Indications and patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has provided unprecedented results in the management of peritoneal-based neoplasms. Prognostic factors leading to a survival advantage when this treatment modality is employed have been identified. A steep learning curve has been described as well. Therefore, knowledgeable indication setting and proper selection of patients to whom this combined treatment can be offered is warranted in order to obtain the best results at the lowest possible toxicity. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.