Secondary cytoreductive surgery and peri-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal recurrence of colorectal and appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis following prior primary cytoreduction.

PURPOSE

Primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and peri-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) is the only curative option for patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). A significant proportion of patients develop peritoneal recurrence. Outcomes of patients undergoing secondary CRS and PIC for recurrent PC were examined.

METHODS

All patients undergoing second procedures with curative intent for recurrent appendiceal or colorectal cancer PC in three centers were included. Patients with recurrent pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) were excluded. Morbidity and mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival were primary outcome parameters.

RESULTS

The study included 18 patients (13 colorectal and 5 appendiceal cancer). At primary CRS, mean Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was 9.1. In 13 patients complete resection was achieved. Median time to recurrence was 14 months (range: 1-33). At secondary CRS, mean PCI was 6.3 and CRS was complete in 13 patients. There was no 30-day mortality and 1- and 2-year survival were 74% and 50%, respectively. In 14 patients a recurrence after the second procedure was diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

A secondary CRS for recurrent colorectal or appendiceal cancer PC is safe and feasible, however, relapse is frequent. Further investigations are required to critically assess the efficacy of a secondary procedure and to define optimal patient selection criteria in the era of effective modern chemotherapy.