Learning curve for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis

A nomogram prediction model of pseudomyxoma peritonei established based on new prognostic factors of HE stained pathological images analysis

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical malignant syndrome, and its rarity causes a lack of pathology research. This study aims to quantitatively analyze HE-stained pathological images (PIs), and develop a new predictive model integrating digital pathological parameters with clinical information.

METHODS

Ninety-two PMP patients with complete clinic-pathological information, were included. QuPath was used for PIs quantitative feature analysis at tissue-, cell-, and nucleus-level. The correlations between overall survival (OS) and general clinicopathological characteristics, and PIs features were analyzed. A nomogram was established based on independent prognostic factors and evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 92 PMP patients, there were 34 (37.0%) females and 58 (63.0%) males, with a median age of 57 (range: 31-76). A total of 449 HE stained images were obtained for QuPath analysis, which extracted 40 pathological parameters at three levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed eight clinicopathological characteristics and 20 PIs features significantly associated with OS (p < 0.05). Partial least squares regression was used to screen the multicollinearity features and synthesize four new features. Multivariate survival analysis identified the following five independent prognostic factors: preoperative CA199, completeness of cytoreduction, histopathological type, component one at tissue-level, and tumor nuclei circularity variance. A nomogram was established with internal validation C-index 0.795 and calibration plots indicating improved prediction performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative analysis of HE-stained PIs could extract the new prognostic information on PMP. A nomogram established by five independent prognosticators is the first model integrating digital pathological information with clinical data for improved clinical outcome prediction.

Outcomes and prognostic factors of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in high-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The management of patients with extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma is controversial. Our aims were to analyze overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and independent prognostic factors associated with high peritoneal cancer index (PCI) status in patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC).

METHODS

A prospectively-maintained database for patients with appendiceal neoplasms and mesothelioma undergoing CRS/PIC from year 1996 to 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients who achieved complete cytoreduction were stratified into limited (PCI < 30) and extensive (PCI ≥ 30) disease groups.

RESULTS

260 female and 235 male patients were identified. The 5-year survival for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) was significantly higher in the low PCI group (96.2% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the OS across both groups in high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (HAMN) (63 vs. 69 months; p = 0.942) and mesothelioma (72 vs. 42 months; p = 0.058). Overall mortality was 2%. Grade III/IV complications were significantly higher in extensive disease (68% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, use of EPIC and blood transfusion (>8 units) were independent positive and negative prognostic factors, respectively, associated with OS. Meanwhile, use of EPIC conferred benefit in DFS while increased blood transfusion (>8 units) and elevated preoperative CA125 were predictive of a poor DFS.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survivals following CRS/PIC are achievable with acceptable mortality and higher morbidity rates in extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma. High PCI status does not preclude treatment with CRS/PIC.

Twelve-Year Single Center Experience Shows Safe Implementation of Developed Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment Protocols for Gastrointestinal and Gynecological Primary Tumors

Simple Summary

The treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) has dramatically evolved during the past two decades. Indications, treatment protocols, surgical techniques and the application of HIPEC in the prophylactic setting were evaluated in the surgical community. Nevertheless, the current results of the PRODIGE-7 trial disfavored the application of HIPEC for PSM of colorectal cancer and raised uncertainty among surgeons. On the other hand, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC represent state-of-the-art therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma (except the sarcomatoid-subtype) and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Comparing the literature is cumbersome due to the variety of HIPEC protocols and differences in indication settings. This article aims to provide an insight into the impact of different HIPEC protocols, different indication settings and the implementation of pre-HIPEC laparoscopy on patients’ morbidity rates and outcomes and serves as guidance for surgeons dealing with these patients in order to guarantee high-quality treatment.

Abstract

(1) Background: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy provide survival benefits to selected patients. We aimed to report our experience and the evolution of our peritoneal surface malignancy program. (2) Methods: From June 2005 to June 2017, 399 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at the Tübingen University Hospital were analyzed from a prospectively collected database. (3) Results: Peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer was the leading indication (group 1: 28%; group 2: 32%). The median PCI was 15.5 (range, 1–39) in group 1 and 11 (range, 1–39) in group 2 (p = 0.002). Regarding the completeness of cytoreduction (CC), a score of 0 was achieved in 63% vs. 69% for group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.010). Median overall survival rates for patients in group 1 and 2 for colon cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer and appendix cancer were 34 and 25 months; 45 months and not reached; 30 and 16 months; 39 months and not reached, respectively. The occurrence of grade-III and -IV complications slightly differed between groups (14.5% vs. 15.6%). No 30-day mortality occurred. (4) Conclusions: Specialized centers are able to provide low-morbidity cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy without mortality. Strict patient selection during the time period significantly improved CC scores.

Individual learning curve of cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer: A process with an impact on survival

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the learning curve (LC) of cytoredutive surgery (CRS) of peritoneal metastasis (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Information about learning curves is important for developing teaching tools and well-structured training programs for the implementation of this complex procedure in new healthcare centers. The aim of this study was to estimate how many procedures an inexperienced surgeon must perform (the length of the learning period) in order to demonstrate an acceptably low rate of locoregional recurrence.

METHODS

All consecutive 74 patients with CRS for CRC performed by a novice surgeon between 2012 and 2017 in a tertiary cancer center were included. The learning curve was calculated by a cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) graph. Two groups were formed based on the length of the learning period and were compared on overall and disease free survival.

RESULTS

The risk of locoregional recurrence decreased after surgeons had performed 19 cases, suggesting a learning period of this length. Overall survival and postoperative morbidity were not significantly different between learning and proficiency periods. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the learning period and peritoneal cancer index are the only factors affecting disease free survival. A second learning period was observed in cases where patient care became more complex.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that learning period has negative impacts on disease-free survival. An initial experience supervised in specialized centers allow to have a short learning curve for CRS for peritoneal metastases for CRC.

Western Australian Peritonectomy Service: a review of the first 6 years of operation of a low-volume peritonectomy centre

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal early chemotherapy has gained acceptance as the standard of care for peritoneal surface malignancy over the past decade. This study reports the results of the first 6 years of activity of the Western Australian Peritonectomy Service to compare outcomes of a low-volume centre with world standards.

METHODS

An audit of all patients who received CRS ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal early chemotherapy treatment at the Western Australian Peritonectomy Service in its first 6 years of operation was performed and results were compared to the recent world literature.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were treated with 150 CRS procedures, including 50 pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), 53 colorectal cancers (CRCs), 27 appendix adenocarcinomas (AAs) and 20 other cancers. The median operating time was 12 h with median length of hospital stay of 15 days. Perioperative mortality was 0.67% and Clavien-Dindo III/IV morbidity was 20%. The mean packed red cell transfusion requirement was 0.34 units/case. Post-discharge readmission rate was 25% and the return to theatre rate was 13%. The 4-year overall survival rates for PMP, CRC and AA were 97%, 49% and 81%, respectively. The 3-year disease-free survival rates for PMP, CRC and AA were 74%, 26% and 36%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A CRS centre averaging 25 cases per year can achieve strong outcomes in line with high-volume world centres.

Guidelines of the Association of Polish Surgeons and the Polish Society of Surgical Oncology on the accreditation of healthcare centers providing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for primary and secondary peritoneal cancers

Surgical interventions in patients with peritoneal metastases combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and systemic treatment are becoming more common and, when applied to selected patient groups, they reach 5-year survival rates of 32–52%. Good clinical outcomes require experienced and well-equipped healthcare centers, experienced surgical team and adequate patient qualification process. As a result of the discussion on the need for evaluation of quality of care and treatment outcomes and at the request of the Peritoneal Cancer Section of the Polish Society of Surgical Oncology, accreditation standards have been developed and the Accreditation Committee has been established for healthcare centers providing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for the management of primary and secondary peritoneal cancers.

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Development of a Physiotherapy Program

Background:

This study was to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of physiotherapy program to prevent VTE during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods:

For VTE prevention, we developed a systematic physiotherapy program consisting of active exercises of both arms and legs, and intermittent pneumatic compression device to massage both legs. This physiotherapy was applied to all patients, and the VTE-related events were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC was performed on 466 patients with PC. All patients had highest VTE risk, with the median Caprini risk factor score being 11. During the 3-month observation period, 8 patients had 9 (1.9%) clinically symptomatic VTE events, including 8 (1.7%) deep vein thrombosis and 1 (0.2%) pulmonary embolism. Among those, 5 patients received pharmacological treatments with low-molecular-weight heparin, and the other 3 received physical exercises only. All these patients recovered well, and there was no mortality about VTE perioperatively.

Conclusions:

Patients with PC treated by CRS + HIPEC are at highest risk for VTE. The systematic physiotherapy program is safe and feasible to prevent VTE post CRS + HIPEC.

Long-term survival outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Single-institutional experience with 1225 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To review long-term survival outcomes of patients with Peritoneal metastasis (PM) who underwent colorectal cancer (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC).

METHODS

Patients that underwent CRS, with or without PIC, from January 1996 to March 2018 at the Peritonectomy Unit of St. George Hospital, Sydney were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

The study comprised of 1225 cases, including 687 females (56.1%) and 538 males (43.9%). Diagnoses included CRC (n = 363), followed by HAMN (n = 317), LAMN (n = 297), mesothelioma (n = 101), ovarian cancer (n = 55), and others including gastric, sarcoma, and neuroendocrine tumor (n = 92). The median OS, 5- and 10-year survivals for CRC were 35 months, 33% and 8%, respectively. Patients with LAMN, in relative to HAMN, experienced a higher median OS, 5- and 10-year survivals (248 months vs 63 months; 82% vs 52% and 59% vs 28%). The median OS for mesothelioma was 60 months with 5- and 10-year survivals of 48% and 19%, respectively. In ovarian cancer, the median OS was 30 months with 5- and 10-year survivals of 26% and 10%, respectively. For the remaining histological diagnoses, median OS and 5-year survival were 28 months and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our large-cohort data showed that CRS/PIC can provide long-term survival benefit to patients with PM of gastrointestinal and ovarian origin.

Body surface area-based vs concentration-based perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy after optimal cytoreductive surgery in colorectal peritoneal surface malignancy treatment: COBOX trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) are the standard of care for patients diagnosed with colorectal peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). Despite a clearly defined standardization of CRS, a large variety of HIPEC modalities are still used in clinical practice.

METHODS

Body surface area (BSA)- and concentration-based HIPEC protocols were clinically and pharmacologically evaluated in a randomized phase III clinical pilot trial. Oxaliplatin dose was 460 mg/m ² (BSA-based) in 2 L/m ² carrier solution (concentration-based). Platinum quantification was performed using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. Three-month morbidity, mortality, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were randomized to either BSA- or concentration-based HIPEC. Toxicity and efficacy were higher (P < 0.001) in patients receiving concentration-based HIPEC. There was no difference in pharmacologic advantage between the two groups. A higher drug concentration in the tumor nodule at the end of HIPEC was found in the HIPEC-concentration group. There was no difference in major morbidity and mortality between the treatment groups. HRQOL was decreased 3 months postoperatively in the HIPEC-concentration group.

CONCLUSION

Concentration-based chemotherapy delivers the drug in the most standardized way to the tumor nodule, resulting in increasing drug concentrations in the tumor nodule without increasing major morbidity.

History of Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment in Japan

In this review, Japanese experience of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative chemotherapy is described. The new concept of peritoneal metastasis (PM) type, i.e., trans-mesothelial, trans-lymphatic, and superficial growing metastasis type was proposed in 2012. Surgeons should perform peritonectomy according to the type of PM. Since 1980, Japanese surgical oncologists have been spearheading the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) as treatment for PM from gastric cancer. Two RCTs were conducted to verify the effect of HIPEC for the prophylaxis of peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of advanced gastric cancer. These two studies indicated that HIPEC is effective in preventing peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer with serosal invasion. In 2002, intraperitoneal chemotherapy using taxans was developed for the treatment of PM from gastric cancer and led to the development of neoadjuvant intraperitoneal/systemic chemotherapy (NIPS), which was reported in 2006. In 2009, extensive intra-operative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) was developed, and contributed to the remarkable improvement in survival of patients with positive lavage cytology as demonstrated by prospective randomized clinical trials. In 2017, the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International proposed the value of complete cytoreduction and peritoneal cancer index cut-off as independent prognostic factors after CRS for gastric cancer with PM. Founded in 2016, the Japanese/Asian School of Peritoneal Surface Oncology (JASPSO) trains beginners to perform CRS and HIPEC safely. Sixteen students have already graduated from JASPSO and started to perform the treatment in their home countries.

Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

The peritoneum is the second most common site of metastasis after the liver and the only site of metastatic disease in approximately 25% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In the past, peritoneal carcinomatosis in CRC was thought to be equivalent to distant metastasis; however, the transcoelomic spread of malignant cells is an acknowledged alternative pathway. Metastasectomy with curative intent is well accepted in patients with liver metastasis in CRC despite the paucity of randomized trials. Therefore, there is rationale for local treatment with peritonectomy to eliminate macroscopic disease, followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy to destroy any residual free tumour cells within the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current evidence for cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in CRC.