The many faces of intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy may offer chance for cure for patients with peritoneal metastasis. Many variations emerged, causing uncertainty when choosing the most suitable variant. By reviewing variability encountered in the management of peritoneal metastasis, we aim to raise awareness about this issue and hopefully initiate efforts to solve it. We review variance encountered in all aspects of this complex field of surgical oncology, indications, patient selection criteria, definition and extent of cytoreductive surgery and the numerous variables of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Best benefit was achieved with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and to lesser extent in colorectal, ovarian and gastric cancer, but Indications keep expanding to include other tumors pathologies. Selection of patients depends on numerous prognostic indicators and criteria, according to tumor extent and pathology. The standard definition of cytoreductive surgery remains the same, but the boundaries of resection expand. Numerous chemotherapy regimens and administration methods are used, in search for best possible benefit. This variance must be reduced, to make the best use of, and further spread this treatment combination. Practical simple guidelines are needed for surgical oncologists willing to utilize this treatment for their patients, to be considered a true standard of care.