Cure for peritoneal metastases? An evidence-based review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Peritoneal metastases (PM) from gastrointestinal malignancies present a significant treatment challenge.
• A multimodal approach combining cytoreductive surgery (CS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is increasingly explored for PM.
• The efficacy of CS/HIPEC is particularly investigated in advanced colorectal, appendiceal, and gastric cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the existing evidence for the use of CS/HIPEC in treating peritoneal metastases.
• To assess the role of CS/HIPEC in advanced colorectal, appendiceal, and gastric cancers.
• To determine the potential for long-term survival and cure with this treatment modality.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published evidence on CS/HIPEC for peritoneal metastases.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal, appendiceal, and gastric cancers.
• Evaluation of mortality and morbidity rates associated with CS/HIPEC.

Main Results:

• Evidence strongly supports CS/HIPEC for PM of colorectal and appendiceal origin.
• The role of CS/HIPEC is less defined but emerging for gastric PM.
• The treatment demonstrates a low mortality and acceptable morbidity rate.

Conclusions:

• CS/HIPEC is a viable and effective treatment for selected patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal and appendiceal cancers.
• This multimodal approach offers a potential for cure and long-term survival.
• Further research may clarify the role of CS/HIPEC in gastric cancer with PM.