Peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and the role of systemic chemotherapy

Abstract

SUMMARY Peritoneal carcinomatosis is observed in up to 15% of colorectal cancer patients and represents 45% of all recurrences: 25% of these have peritoneal cavity-limited disease. Modern systemic chemotherapy has not substantially increased survival in this population to the same extent as those with nonperitoneal carcinomatosis colorectal cancer. Aggressive cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have now been used here, based on sound theoretical grounds. The resultant median survival achieved is up to 29 months and 5-year survival rates have increased to 20%. Patients who received complete cytoreduction benefit the most, with 5-year survival up to 50%. However, the overall level of trial evidence for CRS and HIPEC is low. The added benefit of modern systemic chemotherapy to CRS and HIPEC also requires evaluation.