Cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the management of non-gynecological peritoneal surface malignancy

Peritoneal surface malignancy can arise from pseudomyxoma peritonei, gastrointestinal carcinoma, abdomino-pelvic sarcoma and peritoneal mesothelioma. In the past, only palliative treatments were offered and the results were poor. We have proposed a new concept in managing patients with peritoneal surface malignancy. It involves an aggressive combined treatment modality of cytoreduction and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The results are promising for patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma and well-selected patients with invasive peritoneal surface malignancies. The success in such comprehensive treatment depends on tumor biology, patient's co-morbidities, the completeness of cytoreduction, the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration and the surgeon's experience. The importance of patient selection is emphasized. The rationales and the outline of the current management strategies are described. Large phase II studies have demonstrated the marked survival advantage in this aggressive approach to peritoneal surface malignancy.