Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Strategies in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, Normothermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy

Peritoneal metastasis represents an aggressive disease pattern in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), traditionally associated with poor survival and limited therapeutic options. Emerging intraperitoneal chemotherapy strategies-including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), normothermic intraperitoneal paclitaxel (NIPEC/IP-PTX), and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC)-have been investigated to improve local tumor control and survival outcomes.

We systematically reviewed published studies evaluating HIPEC, NIPEC/IP-PTX, and PIPAC in PDAC, including adjuvant, cytoreductive, and palliative settings. Study characteristics, feasibility, perioperative outcomes, oncologic outcomes, and risk of bias were analyzed.

Across modalities, intraperitoneal treatment strategies demonstrated acceptable feasibility and safety profiles in appropriately selected patients. Adjuvant HIPEC following pancreatectomy showed reduced local-regional recurrence signals in limited cohorts. CRS + HIPEC among patients with isolated peritoneal metastases yielded encouraging multi-year survival in highly selected candidates achieving complete cytoreduction. NIPEC/IP-PTX demonstrated favorable ascites control, symptom relief, and potential conversion to resection in select patients. PIPAC was primarily used in unresectable, heavily pretreated, palliative peritoneal metastasis settings, with goals centered on disease stabilization, histologic regression, and symptom control rather than curative intent.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy strategies in PDAC appear feasible with signals of meaningful clinical benefit in select settings. While CRS + HIPEC may benefit carefully selected metastatic patients, NIPEC/IP-PTX and PIPAC hold value primarily in symptom control and disease stabilization. Larger prospective trials are needed to define patient selection, optimize treatment protocols, and clarify survival benefit.