoptosis of HMrSV5 cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide-stained condensed nuclei was detected by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax was immunochemically evaluated. The results showed that conspicuous morphological changes of apoptosis were observed in HMrSV5 cells 24 h after treatment with the supernatants of gastric cancer cells. The supematants could induce apoptosis of HMrSV5 cells in a time-dependent manner. The supernatants could up-regulate the expression of Bax and suppress that of Bcl-2 in HMrSV5 cells. These findings demonstrated that gastric cancer cells can induce the apoptosis of HPMCs through supernatants in the early peritoneal metastasis, The abnormal expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax may contribute to the apoptosis. Anti-apoptosis drugs promise to be adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

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.

Prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer treated with first-line triplet chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer(CRC)carries a poor prognosis in most studies.The majority of those studies used either a single-agent or doublet chemotherapy regimen in the first-line setting.AIM To investigate the prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis in a cohort of patients treated with triplet chemotherapy in the first-line setting.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)in 51 patients with metastatic CRC treated in a prospective clinical trial with capecitabine,oxaliplatin,irinotecan,and bevacizumab in the first-line setting according to the presence and absence of peritoneal metastasis.Furthermore,univariate and multivariate analyses for PFS and OS were performed to assess the prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis at the multivariate level.RESULTS Fifty-one patients were treated with the above triplet therapy.Fifteen had peritoneal metastasis.The patient characteristics of both groups showed a significant difference in the sidedness of the primary tumor(left-sided primary tumor in 60%of the peritoneal group vs 86%in the nonperitoneal group,P=0.03)and the presence of liver metastasis(40%for the peritoneal group vs 75%for the nonperitoneal group,P=0.01).Univariate analysis for PFS showed a statistically significant difference for age less than 65 years(P=0.034),presence of liver metastasis(P=0.046),lung metastasis(P=0.011),and those who underwent metastasectomy(P=0.001).Only liver metastasis and metastasectomy were statistically significant for OS,with P values of 0.001 and 0.002,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that age(less than 65 years)and metastasectomy were statistically significant for PFS,with P values of 0.002 and 0.001,respectively.On the other hand,the absence of liver metastasis and metastasectomy were statistically significant for OS,with P values of 0.003 and 0.005,respectively.CONCLUSION Peritoneal metastasis in patients with metastatic CRC treated with first-line triple chemotherapy does not carry prognostic significance at univariate and multivariate levels.Confirmatory larger studies are warranted.

The impact of urological resection and reconstruction on patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Objective:Cytoreductive surgery(CRS)and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)are increasingly being used to treat peritoneal malignancies.Urological resections and reconstruction(URR)are occasionally performed during the surgery.We aim to evaluate the impact of these procedures on peri-operative outcomes of CRS and HIPEC patients.Methods:A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC from April 2001 to February 2016 was performed.Outcomes between patients who had surgery involving,and not involving URR were compared.Primary outcomes were the rate of major complications and the duration of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital.Secondary outcomes were that of overall survival(OS)and prognostic factors that would indicate a need for URR.Results:A total of 214 CRS-HIPEC were performed,21 of which involved a URR.Baseline clinical characteristics did not vary between the groups(URR vs.No URR).Urological resections comprised of 52%bladder resections,24%ureteric resections,and 24%involving both bladder and ureteric resections.All bladder defects were closed primarily while ureteric reconstructions consisted of two end-to-end anastomoses,one ureto-uretostomy,five direct implantations into the bladder and three boari flaps.URR were more frequently required in patients with colorectal peritoneal disease(p Z 0.029),but was not associated with previous pelvic surgery(76%vs.54%,p Z 0.065).Patients with URR did not suffer more serious complications(14%vs.24%,p Z 0.42).ICU(2.2 days vs.1.4 days,p Z 0.51)and hospital stays(18 days vs.25 days,p Z 0.094)were not significantly affected.Undergoing a URR did not affect OS(p Z 0.99),but was associated with increased operation time(570 min vs.490 min,p Z 0.046).Conclusion:While concomitant URR were associated with an increase in operation time,there were no significant differences in postoperative complications or OS.Patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases are more likely to require a URR compared to other primary tumours,and needs to be considered during pre-operative planning.

Quality of life and symptom distress after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(CRS/HIPEC)for peritoneal surface malignancy can effectively control the disease,however it is also associated with adverse effects which may affect quality of life(QoL).AIM To investigate early perioperative QoL after CRS/HIPEC,which has not been discussed in Taiwan.METHODS This single institution,observational cohort study enrolled patients who received CRS/HIPEC.We assessed QoL using the Taiwan residents version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory(MDASI-T)and European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30).Participants completed the questionnaires before CRS/HIPEC(S1),at the first outpatient follow-up(S2),and 3 mo after CRS/HIPEC(S3).RESULTS Fifty-eight patients were analyzed.There was no significant perioperative difference in global health status.Significant changes in physical and role functioning scores decreased at S2,and fatigue and pain scores increased at S2 but returned to baseline at S3.Multiple regression analysis showed that age and performance status were significantly correlated with QoL.In the MDASI-T questionnaire,distress/feeling upset and lack of appetite had the highest scores at S1,compared to fatigue and distress/feeling upset at S2,and fatigue and lack of appetite at S3.The leading interference items were working at S1 and S2 and activity at S3.MDASI-T scores were significantly negatively correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 results.CONCLUSION QoL and symptom severity improved or returned to baseline in most categories within 3 mo after CRS/HIPEC.Our findings can help with preoperative consultation and perioperative care.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis:a meta-analysis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)in the treatment of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis.Methods:The relevant clinical controlled studies were retrieved from the databases of PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase.Risk ratio(RR),as well as the respective 95%confidence interval(CI),was used as a statistical indicator.1-year survival,2-year survival,and safety were analyzed.Results:Two randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and 10 high-quality non-randomized controlled trials(NRCTs)were included,enrolling 837 patients(438 in the HIPEC group and 415 in the control group).Compared with the control group,HIPEC group turned out to be of greater improvement in long-term efficacy:1-year survival rate(1y-os)and 2-year survival rate(2y-os).Subgroup analysis of different treatment modes in NRCTs showed that,in terms of 1-year survival rate,(1)HIPEC combined with cytoreductive surgery(CRS)compared with CRS alone,RR=0.68,95%CI:(0.53,0.85);(2)HIPEC combined with intravenous chemotherapy±CRS versus chemotherapy alone,RR=0.54,95%CI:(0.39,0.74);(3)HIPEC combined with palliative gastrectomy versus palliative gastrectomy,RR=0.37,95%CI:(0.22,0.63).As for safety,there were no significant differences in adverse events between two groups.Conclusion:HIPEC can prolong the survival of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis,and the incidences of adverse events were not increased.

Bladder Perforation during Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor Is Not an Innocent Accident: Literature Review Based on a Clinical Case Experience

Urothelial Carcinoma (UC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a standard treatment in the disease’s early stages, with bladder perforation being a possible and classical complication. However, extravesical tumor seeding resulting from perforation is a rare phenomenon. We hereby report the case of a 76-year-old man with a history of smoking diagnosed with high-grade T1 urothelial carcinoma. TURBT was performed and bladder perforation occurred during the procedure. Radical cystectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy failed to reveal an invasive tumor. However, the patient experienced peritoneal recurrence with liver metastasis 3 years following the operation. This case left physician wondering whether the bladder perforation and the resulting tumor seeding are the cause behind the late peritoneal recurrence of an early-stage urothelial carcinoma.

The features of peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis(PC)from metastasization of Gastric Cancer(GC),either present at first diagnosis of GC or as recurrence,is considered a fatal disease with no hope of definitive cure.Although newer agents like S1 and docetaxel have shown some promise,the median overall survival with the current first line chemotherapy is only 8 to 14 months,and is not greatly improved by adding targeted therapy.A multi-modal approach with cytoreductive surgery(CRS)associated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been developed along the last two decades in order to tackle this problem.It’s an aggressive,combined treatment still under investigation.Studies coming from Europe and Far East reported long-term survival with 5-year survival rates up to nearly 25%in case of complete cytoreduction.Prophylactic/adjuvant setting is the most evidence-based indication for HIPEC in advanced-stage GC patients without PC,in order to prevent peritoneal recurrence and to improve overall survival.The rationale for immuno treatment in patients with gastric PC is strong.A randomized phase II study,combining complete CRS with intraperitoneal catumaxomab is on-going.The detection of free peritoneal cancer cells is the more realistic and practical way for the identification of patients at risk of carcinomatosis after surgery.The routine use of techniques of molecular detection in peritoneal washing appears to be the more sensitive method.Such patients are potential candidate for multimodal and locoregional treatments in order to prevent the peritoneal recurrence.