Research

A new clinical trial at Allegheny Health Network is exploring whether existing medications can reduce dense scar tissue surrounding appendix and other peritoneal cancers. Named in honor of firefighter and appendix cancer patient Randy Meyer, RANDY'S Trial aims to determine whether modifying scar tissue could help more patients become eligible for cytoreductive surgery. The community-funded study offers a promising new direction in rare cancer research.

A small randomized study suggests that supervised short-term fasting around chemotherapy may improve treatment response in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Researchers observed lower insulin levels, stronger tumor responses, and longer progression-free survival compared with patients following regular diets. Although promising, these early findings require confirmation in larger studies. Patients should consult their oncology team before making dietary changes during treat

A new study of 1,502 patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer found that those with documented depression or anxiety had longer hospital stays, higher postoperative complication rates, and greater healthcare costs than patients without these diagnoses. The findings suggest mental health screening and supportive care may be an important part of preparing for major cancer surgery, while emphasizing that depression or anxiety should not limit access to potentially cura

A new review explores NIPS, an approach that combines chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity with systemic treatment for gastrointestinal cancers that have spread to the peritoneum. Paclitaxel-based NIPS has shown the most encouraging results in gastric cancer, with some patients responding enough to become surgical candidates. Research in colorectal and pancreatic cancers is still early, and more studies are needed.

A new MD Anderson study is exploring whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can help personalize chemotherapy before CRS/HIPEC for patients with colorectal or appendiceal cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. Patients with undetectable ctDNA may be able to move to surgery sooner, while those with detectable ctDNA may receive additional chemotherapy. The approach is promising, but the trial is still ongoing and larger studies are needed.

New research from MD Anderson explores whether next-generation sequencing (NGS) of fluid collected during peritoneal washing could help improve staging for gastric cancer. By looking for tumor-derived genetic material in the washing fluid, researchers are investigating a potential way to identify microscopic peritoneal spread that may be difficult to detect with imaging or cytology alone. The approach remains investigational but could eventually support more precise treatment

A new study suggests FAPI PET/CT may provide a clearer picture of how ovarian cancer has spread within the abdomen than conventional CT. The scan showed greater sensitivity for detecting peritoneal disease, including in areas that can be difficult to assess before surgery. While more research is needed, improved imaging could help multidisciplinary teams better evaluate disease extent, plan treatment, and identify patients who may benefit from cytoreductive surgery.

A single-center study examined whether bevacizumab could continue during treatment with pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). Among 202 PIPAC procedures in 111 patients, 30-day complications occurred after 5.1% of procedures with bevacizumab and 9.6% without—a difference that was not statistically significant. No deaths, bleeding, perforations, or delayed wound healing occurred. The findings are encouraging, but larger prospective studies are needed before

A U.S. phase I trial evaluated PIPAC with cisplatin and doxorubicin in 15 women with heavily pretreated recurrent ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. The procedure was feasible and generally well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities or grade 4–5 events. Some patients showed disease control inside the abdomen, but progression-free survival was limited. Researchers say larger trials should refine patient selection and combination treatments.

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 new study is helping researchers build a clearer genetic map of peritoneal mesothelioma. An analysis of tumor samples from 192 patients identified recurring changes in BAP1, NF2, TP53, and SETD2—genes involved in DNA repair and controlling cell growth. Although the findings do not change current treatment, they highlight biological pathways that could guide future targeted therapies and clinical trials for this rare cancer.

A Mayo Clinic study found that pancreatic cysts with multiple concerning features may carry a greater risk of progressing to pancreatic cancer or advanced precancerous changes. The three-year risk increased from approximately 2% with one concerning feature to 18% with three or more. The findings may help specialists identify who needs closer monitoring or treatment while allowing patients at lower risk to avoid unnecessary pancreatic surgery.

A small study suggests that early, personalized nutrition support may help patients with pancreatic cancer tolerate more of their prescribed chemotherapy and recover more quickly after surgery. Patients who worked closely with a dietitian had higher chemotherapy completion, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postoperative infections. Although larger studies are needed, the findings support making nutrition an early and ongoing part of pancreatic cancer care.

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.

PIPAC is a newer way to deliver chemotherapy directly to cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen. Using a minimally invasive procedure, chemotherapy is sprayed as a fine mist to improve drug delivery while reducing side effects. Learn how PIPAC works, who may benefit, how it differs from HIPEC, and why it is being studied in clinical trials.

A new feasibility study found that ultrasound-guided progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) allowed patients with "non-accessible" abdomens to safely receive PIPAC, a treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis. While only five patients were studied, all successfully underwent PIPAC without major complications, suggesting this technique may expand treatment options for selected patients.

If your care team recommends chemotherapy before stomach cancer surgery, you may wonder whether it makes surgery riskier. This study found that patients who received chemotherapy before surgery had similar complication rates, hospital stays, and survival as those who had surgery first—and were even less likely to be readmitted to the hospital after surgery.

HIPEC has moved from controversy toward becoming an important treatment option for carefully selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer. This editorial reviews the growing evidence showing improved survival without added long-term quality-of-life concerns and highlights why treatment at experienced CRS/HIPEC centers is so important.

Being told your cancer is "inoperable" may not be the end of the story. New research shows that many patients who sought a second opinion at a specialized peritoneal cancer center were ultimately able to undergo successful surgery. Learn why expert evaluation can open the door to additional treatment options—and why a second opinion could make all the difference.