Experience with the use of HIPEC in advanced serous ovarian cancer after complete and optimal cytoreduction

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most demanding unresolved issues in oncogynecology. In Ukraine, there are over 3000 new cases of the disease annually. 24.6% of patients die within the first year after diagnosis. It indicates the relevance of developing new and optimizing existing OC treatment programs.

To analyze the short-term results of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with primary (non-recurrent) advanced serous OC, in comparison with the group of patients after standard cytoreductive surgery (CRS) of high and medium complexity, according to the following indicators: the effect on metabolism, postoperative complications, length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital, timing of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation.

Cases of 35 patients with advanced serous OC who underwent the treatment at the Oncogynecology Department of the National Cancer Institute from December 2018 to April 2020 were analyzed. For the assessment of surgical procedures volumes, a surgical complexity scoring system was used. HIPEC was performed in 20 patients (57.1%), while 15 patients (42.9%) underwent standard CRS.

At the beginning and end of the HIPEC procedure, a shift in acid-base state and the development of hyperthermia were evident. At the end of the 1st day of the postoperative period, statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) were revealed in pH, base excess, body temperature, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels in patients from HIPEC group indicating the development of metabolic acidosis and toxic liver damage. The negative effects of HIPEC developed at the end of the procedure may persist at the end of the first postoperative day. While metabolic acidosis diminishes, the signs of hepatotoxicity persist. Toxic liver damage is the most frequent complication of the postoperative period detected more often (p < 0.05) after HIPEC in comparison with standard CRS. Standard adjuvant chemotherapy began on average in 31.9 ± 4.4 days in HIPEC group and 18.6 ± 1.6 days in CRS group (p < 0.05).

The data obtained indicate that HIPEC negatively affects metabolism and aggravates the severity of disorders that develop during the CRS phase. The use of HIPEC postpones the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, which is probably associated with a longer period of restoration of the functions of organs and systems of patients (in particular, liver function). The feasibility of HIPEC in advanced serous OC treatment requires further research.