[Gender medicine in peritoneal diseases]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Malignant peritoneal diseases are common but often underreported in cancer registries.
• Peritoneal metastases frequently arise from gastric, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
• Gender-specific differences exist in systemic chemotherapy tolerability and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of peritoneal diseases, focusing on malignant conditions.
• To discuss treatment modalities including cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC).
• To highlight gender-specific differences in incidence, treatment response, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on peritoneal diseases and their management.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes and side effects, with attention to gender-specific variations.
• Consideration of fertility and menopause as critical aspects in younger patients undergoing surgery.

Main Results:

• Peritoneal metastases are frequent but difficult to quantify due to reporting inconsistencies.
• Cytoreductive surgery with or without HIPEC are key surgical options, with potential need for hysterectomy/salpingo-oophorectomy.
• Women experience more gastrointestinal and hematological side effects from chemotherapy; survival rates show nuances based on cancer type and stage.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender-specific differences in peritoneal cancer incidence, treatment, and outcomes are observed but not fully explained.
• Fertility preservation and management of iatrogenic menopause are crucial considerations for younger patients.
• Further research is essential to elucidate the reasons for gender disparities and optimize treatment for all patients.