News

For people with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma treated with CRS/HIPEC, prognosis may improve as more time passes after surgery. A two-center study found that the estimated chance of surviving another five years rose among patients who had already survived several years. Lower tumor burden and avoiding serious complications were associated with longer survival. The findings offer hope, but they cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome.

A study of 101 patients with peritoneal metastases found that long-term survival was possible after cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC, and postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Five-year overall survival reached 62% for patients with appendix cancer and 34% for those with colorectal cancer. The results highlight the importance of specialized evaluation and removing all visible disease, but the study was small, conducted at one center, and did not include a comparison group.

For people with advanced ovarian cancer, surgery may take place before chemotherapy or after several cycles of treatment. A recent review found that neither approach is best for everyone. The most important goal is safely removing all visible cancer. Treatment timing should be based on the cancer’s location and extent, the patient’s overall health, and the surgical team’s expertise. Evaluation by an experienced gynecologic oncologist can help guide this complex decision.

Recovering from CRS/HIPEC can bring nutrition challenges that patients and caregivers may not expect. In interviews with 20 colorectal cancer survivors and 10 caregivers, researchers found that diarrhea, early fullness, pain, meal preparation, and changing dietary needs can complicate recovery. The study highlights the value of earlier, ongoing, and individualized nutrition support to help patients and caregivers feel better prepared for life after CRS/HIPEC.

A new study followed 111 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) for one year after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC. Quality of life declined most during the early weeks after surgery, with fatigue, pain, appetite loss, sleep difficulties, and other symptoms affecting recovery. Most measures improved steadily and returned to or approached pre-surgery levels within 6–12 months, offering patients and caregivers valuable insight into what recovery may look like.

A new study found that while CT scans provide a useful estimate of the extent of peritoneal metastases, they often underestimate the amount of cancer found during surgery. Diagnostic laparoscopy may offer a more accurate assessment in selected patients, helping physicians make more informed decisions about cytoreductive surgery.

A new multi-institutional study found that a second cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without HIPEC may be a safe option for carefully selected patients with recurrent colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. Patients who underwent repeat surgery had similar complication rates and lived longer than those treated with systemic therapy or supportive care alone.

A new study examined how often incisional hernias occur after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC for colorectal and appendiceal cancers. Researchers found that patients with a history of prior open abdominal surgery or a previous hernia had the highest risk, highlighting the importance of individualized surgical planning, recovery, and long-term follow-up.

International experts are working to make treatment for advanced ovarian cancer more personalized. This special issue of PSOGI World News highlights new evidence supporting careful patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, the growing role of minimally invasive surgery, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence may improve treatment planning and outcomes in the future.

Pancreatic cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum) is often difficult to treat and is associated with poor outcomes. Standard treatment typically involves chemotherapy, but survival rates remain low. Researchers conducted a systematic review to examine whether a treatment approach called cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may improve outcomes for some patients with pancreatic cance

Peritoneal metastases occur when cancer spreads to the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). This can happen with cancers such as colorectal, appendiceal, gastric (stomach), ovarian cancers, and peritoneal mesothelioma. Historically, patients with peritoneal metastases had very limited treatment options and poor survival. Researchers reviewed published studies to better understand how a treatment called cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC affected survival.

In the fight against advanced abdominal cancers, we stand behind a powerful treatment that is changing outcomes and saving lives: CRS/HIPEC (Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). This life-extending procedure offers renewed hope for patients with complex peritoneal surface malignancies. And yet far too many never hear about it in time. The Abdominal Cancers Alliance is here to support patients in their fight.

This letter, penned by a devoted daughter, highlights the profound impact of skilled, expert care in the treatment of abdominal cancers. It underscores the critical importance of getting to specialized care when navigating the complexities of an advanced diagnosis. This heartfelt account serves as a reminder of the difference that expertise and empathy can make in the lives of patients and their families - enabling longer life, better quality of life, and more moments she'll

Pham ENB, Horeweg N, van der Marel J, Nooij LS. Survival benefit of cytoreductive surgery in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer: a systematic review & meta-analysis . BJC Rep. 2024 Oct 8;2(1):76. doi: 10.1038/s44276-024-00084-4 . PMID: 39516418; PMCID: PMC11523991. What Did the Study Look At? This research combined results from multiple published studies to find out whether cytoreductive surgery (CRS) — surgery that removes as much visible cancer as possible —

This research study explored outcomes for people with colorectal cancer that had spread to two places at the same time: the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum), and the liver.