Background: Cytoreductive surgery with continuous hyperthermic perfusion peritoneal chemotherapy (CHPPC) is a relatively new multimodality treatment for peritoneal malignancies. We studied the feasibility and outcome of CHPPC with docetaxel as second-line treatment for gynaecological peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Patients and methods: Twenty times CHPPC with docetaxel was performed in 19 patients, mean age of 65 years (47-80), who demonstrated early recurrent or persistent peritoneal carcinomatosis mainly of ovarian origin.
Results: Treatment-related death was noted in 2 elderly patients with a high tumour load. Two other major complications, requiring re-operation, were recorded. Haematological docetaxel-induced toxicity was highly limited, while the wound complication rate was relatively high. Ascites disappeared in all patients. After a mean follow-up of 30 months, the actuarial overall 1- and 3-year survival rates after CHPPC were 79% and 63%.
Conclusion: CHPPC with docetaxel following cytoreductive surgery for early recurrent or persistent peritoneal carcinomatosis from gynaecological malignancies seems feasible and might have a positive impact on survival. The outcome seems to be superior to that of CHPPC with other drugs.