Impact of Major Complications on Patients' Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Peritoneal Chemotherapy in Appendiceal and Colorectal Cancer: Outcomes and Survival

BACKGROUND

We reviewed outcomes following cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with appendiceal or colorectal neoplasms and evaluated key prognostic indicators for treatment.

METHODS

All patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for appendiceal and colorectal neoplasms were identified from an IRB-approved database. Patient demographics, operative reports, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

110 patients [median age 54.5 (18-79) years, 55% male] were included. Primary tumor location was colorectal (58; 52.7%) and appendiceal (52; 47.3%). 28.2%, .9%, and 12.7% had right, left, and sigmoid tumors, respectively; 11.8% had rectal tumors. 12/13 rectal cancer patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Mean Peritoneal Cancer Index was 9.6 ± 7.7; complete cytoreduction was achieved in 90.9%. 53.6% developed postoperative complications. Reoperation, perioperative mortality, and 30-day readmission rates were 1.8%, .09%, and 13.6%, respectively. Recurrence at a median of 11.1 months was 48.2%; overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 84% and 56.8%, respectively; disease-free survival was 60.8% and 33.7%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 16.8 (0-86.8) months. Univariate analysis of preoperative chemotherapy, primary malignancy location, primary tumor perforated or obstructive, postoperative bleeding complication, and pathology of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma and negative lymph nodes were identified as possible predictive factors of survival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative chemotherapy (P < .001), perforated tumor (P = .003), and postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P < .001) were independent prognostic indicators for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for colorectal and appendiceal neoplasms has low mortality and high completeness of cytoreduction score. Preoperative chemotherapy, primary tumor perforation, and postoperative bleeding are adverse risk factors for survival.

Quality of life and symptom distress after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/ HIPEC) for peritoneal surface malignancy can effectively control the disease, however it is also associated with adverse effects which may affect quality of life (QoL).

AIM

To investigate early perioperative QoL after CRS/HIPEC, which has not been discussed in Taiwan.

METHODS

This single institution, observational cohort study enrolled patients who received CRS/HIPEC. We assessed QoL using the Taiwanese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-T) and European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Participants completed the questionnaires before CRS/HIPEC (S1), at the first outpatient follow-up (S2), and 3 mo after CRS/HIPEC (S3).

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. There was no significant perioperative difference in global health status. Significant changes in physical and role functioning scores decreased at S2, and fatigue and pain scores increased at S2 but returned to baseline at S3. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and performance status were significantly correlated with QoL. In the MDASI-T questionnaire, distress/feeling upset and lack of appetite had the highest scores at S1, compared to fatigue and distress/feeling upset at S2, and fatigue and lack of appetite at S3. The leading interference items were working at S1 and S2 and activity at S3. MDASI-T scores were significantly negatively correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 results.

CONCLUSION

QoL and symptom severity improved or returned to baseline in most categories within 3 mo after CRS/HIPEC. Our findings can help with preoperative consultation and perioperative care.

Cytoreductive Thoracic Surgery Combined with Hyperthermic Chemoperfusion for Pleural Malignancies: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Lung-sparing cytoreductive surgery by extended pleurectomy and decortication (EPD) in combination with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemoperfusion (HITOC) forms a promising treatment strategy for malignant pleural mesothelioma and recurrent pleural thymic malignancies.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to scrutinize the surgical procedure and perioperative patient management with emphasis on perioperative morbidity and local tumor control.

METHODS

In 2014, a standardized EPD and HITOC procedure was implemented at the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg. This retrospective analysis included clinical data of consecutive patients with pleural mesothelioma and pleural metastasized malignancies treated by EPD and HITOC. The surgical procedure, perioperative management, lung function data, and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the time range between April 2, 2014 and July 2018, 76 patients with pleural malignancies have been treated with EPD and HITOC, and were analyzed retrospectively. It included 61 patients with pleural mesothelioma and 15 patients with pleural metastases of thymic malignancies (12), non-small cell lung cancer (1), colorectal carcinoma (1), and sarcoma (1). Perioperative morbidity following EPD and HITOC treatments represented 23.7% of overall malignancies, while 30- and 90-day mortality were 0 and 1.3%, respectively. Median PFS lasted 18.4 months for mesothelioma and 72.2 months for thymic malignancies.

CONCLUSION

Combining EPD with HITOC can be performed in patients with either pleural mesothelioma or pleural metastases resulting in low perioperative morbidity and mortality as well as remarkable local tumor control.

[Palliative Surgery in Colorectal Cancer - Which Factors Should Influence the Choice of the Surgical Procedure?]

BACKGROUND

The surgical procedure for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the palliative situation cannot be adequately standardised. The present study was initiated to identify criteria for the decision for resection of the malignancy with or without anastomosis.

PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a unicentric retrospective analysis, 103 patients after palliative resection with or without anastomosis due to CRC were examined. Using univariate and logistic regression analysis, the influence of a total of 40 factors on postoperative morbidity and mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

In 46 cases, resection with primary anastomosis and in 57 cases a discontinuity resection was performed. Postoperative morbidity was 44.7% and mortality 17.5%. After one-stage resection with anastomosis, nicotine abuse (OR 4.2; p = 0.044), hypalbuminaemia (OR 4.0; p = 0.012), ASA score > 2 (OR 3.7; p = 0.030) and liver remodelling/cirrhosis (OR 3.6; p = 0.031) increased the risk for postoperative complications. Hypalbuminaemia (OR 1.8; p = 0.036), cachexia (OR 1.8; p = 0.043), anaemia (OR 1.5; p = 0.038) and known alcohol abuse (OR 1.9; p = 0.023) were identified as independent risk factors for early postoperative mortality. After discontinuity resection, renal failure (OR 2.1; p = 0.042) and cachexia (OR 1.5; p = 0.045) led to a significant increase in the risk of postoperative morbidity, alcohol abuse (OR 1.8; p = 0.041) in mortality. Hypalbuminaemia (OR 2.8; p = 0.019) and an ASA score > 2 (OR 2.6; p = 0.004) after resection and reconstruction increased the risk of major complications according to Clavien-Dindo, while pre-existing renal failure (OR 1.6; p = 0.023) increased the risk after discontinuity resection. In univariate analysis, an ASA score > 2 (p = 0.038) after simultaneous tumour resection and reconstruction, and urgent surgery in both groups with or without primary anastomosis were additionally identified as significant parameters with a negative influence on mortality (p = 0.010 and p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Palliative resections of colorectal carcinomas have high morbidity and mortality. Especially in cases of pre-existing alcohol abuse and/or urgent indication for surgery, more intensive monitoring should be performed. In the case of anaemia, cachexia, hypalbuminemia and an ASA score > 2, discontinuity resection may be the more appropriate procedure.

Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that, overall, quality of life (QoL) decreases within the first 3-6 months after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC), returning to baseline levels by 6-12 months. This systematic review aims to evaluate the factors affecting QoL after CRS + HIPEC within 12 months of surgery.

METHODS

Electronic databases were investigated searching for articles reporting QoL with validated questionnaires up to September 2019. Risk of bias was assessed with the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool. The primary outcomes were short-term (< 6 months after surgery) and medium-term (6-12 months after surgery) determinants of QoL after CRS + HIPEC. Secondary outcomes were QoL and reported symptoms over time.

RESULTS

We included 14 studies that used 12 different questionnaires. The reported data were collected prospectively or retrospectively for 1556 patients (dropout < 50% in four studies). Overall, studies showed diminished QoL within 3 months after surgery and a recovery to baseline or greater by 12 months. QoL was negatively influenced by higher age, female sex, prolonged operation time, extensive disease, residual disease, adjuvant chemotherapy, complications, stoma placement, and recurrent disease. QoL results were comparable between studies, with dropout rates above and below 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL returns to baseline levels within 12 months after CRS + HIPEC provided the disease does not recur, and this recovery process is influenced by several factors.

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.

Approach to pseudomyxoma peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a mucinous tumour of the appendix that spreads into the peritoneal cavity in the form of gelatinous deposits. The incidence of PMP is believed to be approximately 1-3 out of a million per year. Nonetheless, due to its indolent nature, it is usually discovered at an advanced stage and severely impacts quality of life. Curative treatment for PMP is complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). An extensive literature review was conducted searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for PMP in aims to delineate a clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment. Literature was limited to the years 2007-2018. We found the 5-year overall survival with CRS and HIPEC estimated to be between 23%-82% and rates of major complications as high as 24%. Therefore, it is important to appropriately stage and select patients that should undergo CRS with HIPEC. Modalities like MDCT radiological scores have been shown to have sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 81%, respectively, in being able to predict resectability and survival. Despite treatment, the disease often recurs. Tumor markers have significant potential for establishing prognosis pre-operatively, and this paper will review the most recent evidence in support of them.

Identification of risk factors associated with postoperative acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a postoperative complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence and risks factors for AKI after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) have not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors predictive of AKI after CRS-HIPEC.

METHODS

This retrospective study collected demographic, tumour-related, intraoperative and postoperative data from 475 patients who underwent CRS-HIPECs. AKI was defined using the acute kidney injury network criteria and calculated on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7 and day of hospital discharge. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to assess the association between variables of interest and AKI. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The incidence of AKI was 21.3%. The multivariate analysis identified six predictor factors independently associated with the development of AKI (OR: [95%CI]); age: 1.16 (1.05-1.29, p < 0.005), BMI (overweight: 1.97 [1.00-3.88], p = 0.05) and obesity: 2.88 (1.47-5.63), p < 0.002)), preoperative pregabalin: 3.04 (1.71-5.39, p < 0.037), platinum-based infusion: 3.04 (1.71-5.39, p < 0.001) and EBL: 1.77 (1.27-2.47, p < 0.001). Splenectomy had a protective effect (OR: 0.44 (0.25-0.76, p < 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the incidence of AKI is high. While other studies have reported that AKI is associated with platinum-based infusion, age and obesity, we report for the first time a negative association between pregabalin use and AKI. More studies are needed to confirm our results.

Applications of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plays a pivotal role in the current treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Since the first demonstration, benefits for patients and especially an increase in survival have been described. In recent years, feasibility, efficacy and safety of HIPEC have been improved and progress has been made in understanding its oncological mechanism. Areas covered: In this article, leading publications have been reviewed including clinical trials to describe the clinical presentation of PC due to CRC and present recent evidence of the CRS/HIPEC procedure. The surgical approach including evaluation of the extent of PC is described and, in addition, the article reports about different HIPEC techniques as well as several protocols. Furthermore, the development and prognostic benefit of the combination of intraperitoneal and intravenous chemotherapy are outlined. Consideration has been given in particular to patient selection and the use of HIPEC if complete cytoreduction is not feasible. Expert commentary: The CRS/HIPEC procedure represents a curative approach to treat patients with PC from CRC. However, surgical skills and the HIPEC technique still require specialized oncological centers.

Impact of Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy on Quality of Life and Symptoms in Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. Peritoneal cancer treatment aims to prolong survival, but preserving Quality of Life (QoL) under treatment is also a priority. Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel minimally invasive repeatable treatment modality. The aim of the present study was to assess QoL in our cohort of PIPAC patients. Methods. Analysis of all consecutive patients included from the start of PIPAC program (January 2015). QoL (0-100: optimal) and symptoms (no symptom: 0-100) were measured prospectively before and after every PIPAC procedure using EORTC QLQ-C30. Results. Forty-two patients (M : F = 8 : 34, median age 66 (59-73) years) had 91 PIPAC procedures in total (1 : 4x, 17 : 3x, 12 : 2x, and 12 : 1x). Before first PIPAC, baseline QoL was measured as median of 66 ± 2.64. Prominent complaints were fatigue (32 ± 4.3) and digestive symptoms as diarrhea (17 ± 3.75), constipation (17 ± 4.13), and nausea (7 ± 2.54). Overall Quality of Life was 64 ± 3.75 after PIPAC#1 (p = 0.57), 61 ± 4.76 after PIPAC#2 (p = 0.89), and 70 ± 6.67 after PIPAC#3 (p = 0.58). Fatigue symptom score was 44 ± 4.86 after PIPAC#1 and 47 ± 6.69 and 34 ± 7.85 after second and third applications, respectively (p = 0.40). Diarrhea (p = 0.31), constipation (p = 0.76), and nausea (p = 0.66) did not change significantly under PIPAC treatment. Conclusion. PIPAC treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis had no negative impact on patients' overall QoL and its components or on main symptoms. This study was registered online on Research Registry (UIN: 1608).

Adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of gastric cancer at risk for peritoneal carcinomatosis: A systematic review

The peritoneal surface is a frequent site of recurrence following surgery for gastric cancer. A systematic review and random effect analysis was undertaken to analyze current literature regarding the role of adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gastric cancer. While pooled analysis supports the use of adjuvant IP chemotherapy in resectable gastric cancer, maximal benefit occured with intra-operative delivery, and possibly the use of MMC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:192-201. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.