Prognosis of poorly cohesive gastric cancer after complete cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CYTO-CHIP study).

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gastric poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) is increasing. The prognosis for patients with peritoneal metastases remains poor and the role of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is controversial. The aim was to clarify the impact of gastric PCC with peritoneal metastases treated by CRS with or without HIPEC. METHODS: All patients with peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer treated with CRS with or without HIPEC, in 19 French centres, between 1989 and 2014, were identified from institutional databases. Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were compared between PCC and non-PCC subtypes, and the possible benefit of HIPEC was assessed. RESULTS: In total, 277 patients were included (188 PCC, 89 non-PCC). HIPEC was performed in 180 of 277 patients (65 per cent), including 124 of 188 with PCC (66 per cent). Median overall survival (OS) was 14.7 (95 per cent c.i. 12.7 to 17.3) months in the PCC group versus 21.2 (14.7 to 36.4) months in the non-PCC group (P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, PCC (hazard ratio (HR) 1.51, 95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 2.25; P = 0.044) was associated with poorer OS, as were pN3, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), and resection with a completeness of cytoreduction score of 1, whereas HIPEC was associated with improved OS (HR 0.52; P < 0.001). The benefit of CRS-HIPEC over CRS alone was consistent, irrespective of histology, with a median OS of 16.7 versus 11.3 months (HR 0.60, 0.39 to 0.92; P = 0.018) in the PCC group, and 34.5 versus 14.3 months (HR 0.43, 0.25 to 0.75; P = 0.003) in the non-PCC group. Non-PCC and HIPEC were independently associated with improved recurrence-free survival and fewer peritoneal recurrences. In patients who underwent HIPEC, PCI values of below 7 and less than 13 were predictive of OS in PCC and non-PCC populations respectively. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, CRS-HIPEC offers acceptable outcomes among those with gastric PCC and long survival for patients without PCC.

Non-medical caregivers and the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the operating theatre: A survey on the perception of safety.

BACKGROUND: In the last two decades, intraperitoneal(IP) chemotherapy during surgery achieved recognition in the management of peritoneal metastases. Occupational hazard became a concern leading to standardized safety measures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceived level of information and protection among the non-medical caregivers involved in HIPEC and PIPAC in a high-volume center. METHODS: All non-medical caregivers in the operating theatre of our institution were asked to answer a questionnaire between April and May 2018. The questionnaire included multiple choice questions and open questions structured in four parts: demographic variables, perceived level of information, perceived level of protection, interest in further education. RESULTS: Forty-nine caregivers agreed to answer the questionnaire. All identified IP chemotherapy as an occupational risk. Thirty-eight persons (77.55%) trusted the protective value of safety measures during HIPEC compared to 32 (65.3%) during PIPAC. A total of 29 persons (59.18%) used some of the measures while 16 (32.65%) used all of them. Main reasons of non-use were slips and lapses (7 persons) and lack of comfort (4 persons). A total of 34 caregivers considered the level of information about safety protocols as good or very good (69%). A total of 46 persons considered the level of protection as satisfying or excellent (93.87%). A total of 36 (73.47%) interviewees expressed the need of receiving more information. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that non-medical caregivers in the operating theatres are aware of the occupational hazards related to the use of IP chemotherapy. The use of protective measures is associated with decreased level of perceived risk. However there is a high need of continuous education on this subject for the involved personnel.

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.

Can we cure patients with abdominal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor? Results of a retrospective multicentric study on 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite being associated with a very poor prognosis, long-term survivors across all series of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) have been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze patients 'characteristics associated with a prolonged survival after DSRCT diagnosis. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated for DSRCT in nine French expert centers between 1991 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with a follow-up of less than 2 years were excluded and cure defined as being disease-free at least 5 years. RESULTS: 100 pts were identified (median age 25 years, 89% male). 27 had distant metastases at diagnosis and 80 pts underwent upfront chemotherapy (CT). 71 pts were operated, 20 pts without prior CT). Surgery was macroscopically complete (CC0/1) in 50 pts. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) was administered during surgery in 15 pts 54 pts had postoperative CT and 26 pts had postoperative whole abdomino-pelvic RT (WAP-RT). After a median follow-up of 103 months (range 23-311), the median overall survival (OS) was 25 months. The 1- year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 90%, 35% and 4% respectively. 5 patients were considered cured after a median disease-free interval of 100 months (range 22-139). Predictive factors of cure were female sex (HR = 0.49, p = 0.014), median PCI<12 (HR = 0.32, p = 0.0004), MD Anderson stage I (HR = 0.25, p < 0.0001), CC0/1 (HR = 0.34, p < 0.0001), and WAP-RT (HR = 0.36, p = 0.00013). HIPEC did not statistically improve survival. CONCLUSION: Cure in DSRCT is possible in 5% of patients and is best achieved combining systemic chemotherapy, complete cytoreductive surgery and WAP-RT. Despite aggressive treatment, recurrence is common and targeted therapies are urgently needed.

Recurrence of pseudomyxoma peritonei after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Background: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical condition characterized by mucinous ascites, typically related to appendiceal or ovarian tumours. Current standard treatment involves cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), but recurrences occur in 20-30 per cent of patients. The aim of this study was to define the timing and patterns of recurrence to provide a basis for modifying follow-up of these patients. Methods: This observational study examined a prospectively developed multicentre national database (RENAPE working group) to identify patients with recurrence after optimal CRS and HIPEC for PMP. Postoperative complications, long-term outcomes and potential prognostic factors were evaluated. Results: Of 1411 patients with proven PMP, 948 were identified who had undergone curative CRS and HIPEC. Among these patients, 229 first recurrences (24·2 per cent) were identified: 196 (20·7 per cent) occurred within the first 5 years (early recurrence) and 30 (3·2 per cent) occurred between 5 and 10 years. Three patients developed a first recurrence more than 10 years after the original treatment. The mean(s.d.) time to first recurrence was 2·36(2·21) years. Preoperative chemotherapy and high-grade pathology were significant factors for early recurrence. Overall survival for the entire group was 77·9 and 63·1 per cent at 5 and 10 years respectively. The principal site of recurrence was the peritoneum. Conclusion: Recurrence of PMP was rare after 5 years and exceptional after 10 years.

[What is the best management for a spermatic cord sarcoma in 2018?] / Quelle prise en charge optimale pour un sarcome du cordon spermatique en 2018 ?

Spermatic cord sarcomas are rare tumors for which the most important is the initial diagnostic procedure. They are frequently misdiagnosed after surgery for inguinal hernia, inguinal lymphadenectomy or testicular malignancy. Any clinical suspicion has to lead to perform imaging with MRI and a core needle biopsy in order to obtain an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are the most common histological subtypes in elderly adults, rhabdomyosarcoma in children or in young adults. A CT scan will precede the treatment in order to look for distant metastasis and abdominal involvement. The therapeutic strategy as well as the surgical planning are then adapted to the histological, morphological and prognostic factors. Surgery is the cornerstone for the treatment of spermatic cord sarcoma. The minimum requirements for the surgical procedure are a wide excision of the tumor en bloc with radical orchidectomy, excision of the ipsilateral scrotum and high spermatic cord ligation. It could be enlarged to the anterior abdominal wall and adjacent organs some required a soft tissue flap. Spermatic cord sarcoma and trunk wall sarcoma have the same prognosis for which local recurrence could significantly decrease survival. Consequently, surgeon in charge with these tumors has to be familiar with soft tissue sarcoma and the management of these patients must be carried out under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team within the Netsarc network.

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC improve survival compared to palliative chemotherapy for biliary carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis: A multi-institutional cohort from PSOGI and BIG RENAPE groups.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal metastasis from biliary carcinoma (PMC) is associated with poor prognosis when treated with chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on survival of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and compare with conventional palliative chemotherapy for patients with PMC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter international database was retrospectively searched to identify all patients with PMC treated with a potentially curative CRS/HIPEC (CRS/HIPEC group). The overall survival (OS) was compared to patients with PMC treated with palliative chemotherapy (systemic chemotherapy group). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-Rank test. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2015, 34 patients were included in the surgical group, and compared to 21 in the systemic chemotherapy group. In the surgical group, median peritoneal cancer index was 9 (range 3-26), macroscopically complete resection was obtained for 25 patients (73%). There was more gallbladder localization in the surgical group compared to the chemotherapy group (35% vs. 18%, p = 0.001). Median OS was 21.4 and 9.3 months for surgical and chemotherapy group, respectively (p=0.007). Three-year overall survival was 30% and 10% for surgical and chemotherapy group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Treatment with CRS and HIPEC for biliary carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis is feasible and may provide survival benefit when compared to palliative chemotherapy.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendicular and extra-appendicular origin.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of the primary neoplasm responsible for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) remains poorly studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis for patients with extra-appendicular PMP (EA-PMP) treated optimally with complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: All patients treated for PMP with CCRS and HIPEC between 1994 and 2016 were selected retrospectively from a French multicentre database. Patients with EA-PMP had pathologically confirmed non-neoplastic appendices and were matched in a 1 : 4 ratio with patients treated for appendicular PMP (A-PMP), based on a propensity score. RESULTS: Some 726 patients were identified, of which 61 (EA-PMP group) were matched with 244 patients (A-PMP group). The origins of primary tumours in the EA-PMP group included the ovary (45 patients), colon (4), urachus (4), small bowel (1), pancreas (1) and unknown (6). The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index was comparable in EA-PMP and A-PMP groups (15·5 versus 18 respectively; P = 0·315). In-hospital mortality (3 versus 2·9 per cent; P = 1·000) and major morbidity 26 versus 25·0 per cent; P = 0·869) were also similar between the two groups. Median follow-up was 66·9 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 87·8 (95 per cent c.i. 83·2 to 92·5) per cent in the A-PMP group and 87 (77 to 96) per cent in the EA-PMP group. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 66·0 (58·7 to 73·4) per cent and 70 (53 to 83) per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall and disease-free survival following treatment with CCRS and HIPEC is similar in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendicular or extra-appendicular origin.

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: Evaluation of systemic chemotherapy with comprehensive treatment through the RENAPE Database: Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a severe disease with mainly locoregional evolution. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is the reported treatment with the longest survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative systemic chemotherapy strategies on survival and postoperative outcomes in patients with DMPM treated with curative intent with CRS-HIPEC, using a multi-institutional database: the French RENAPE network. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1991 to 2014, 126 DMPM patients underwent CRS-HIPEC at 20 tertiary centres. The population was divided into four groups according to perioperative treatment: only neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA), only adjuvant chemotherapy (ADJ), perioperative chemotherapy (PO) and no chemotherapy before or after CRS-HIPEC (NoC). RESULTS: All groups (NA: n = 42; ADJ: n = 16; PO: n = 16; NoC: n = 48) were comparable regarding clinicopathological data and main DMPM prognostic factors. After a median follow-up of 61 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 40%, 67%, 62% and 56% in NA, ADJ, PO and NoC groups, respectively (P = 0.049). Major complications occurred for 41%, 45%, 35% and 41% of patients from NA, ADJ, PO and NoC groups, respectively (P = 0.299). In multivariate analysis, NA was independently associated with worse OS (hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.94; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy may delay recurrence and improve survival and that NA may impact negatively the survival for patients with DMPM who underwent CRS-HIPEC with curative intent. Upfront CRS and HIPEC should be considered when achievable, waiting for stronger level of scientific evidence.

Results of a multicenter phase I dose-finding trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal cisplatin after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and complete cytoreductive surgery and followed by maintenance bevacizumab in initially unresectable ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may improve the outcome of patients with initially unresectable ovarian cancer who are eligible for complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The main objective of this multicenter phase-I study was to identify the recommended dose of cisplatin for HIPEC at CCRS after neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP). METHODS: Patients were treated with 6cycles of CP followed by CCRS and HIPEC using cisplatin heated for one hour at 42°C+/-1°C. Four cisplatin dose-levels were evaluated: 50, 60, 70, 80mg/m(2). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined as a grade≥IIIb adverse event (Dindo classification). The Continual Reassessment Method was used for this dose-finding study, with a target percentage of DLT set at 20%. Twenty-two cycles (15mg/kg/cycle) of maintenance bevacizumab therapy were planned after surgery. RESULTS: Between June-2011 and September-2012, 30 patients were recruited. No DLT occurred at the first three dose-levels (4, 4 and 5 patients at 50, 60 and 70mg/m(2) respectively). At dose-level 4 (80mg/m(2), 17 patients), four DLTs occurred: renal failure (n=2), peritonitis (n=1) and hemorrhage (n=1). Eight weeks after surgery, creatinine clearance was reduced to <30mL/min in 3 patients, all treated at 80mg/m(2), and between 30 and 60mL/min in 6 patients (2, 1, 1 and 2 at the four dose-levels respectively). Twenty patients started maintenance bevacizumab, and 7 received the 22 courses initially planned. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the observed DLTs and prolonged impairment of renal function, we recommend a dose of 70mg/m(2) of cisplatin for HIPEC.

Professional risks when carrying out cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal malignancy with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): A French multicentric survey.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, many surgical teams have developed programs to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis with extensive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Currently, there are no specific recommendations for HIPEC procedures concerning environmental contamination risk management, personal protective equipment (PPE), or occupational health supervision. METHODS: A survey of the institutional practices among all French teams currently performing HIPEC procedures was carried out via the French network for the treatment of rare peritoneal malignancies (RENAPE). RESULTS: Thirty three surgical teams responded, 14 (42.4%) which reported more than 10 years of HIPEC experience. Some practices were widespread, such as using HIPEC machine approved by the European Community (100%), individualized or centralized smoke evacuation (81.8%), "open" abdominal coverage during perfusion (75.8%), and maintaining the same surgeon throughout the procedure (69.7%). Others were more heterogeneous, including laminar flow air circulation (54.5%) and the provision of safety protocols in the event of perfusate spills (51.5%). The use of specialized personal protective equipment is ubiquitous (93.9%) but widely variable between programs. CONCLUSION: Protocols regarding cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC and the associated professional risks in France lack standardization and should be established.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles prior to interval surgery in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Complete surgery with no macroscopic residual disease (RD) at primary (PDS) or interval debulking surgery (IDS) is the main objective of surgery in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact on survival of the number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) cycles before IDS in EOC patients. METHODS: Data from EOC patients (stages IIIC-IV), operated on between 1995 and 2010 were consecutively recorded. NAC/IDS patients were analyzed according to the number of preoperative cycles (<4=group B1; >4=group B2) and compared with patients receiving PDS (group A). Patients with complete resection were specifically analyzed. RESULTS: 367 patients were analyzed, 220 received PDS and 147 had IDS/NAC. In group B, 37 patients received more than 4 NAC cycles (group B2). Group B2 patients presented more frequently stage IV disease at diagnosis (p<0.01) compared to groups A and B1. The rate of complete cytoreduction was higher in group B (p<0.001). Patients with no RD after IDS and who had received more than 4 NAC cycles had poor survival (p<0.001) despite complete removal of their tumor (relative risk of death after multivariate analysis of 3 (p<0.001)) with an independent impact from disease stage and WHO performance status. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced EOC receiving complete IDS after more than 4cycles of NAC have poor prognosis. Despite worse prognostic factors observed in this group of patients, our study reinforces the concept of early and complete removal of all macroscopic tumors in the therapeutic sequence of EOC.

[Impact of surgery in the management of pancreatic metastases of renal cell cancer]. / Place de la chirurgie dans la prise en charge des métastases pancréatiques des cancers du rein.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing over the 25 last years. Pancreatic metastases of RCC are rare. The aim of this work was to study overall survival of patients operated for pancreatic metastases of RCC in Montpellier cancer institute. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2012, a retrospective monocentric study was performed at Montpellier cancer institute. We evaluated the outcomes of curative pancreatic metastases from renal primary and the impact of targeted therapies. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were treated in our center for pancreatic metastases of RCC. Twelve patients had a curative surgery of metachronous pancreatic metastases. Four patients were without recurrence after pancreatic resection (33.3%). None had adjuvant therapy. Six patients were treated by targeted therapies, because of metastatic progression. Five of 6 died, the sixth evolved with targeted therapies by thyrosine kinase inhibitor. Average deadline between appearance of metastases and death was 89.9 months for operated patients. Average deadline between appearance of c metastases and death was 33.1 months for the others (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of pancreatic metastases should increase life expectancy of patients. Others studies are necessary to prove the impact of targeted therapies in metastatics patients in this indication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with cytoreductive surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for advanced ovarian carcinoma: a French multicentre retrospective cohort study of 566 patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite a high response rate to front-line therapy, prognosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remains poor. Approaches that combine Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been developed recently. The purpose of this study was to assess early and long-term survival in patients treated with this strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort multicentric study from French centres was performed. All consecutive patients with advanced and recurrent EOC treated with CRS and HIPEC were included. RESULTS: The study included 566 patients from 13 centres who underwent 607 procedures between 1991 and 2010. There were 92 patients with advanced EOC (first-line treatment), and 474 patients with recurrent EOC. A complete cytoreductive surgery was performed in 74.9% of patients. Mortality and grades 3 to 4 morbidity rates were 0.8% and 31.3%, respectively. The median overall survivals were 35.4 months and 45.7 months for advanced and recurrent EOC, respectively. There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients with chemosensitive and with chemoresistant recurrence. Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) that evaluated disease extent was the strongest independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival in all groups. CONCLUSION: For advanced and recurrent EOC, curative therapeutic approach combining optimal CRS and HIPEC should be considered as it may achieve long-term survival in patients with a severe prognosis disease, even in patients with chemoresistant disease. PCI should be used for patient's selection.

Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma treated by cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. A multi-institutional study of 36 patients.

AIM: Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC) is a rare condition, histologically identical to ovarian serous carcinoma and often diagnosed at late stage. There is not any standardized treatment for PPSC. A retrospective multicentric study was performed in French speaking centers to evaluate cytoreduction surgery and Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from different origins. The manuscript's aim was to study the particular population with PPSC. METHODS: Between September 1997 and July 2007, 36 patients with PPSC from 9 institutions underwent 39 procedures. RESULTS: Mortality and morbidity rates were 5.6% and 20.6% respectively. The overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years are respectively 93.6, 71.5 and 57.4%. The median overall survival was not reached. By univariate analysis, the only factor that had prognostic value was PCI (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic approach combining cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC may achieve long-term survival in patients with PPSC.

[Natural history and management of retroperitoneal sarcoma: Review of the literature by the Oncology committee of the French association of urology]. / Histoire naturelle et prise en charge des sarcomes du rétropéritoine : état des lieux par le comité de cancérologie de l'association française d'urologie sous comité Organes génitaux externes.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this article of review is to precise the natural history and rules of treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma. These elements are sometimes ignored of the urologists. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic review of the literature over the 15 last years was carried out on Medline database. RESULTS: The sarcomas of the rétropéritoine are found with diagnosis delay because they don't have specific symptoms. The imagery is sometimes characteristic but only percutaneous biopsy is able to confirm the diagnosis. Retroperitoneal sarcomas are characterized by the high rate of local recurrence, which is related to the survival rate. The main prognostic factors are negative margins and grade of the tumor. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy is limited by the radio sensitivity of the abdominal viscera and the postoperative rehandlings. Today, the role of the neoadjuvant radiotherapy is in evaluation in prospective study. The effectiveness of chemotherapy is limited. CONCLUSION: Complete compartmental surgery without tumor rupture is the cornerstone of treatment. This complex surgery should be performed in a high-volume center.

Hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy using oxaliplatin as consolidation therapy for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Results of a phase II prospective multicentre trial. CHIPOVAC study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate morbidity of intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) using Oxaliplatin as consolidation therapy for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma and, secondly, to study peritoneal recurrence. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, 31 patients from 18 to 65 years with FIGO stage IIIC epithelial ovarian carcinoma were treated by surgery and a total of 6 cycles of platinum based chemotherapy. Those patients were eligible for consolidation therapy. We performed a second look laparotomy operation with intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy. We used Oxaliplatin 460 mg/m(2) with 2 l/m(2) of dextrose in an open medial laparotomy for a total of 30 min at a temperature of 42-44 degrees C. RESULTS: The grade 3 morbidity rate was 29% (95 CI: 14-45%). Nine patients experienced a total of 13 exploratory laparotomies for intra-abdominal bleeding after HIPEC. Two-year disease free and overall survival were 27% and 67% respectively. As a result of this high level of morbidity the trial was closed. CONCLUSION: Using intra-peritoneal Oxaliplatin associated with hyperthermia as consolidation therapy for advanced ovarian cancer results in a high risk of grade 3 morbidities with only a small benefit on survival.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a French multicentric study of 301 patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze a large series of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) treated with cytoreductive surgery associated with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) in 18 French-speaking centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1993 to December 2007, 301 patients with diffuse PMP were treated by cytoreductive surgery with PIC. Complete cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 219 patients (73%), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was performed in 255 (85%), mainly during the latter period of the study. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality and morbidity were 4.4% and 40%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 88 months. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 73% and 56%, respectively. The multivariate analysis identified 5 prognostic factors: the extent of peritoneal seeding (p=0.004), the center (p=0.0004), the pathologic grade (p=0.03), gender (p=0.02), and the use of HIPEC (p=0.04). When only the 206 patients with complete cytoreductive surgery were considered, the extent of peritoneal seeding was the only significant prognostic factor (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: This large multicentric retrospective study confirms that cytoreductive surgery combined with PIC (with the use of hyperthermia) should be considered as the gold standard treatment of PMP and should be performed in specialized centers. It underlines the prognostic impact of the extent of peritoneal seeding, especially in patients treated by complete cytoreductive surgery. This prognostic impact appears to be greater than that of the pathologic grade.

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma (stages IIB, IIA and bulky stages IB) after concurrent chemoradiation therapy: surgical morbidity and oncological results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the surgical outcome and the oncologic results of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for locally advanced cervical carcinoma. METHODS: All patients who underwent TLRH after CRT for stages IIB-IIA and bulky IB diseases were reviewed. The control group for this analysis was a cohort of patients treated with abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) after CRT for the same stage cancers. RESULTS: We reviewed 102 patients operated on between 2000 and 2008 (46 TLRH and 56 ARH). Mean age at diagnosis was 44 years, and mean B.M.I was 22.1. There was no difference in tumor characteristics between the two groups. Seven patients in the laparoscopic group required conversion to laparotomy (15%). Mean estimated blood loss (200 vs. 400 mL, p<0.01) and the median duration of hospital stay (5 vs. 8 days, p<0.01) were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group. Morbidity rates and urinary complications were reduced in the laparoscopic group (p=0.04). Local recurrence rates, disease-free and overall survival were comparable in the two groups. Best survival was observed for patients with pathological complete response or microscopic residual disease compared to patients with macroscopic residues (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Radical hysterectomy after CRT is known to be difficult with significant morbidity rates and remains controversial in comparison to exclusive CRT. TLRH after preoperative CRT is feasible for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer in 85% of the cases. For these patients, TLRH compared with ARH was associated with favorable surgical outcome with comparable oncological results.