Feasibility of radical cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We analyzed the feasibility of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective database comprised 90 consecutive patients with demonstrable pseudomyxoma peritonei collected during 48 months. These patients, referred to our unit for consideration for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, received both cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy if possible. We evaluated the factors associated with a successful procedure.
RESULTS: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was successfully delivered to 56 of 90 patients (62%) with demonstrable pseudomyxoma peritonei. Tumor morphology of low grade (p = 0.013), age under 65 years (p = 0.004), and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level under 5.0 µg/L (p = 0.003) were associated with successful administration of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Mean peritoneal cancer index was lower (18.9 vs 32.6, p < 0.001) and age was younger (54.3 vs 61.6, p = 0.003) in patients who underwent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy than in patients who did not. Four patients had complete cytoreductive surgery alone, and 20 patients underwent palliative debulking, but 10 were ineligible for this operation.
CONCLUSIONS: Although the combination of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is currently suggested the standard practice for pseudomyxoma peritonei, not all patients are eligible for this protocol. In this study, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was suitable for 62% of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin.