[Contribution of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal peritoneal carcinoma. HIPEC, PIPAC, state of the art and future directions]. / La chimiothérapie intra-péritonéale dans le traitement de la carcinose péritonéale d'origine colorectale. CHIP, PIPAC, état des lieux et perspectives.

After more than a decade of good results using the combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal carcinosis of colorectal origin, the PRODIGE7 study, which specifically evaluated the role of HIPEC, failed to show any superiority in terms of overall and disease-free survival for the CRS+HIPEC combination compared with CRS alone. This study constituted a radical change in the knowledge and therapeutic attitudes observed to date. After reviewing the literature and the consensus of national and international experts, a synthesis is provided, together with an outlook on the questions raised and the therapeutic trials and innovations of the near future. An analysis of recent advances due to the advent of a new technique, PIPAC, is also proposed, as well as a review of current therapeutic trials in this field.

Thymosin alpha 1 as an adjuvant to hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in an experimental model of peritoneal metastases from colonic carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is currently implemented in the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colorectal carcinoma (PM-CRC) origin. However, recurrence is common and the effectiveness of HIPEC has been questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), an immunomodulatory molecule, as an adjuvant to HIPEC treatment. METHODS: We developed an experimental model of HIPEC by the induction of PM-CRC in C57BL mice and intra-abdominal perfusion of mitomycin C (MMC). Mice were treated with Tα1 at 0.6 mg/kg for 5 days after HIPEC. Clinical and immunological parameters were compared between HIPEC and HIPEC + Tα1 groups. RESULTS: Treatment with Tα1 increased overall survival of mice compared to HIPEC treatment alone and sham-treated animals (16.1 ± 0.8 vs. 14.1 ± 0.6 and 11.8 ± 0.8, respectively, p = 0.02). Tα1 had no direct anti-tumor effect, as seen by lack of inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. Tα1 treatment induced a T helper (Th) 1 immune response in tumor metastases as evidenced by a significant increase of the Th1-specific markers IFN-γ and T-bet (1.21 ± 0.3 vs. 0.52 ± 0.08, p < 0.05; 0.88 ± 0.04 vs. 0.64 ± 0.14, p < 0.05, respectively). This Th1 skew was accompanied by increased CD8+ infiltration into omental and visceral metastases by Tα1 treatment compared to sham and HIPEC-treated animals (21.24 ± 2.16 vs. 10.45 ± 0.89 and 7.7 ± 1.3, p < 0.001; 14.12 ± 1.54 vs. 12.12 ± 0.01 and 6.64 ± 0.87, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Tα1 augments the effect of HIPEC by the induction of a Th1 anti-tumor immune response. Further experiments should evaluate Tα1 and other novel immunomodulators in order to exploit the immunological opportunities created by HIPEC.

[Intraperitoneal therapy for carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer: proposed treatment algorithm]. / Traitements intrapéritonéaux de la carcinose ovarienne : proposition d'algorithmes décisionnels.

Ovarian cancer is the first cause of death by gynecological cancer. Most of the patients are diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis that represents a therapeutic challenge. Its management implies maximal cytoreductive surgery with survival benefit. Over the last three decades, several strategies of intra-peritoneal chemotherapy have been investigated. This includes intra-peritoneal adjuvant chemotherapy that is used mainly in North America, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and more recently pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). In the current article, we review the evidence in favor of each therapeutic approach, and we propose treatment algorithms depending on the clinical situation of ovarian cancer patients: upfront, platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant relapse.

Le cancer de l'ovaire est la première cause de décès par cancer gynécologique. La plupart des patientes sont diagnostiquées au stade de carcinose péritonéale qui représente un défi thérapeutique. Sa prise en charge chirurgicale implique une cytoréduction maximaliste. Au cours des 30 dernières années, plusieurs stratégies de chimiothérapie intrapéritonéale ont été testées afin d'améliorer le contrôle de la carcinose péritonéale. Il s'agit des chimiothérapies intrapéritonéale adjuvante utilisée surtout en Amérique du Nord, hyperthermique intrapéritonéale (CHIP) et intrapéritonéale pressurisée en aérosols (PIPAC). Dans cet article, nous reprenons les données de la littérature sur chacune de ces trois approches thérapeutiques et proposons des algorithmes décisionnels selon la situation clinique des patientes traitées pour un cancer de l'ovaire : au diagnostic, récidive platine-sensible et platine-résistante.

Clinical Outcomes Following Regionalization of Gastric Cancer Care in a US Integrated Health Care System.

PURPOSE: In 2016, Kaiser Permanente Northern California regionalized gastric cancer care, introducing a regional comprehensive multidisciplinary care team, standardizing staging and chemotherapy, and implementing laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy for patients eligible for curative-intent surgery. This study evaluated the effect of regionalization on outcomes. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included gastric cancer cases diagnosed from January 2010 to May 2018. Information was obtained from the electronic medical record, cancer registry, state vital statistics, and chart review. Overall survival was compared in patients with all stages of disease, stage I-III disease, and curative-intent gastrectomy patients using annual inception cohorts. For the latter, the surgical approach and surgical outcomes were also compared. RESULTS: Among 1,429 eligible patients with gastric cancer with all stages of disease, one third were treated after regionalization, 650 had stage I-III disease, and 394 underwent curative-intent surgery. Among surgical patients, neoadjuvant chemotherapy utilization increased from 35% to 66% (P < .0001), laparoscopic gastrectomy increased from 18% to 92% (P < .0001), and D2 lymphadenectomy increased from 2% to 80% (P < .0001). Dissection of ≥ 15 lymph nodes increased from 61% to 95% (P < .0001). Surgical complication rates did not appear to increase after regionalization. Length of hospitalization decreased from 7 to 3 days (P < .001). Overall survival at 2 years was as follows: all stages, 32.8% pre and 37.3% post (P = .20); stage I-III cases with or without surgery, 55.6% and 61.1%, respectively (P = .25); and among surgery patients, 72.7% and 85.5%, respectively (P < .03). CONCLUSION: Regionalization of gastric cancer care within an integrated system allowed comprehensive multidisciplinary care, conversion to laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy, increased overall survival among surgery patients, and no increase in surgical complications.

Multidisciplinary management of patients with pubic osteomyelitis, a rare but serious complication after surgery and radiation therapy for advanced gynaecological cancer.

Pubic osteomyelitis is a rare and often late-onset complication of radiation therapy and surgery for vulvar and vaginal carcinoma. It typically presents with vulvar pain, fever, vaginal discharge and/or gait disorders. Pubic osteomyelitis is often accompanied by fistulas or wound dehiscence in the pelvic area. Its accurate diagnosis and treatment are challenging and require a multidisciplinary team effort. In our patients, multiple combined surgical procedures, long-term antibiotic treatment and days to weeks of hospital admission were necessary to treat pubic osteomyelitis. We emphasise the importance of timely and adequate diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach resulting in a course of treatment that is as effective as possible, limiting the impact on quality of life, which is generally high in this group of patients.

Hereditary vs Familial Pancreatic Cancer: Associated Genetic Syndromes and Clinical Perspective.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease marked by high rates of mortality; it is mostly incurable at the time of diagnosis. Only about 7% of patients survive 5 years after diagnosis. Diagnosis at a late stage and rapid progression with minimal response to available treatments are the main reasons for this poor outcome. It is crucial to identify individuals at high risk of developing PDAC so preventive and early detection measures can be employed. Approximately 10% to 15% of PDAC cases have a hereditary or familial basis. In the majority of PDAC cases, no main causative gene has been identified, but several known germline pathogenic mutations have been shown to be related to an increased risk of this cancer. The presence of 2 or more patients with pancreatic cancer within the circle of first-degree relatives, without the presence of a causative germline mutation, is defined as familial pancreatic cancer; this accounts for 4% to 10% of PDAC. Based on the growing evidence supporting the benefit of germline genetic testing in patients with PDAC, both the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently updated their guidelines to include recommendations around genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer. However, there is no general consensus on the group of patients and individuals who should be studied and screened. We present a demonstrative case and review the available data on hereditary and familial PDAC.

Evaluation of repeat cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal and colorectal cancers: a multicentre Canadian study

Background: Peritoneal recurrences after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for appendiceal and colorectal cancers are frequent. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, technical feasibility and perioperative and long-term outcomes of repeat CRS/HIPEC in patients with recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal and appendiceal origin. Methods: Data were collected from patients treated from 2000 to 2016 for recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal or colorectal cancer with CRS/HIPEC at 2 specialist centres. Data on demographics, procedure details, morbidity and survival were recorded. Analyses compared the iterations of CRS/HIPEC to assess the safety and effectiveness of repeat surgery. Results: Of all patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC in the 2 centres, 37 patients underwent a repeat procedure. Operative time was similar for the first and second surgeries (412.1 v. 412.5 min, p = 0.74) but patients had a significantly lower peritoneal carcinoma index score with the second surgery (21.8 in the first iteration v. 9.53 in the second iteration, p < 0.001) and significantly less blood loss (1762 mL in the first iteration v. 790 mL in the second iteration, p = 0.001). There was a nonsignificant decrease in grade III­IV complications and there was no 30-day mortality associated with repeat procedures. For patients with colorectal cancer, median disease-free survival was 9.6 months and median overall survival was 40 months. For patients with appendiceal cancer, median disease-free survival was 15 months and overall survival was 64.4 months. Conclusion: Repeat CRS/HIPEC procedures for recurrent appendiceal and colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis are safe in well-selected patients, without increased morbidity or mortality, and they are associated with significant long-term survival, particularly for patients with appendiceal cancers. These results support the use of repeat CRS/HIPEC in these patients.

Contexte: Les récurrences péritonéales après une chirurgie cytoréductrice (CCR) et une chimiothérapie hyperthermique intrapéritonéale (CHIP) pour les cancers de l'appendice et colorectaux sont fréquentes. Cette étude visait à évaluer l'innocuité, la faisabilité technique et les résultats périopératoires et à long terme d'une reprise de CCR/CHIP chez les patients qui présentent une récurrence de carcinomatose péritonéale ayant son origine au niveau colorectal ou de l'appendice. Méthodes: Des données ont été recueillies sur des patients traités entre 2000 et 2016 pour une récurrence de carcinomatose péritonéale ayant son origine au niveau colorectal ou de l'appendice par CCR/CHIP dans 2 centres spécialisés. On a tenu compte des données démographiques, des détails des interventions, ainsi que de la morbidité et de la survie. Des analyses ont permis de comparer les premières et deuxièmes CCR/CHIP pour évaluer l'innocuité et l'efficacité des chirurgies répétées. Résultats: De tous les patients soumis à des CCR/CHIP dans les 2 centres, 37 ont subi l'intervention de nouveau. Le temps opératoire a été similaire pour les premières et les deuxièmes chirurgies (412,1 c. 412,5 min, p = 0,74), mais les patients présentaient un score de carcinomatose péritonéale beaucoup plus bas lors de la deuxième chirurgie (21,8 pour la première intervention c. 9,53 pour la seconde, p < 0,001) et des pertes sanguines significativement moindres (1762 mL pour la première intervention c. 790 mL pour la seconde, p = 0,001). On a noté une diminution non significative des complications de grades III­IV et on n'a déploré aucune mortalité à 30 jours en lien avec la reprise de l'intervention. Pour les patients atteints d'un cancer colorectal, la survie médiane sans maladie a été de 9,6 mois et la survie médiane globale a été de 40 mois. Pour les patients atteints d'un cancer de l'appendice, la survie médiane sans maladie a été de 15 mois et la survie médiane globale a été de 64,4 mois. Conclusion: La reprise des CCR/CHIP pour les récurrences de carcinomatose péritonéale ayant leur origine au niveau colorectal ou de l'appendice est sécuritaire chez les patients soigneusement sélectionnés, sans accroissement de la morbidité ou de la mortalité, et elles sont associées à une survie à long terme significative, particulièrement chez les patients ayant un cancer de l'appendice. Ces résultats appuient la reprise des CCR/CHIP chez ces patients.

pH-responsive perylenediimide nanoparticles for cancer trimodality imaging and photothermal therapy.

Organic chromophores have been well developed for multimodality imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) due to their outstanding optical properties and excellent designability. However, the theranostic efficiencies of most currently available organic chromophores are restricted intrinsically, owing to their poor photostability or complex synthesis procedures. These drawbacks not only increase their cost of synthesis, but also cause side effects in PTT. Method: We presented a facile strategy for constructing a near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing perylenediimide structured with pH-responsive piperazine ring at the bay region. The chromophore was conjugated with carboxyl-end-capped PEG as side chains that can self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous solution. The NIR optical properties and photothermal conversation ability of PPDI-NPs were investigated. We then studied the imaging-guided PTT of PPDI-NPs under NIR light illumination in 4T1 cells and mice respectively. Results: The excellent photostable PPDI-NPs had near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) emission and high photothermal conversion efficiency in acidic microenvironment. Importantly, PPDI-NPs can be utilized for the precise detection of tumors by NIRF/photoacoustic/thermal trimodality imaging. Efficient PTT of PPDI-NPs was applied in vitro and in vivo with high biosafety. Conclusion: In summary, we developed pH-responsive perylenediimide nanoparticles as multifunctional phototheranostic agent with high stability and simple synthesis procedures. This study offers a promising organic chromophore for developing phototheranostics in cancer therapy.

Toxicity profile of chemotherapy agents used in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Morbidity associated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is due to the synergistic effect of cytoreduction, effect hyperthermia and the cytotoxic agents used for HIPEC. This study was done to analyse the postoperative morbidity in relation to the chemotherapy agent used in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) in Indian set up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient with PSM, underwent CRS-HIPEC as per the institutional protocol. Patients were stratified as per the chemotherapy drug used during HIPEC & perioperative outcome were documented. RESULTS: 163 patients underwent CRS-HIPEC for PSM: 67.4% were of ovarian primary. Others were colorectal, appendicular, gastric primary and rare tumors.Cisplatin was the most common drug used: as alone (57.05%) or in combination with Adriamycin (12.88%). Mitomycin-C (MMC) was used in 20% and oxaliplatin in 10%.Grade 3-5 morbidity in the whole cohort was 44.8% and grade 1-2 was 74%.Grade 1-2 electrolyte abnormality was the most common morbidity overall and grade 3-4 hematological toxicity was the most common severe morbidity. Frequency of grade 3-5 morbidity were 38.7%, 48.5%,50% and 61.9% for Cisplatin alone, MMC, oxaliplatin and Adriamycin + cisplatin respectively. None of the patients had grade 3-4 nephrotoxicity as sole complication. All major complications were highest in the group who received Adriamycin. Cisplatin was associated with higher rate of electrolyte imbalance, oxaliplatin with post-operative bleeding. Rates of other complications did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin followed by MMC were the well tolerated drugs during HIPEC and tolerance to Adriamycin combination regimen in Indian patients was poor.

Surgical management for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin with a high-tumor burden.

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) is the active treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin. However, surgical management is sometimes difficult in patients with a high-tumor burden. METHODS: A high-tumor burden was defined as a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≥ 28. Among 49 patients receiving CRS + HIPEC, 29 had a PCI ≥ 28. RESULTS: Complete cytoreduction (CC-0/1) was achieved in 20 of the 29 patients with a PCI ≥ 28 and in all 20 patients with a PCI < 28. Among the patients achieving CC-0/1, gastrectomy or total colectomy was performed more frequently, the hospital stay was longer and postoperative complications were more frequent in those with a PCI ≥ 28 than in those with a PCI < 28. If CC-0/1 was achieved, the overall survival was comparable between patients with a PCI ≥ 28 and a PCI < 28. However, the recurrence-free survival was significantly worse for patients with a PCI ≥ 28 than for those with a PCI < 28 (5-year survival: 73.7% vs. 5.9%). Patients with recurrence who underwent repeat CRS showed a better overall survival than those without repeat CRS. Among patients with a PCI ≥ 28, a performance status (PS) of 2/3 was a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 5.132). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a high-tumor burden undergoing CRS + HIPEC, postoperative complications were more frequent, and the recurrence rate was higher than in those without a high-tumor burden. Repeat CRS improved the survival of patients with recurrence. The PS was a key indicator when selecting patients suitable for aggressive resection.

Colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases: Biology, treatment and next steps.

The presence of peritoneal metastases in patients with advanced colorectal cancer is associated with poor prognosis but the mechanisms for this are unclear. This review summarises the current knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features, prevalence, prognosis, and molecular biology of peritoneal metastases and the risk factors for the development of peritoneal metastases following resection of a primary colorectal tumour. Furthermore, the evidence for treatment strategies are described including cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, early post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, sequential post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and emerging novel strategies. Active areas of research should include the identification of individuals at high risk of peritoneal metastases after curative resection of primary tumour, development of a surveillance program for high-risk patients, optimisation of systematic therapies and further investigation of the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Delta peritoneal cancer index (ΔPCI): A new dynamic prognostic parameter for survival in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases.

BACKGROUND: The peritoneal cancer index (PCI) calculated during exploratory laparotomy is a strong prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) who undergo cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). Progression of the PCI between diagnostic laparoscopy (DLS) and potential CRS + HIPEC (ΔPCI) might be a more dynamic prognostic factor for OS after CRS + HIPEC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2012 and 2018, all colorectal PM patients who underwent an exploratory laparotomy for potential CRS + HIPEC after DLS were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into stable disease (ΔPCI 0-3), mild progression (ΔPCI 4-9), or severe progression (ΔPCI ≥10). Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariate Cox regression were performed. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients (ΔPCI 0-3, n = 35; ΔPCI 4-9, n = 34; and ΔPCI ≥10, n = 15) were analysed. Median OS after CRS + HIPEC was significantly decreased in patients with a ΔPCI of 4-9 (35.1 [95% CI 25.5-44.6]) or ΔPCI ≥10 (24.1 [95% CI 11.7-36.5]) compared to patients with a ΔPCI of 0-3 (47.9 [95% CI 40.0-55.7], p = 0.004). In multivariate regression analysis, ΔPCI remained an independent risk factor for OS: ΔPCI 4-9 HR 3.1 (95% CI 1.4-7.2, p = 0.007) and ΔPCI ≥10 HR 4.4 (95% CI 1.5-13.1, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: A high ΔPCI is an independent dynamic prognostic factor for OS and might reflect a more aggressive tumour biology in patients with colorectal PM. HIPEC surgeons should be aware of a high-ΔPCI-associated diminished prognosis and should reconsider CRS + HIPEC when confronted with a ΔPCI ≥10.

Biodegradable Implants Combined with Immunogenic Chemotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Therapy for Peritoneal Metastatic Carcinoma Postoperative Treatment.

Peritoneal seeding represents one of the most frequent sites of metastasis for late-stage gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer. At present, the major treatment method for peritoneal metastatic carcinoma (PMC) is the combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Nevertheless, the 5 year survival rate of patients after these treatments is still far from satisfactory. Here, we report a biodegradable implant co-loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (aPD-1) (BI@DOX+aPD-1) for a combination of immunogenic chemotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy for PMC postoperative treatment. The bio-implant is fabricated with oxidized dextran (ODEX) and 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol) amine (4-arm PEG-NH2) by Schiff's base reaction at mild conditions, with DOX and aPD-1 loaded inside during and after the fabrication process, respectively. In vitro studies confirmed the slow and sustained release of DOX and aPD-1 from the bio-implants. In vivo studies showed that the bio-implants could be gradually degraded and maintain relatively high concentrations of therapeutic agents in the mouse abdomen. In a murine CT26 PMC model, the BI@DOX+aPD-1 resulted in a 89.7% tumor-suppression rate after peritoneal implantation. Importantly, the combination therapy of DOX and aPD-1 in the bio-implant showed an excellent synergistic effect with a Q value of 2.35. This easy-fabricated bio-implant combined with DOX and aPD-1 should be promising for clinical PMC postoperative treatment.

Evaluation of Enhanced Recovery After Following a Surgical Protocol for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS ± HIPEC) has positive effects on the survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) due to intra-abdominal tumors. Currently, the available literature on the safety of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for PC, which is associated with severe morbidity and mortality, is insufficient. AIM: This study aimed to present our results from treating patients using the ERAS protocol for PC that developed due to intra-abdominal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 120 consecutive patients with PC due to different etiologies of abdominal origin and who underwent CRS ± HIPEC were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the ERAS protocol was applied. Information on demographics, length of hospital stay, cost, morbidity, and mortality was statistically compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included in the study. The first 40 patients did not undergo the ERAS protocol, whereas 62 patients did undergo the protocol. The mean length of hospital stay was 10 days in the non-ERAS group and 7 days in the ERAS group. The ERAS group was observed to have earlier mobilization, earlier gas and stool release, lower oral intake, and fewer respiratory problems than the non-ERAS group. CONCLUSION: CRS ± HIPEC has a positive effect on survival. The simultaneous application of the ERAS protocol with the aforementioned procedure has positive effects on intestinal motility and postoperative outcomes. In addition, this protocol may reduce costs by shortening the length of hospital stay.

Management of colorectal peritoneal metastases: Expert opinion.

When peritoneal metastases are diagnosed (strong agreement of experts): (i) seek advice from a multidisciplinary coordination meeting (MCM) with large experience in peritoneal disease (e.g. BIG RENAPE network); (ii) transfer (or not) the patient to a referral center with experience in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), according to the advice of the MCM. With regard to systemic chemotherapy (strong agreement of experts): (i) it should be performed both before and after surgery, (ii) for no longer than 6 months; (iii) without postoperative anti-angiogenetic drugs. With regard to cytoreductive surgery (strong agreement of experts): (i) Radical surgery requires a xiphopubic midline incision; (ii) no cytoreductive surgery via laparoscopy. With regard to HIPEC: HIPEC can be proposed for trials outside an HIPEC referral center (weak agreement between experts): (i) if surgery is radical; (ii) if the expected morbidity is "reasonable"; (iii) if the indication for HIPEC was suggested by a MCM, and; (iv) mitomycin is preferred to oxaliplatin (which cannot be recommended) for this indication.

Impact of Perioperative Chemotherapy on Prognosis of Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma Undergoing Pulmonary Metastasectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy, and help determine appropriate therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 16 patients (15 men and one woman; median age 66.5 years) with esophageal carcinoma, who underwent curative resection of pulmonary metastases. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 11 patients underwent wedge resection, three segmentectomy, and two lobectomies. The average operating time and blood loss were 147 min and 103 mL, respectively. There were no perioperative deaths or severe complications. Five-year overall survival rate was 40.2% and 2-year disease-free survival rate was 35.2%. All recurrences occurred within 2 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that absence of adjuvant chemotherapy after therapy for esophageal carcinoma was a significant predictor of poor prognosis and recurrence, respectively (p <0.05). The prognosis of seven patients who underwent esophagectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy was better than that of the other nine patients (p = 0.0166). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with esophageal carcinoma was only one choice of multimodal treatment, and perioperative chemotherapy was important for long-term survival after pulmonary metastasectomy. Pulmonary metastasectomy was effective in patients undergoing esophagectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy.