Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death among all gynecological neoplasms. Ovarian epithelial cancer represents approximately 90% of all ovarian malignant tumours. The most usual pattern of spread and probably the earliest kind of metastasis of ovarian cancer is intraperitoneal spread, caused by apoptosis of viable cancer cells, even in cases where the ovarian surface has no visible rupture. Approximately 70% to 75% of all ovarian cancers are being diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis and ascites in advanced stages III and IV. Peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer may occur either concomitantly with the primary tumour or as a recurrence pattern of spread. Standard treatment consists of surgical debulking and postoperative systemic chemotherapy. Response rates to first-line chemotherapy with platinum/taxane combinations are high, about 70-80%, but the vast majority of patients will relapse. Peritoneal seeding is a major cause of surgical treatment failure among those patients, even after optimal debulking. However, progressing ovarian cancer tends to remain within the peritoneal cavity or, better-expressed, ovarian cancer is a cancer of the peritoneum. The administration of cytotoxic agents directly into the peritoneal cavity as treatment for malignancy was initially evaluated more than 40 years ago. Over the past two decades regional therapy of ovarian cancer has evolved from just an interesting pharmacokinetic concept into a viable management option for women with advanced disease. Several authors, and among them some of the world's leading experts on this field present the current knowledge and their experience on peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer.

Paul Sugarbaker and his colleagues have persevered in the study and treat ment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The peritoneal cavity has many unique and incompletely appreciated properties. These properties, coupled with the biologic behavior of many cancers, results in the seeding and growth of these cancers on the peritoneum. Many of these cancers remain localized to the peritoneum only, never metastasizing to other sites. One possible reason for this may be the obstruction of the afferent lymphatics on the undersurface of the diaphragm. The mucopolysaccharides produced by many of these neoplasma are probably viscous enough to obstruct these lymphatics, leading to the syndrome of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Many of the neoplasms taking residence on the peritoneum have extremely long cell-cycle times and are resistant to radiotherapy and many chemotherapeutic agents. How ever, much can be done for these patients - resection of primary cancers, omentectomies to reduce ascites formation, management of recurrent ascites, management of intestinal obstruction, nutritional care, and, hopefully, intraperitoneal chemotherapy. We have reviewed many of these problems in the past [1-7]. Dr. Sugarbaker and his colleagues have organized the current state of knowledge and technology for continuing use. The book provides a basis for thoughtful, prospective research planning. John S. Spratt, M. D. , F. A. C. S. Professor of Surgery The James Graham Brown Cancer Center University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky References 1. Long RTL, Spratt JS, Dowling E.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis dominates the clinical picture of many patients with gastrointestinal, gynecological and urological cancers. For many of them its dev astating effects contribute directly to their death. Most clinicians consider peritoneal carcinomatosis an incurable metastatic disease and give palliative treatment, re stricted to limited surgery and systemic chemotherapy. Contrary to this view, Paul Sugarbaker and his collegues base their approach on the concept that peritoneal carcinomatosis represents regional tumor spread, similar in its impact on treatment and prognosis to that of lymph node metastases in other malignancies. This concept emphasises the value of regional tumor control, as a potentially curative measure. In this book the combination of aggressive cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy to control peritoneal carcinomatosis is extensively explored. Basic to this approach is the observation that most cancer cells show only relative resistence against commonly available drugs, which can be overcome by a sufficient increase of drug concentrations in tumor tissue. After intraperitoneal delivery, drugs will reach high tissue concentrations in the superficial few cell layers, while plasma concentrations will remain below toxic levels. Patients with only limited residual tumor at the peritoneal surface after cytoreduction may therefore benefit from intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The dissemination of cancer on peritoneal surfaces has hitherto been regarded as a terminal condition. Only a few patients with ovarian cancer - a disease where there is extreme drug sensitivity - have been maintained in a disease-free state over the long term. The tumour biology questions are as follows: Is the dissemination of cancer on peritoneal surfaces to be regarded as finite spread of malignancy, or as evidence of systematic disease? Is peritoneal carcinomatosis in selected patients a limited process that can be treated for cure, using surgery and chemotherapy? Can treatments lead to a complete resolution of the cancerous process? Most oncologists would regard peritoneal carcinomatosis as a condition that can only be palliated. This book presents the principles that support aggressive management plans with disease eradication as an end point.New technologies have emerged, bringing about this conceptual change in thinking. Technologies have been developed for complete chemotherapeutic treatment of all peritoneal surfaces. Technologies have been developed for uncovering minute foci of disease in remote portions of the abdomen. Also, new surgical and electrosurgical techniques are important aspects of this revised management plan. Even the data management tools required to quantitate improvements in treatment have been developed, and are presented here.The book shows that peritoneal carcinomatosis can be treated and that complete eradication of malignancy can occur.

This is the first volume to provide a multidisciplinary approach to peritoneal carcinomatosis encompassing molecular mechanisms, histopathology, regional and systemic cytotoxic therapy, and surgical options. Illustrations aid the reader throughout in the many facets of this disease. The book will be of particular interest for medical, surgical and gynecological oncologists faced with the complexities of decision making in patients suffering from PC.

This monograph summarizes state of the art knowledge regarding peritoneal surface malignancies, with in-depth description of treatment options and the results achieved to date. It explores the most challenging problems on the basis of the authors’ very extensive clinical experience and examines the most relevant clinical trials. A comprehensive summary is provided of all phase 2 studies (the only available completed studies) and of ongoing and future phase 3 studies. Particular attention is paid to the results of integrated treatment comprising cytoreduction (peritonectomy) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Helpful background information is also included on the definition and clinical assessment of each clinical form. The book, drawing on data from the entire Italian experience as well as world literature, will be an outstanding benchmark for health professionals and researchers.

Written with the busy practice in mind, this book delivers clinically focused, evidence-based gynecology guidance in a quick-reference format. It explores etiology, screening, tests, diagnosis, and treatment for a full range of gynecologic health issues. The coverage includes the full range of gynecologic malignancies, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, infectious diseases, urogynecologic problems, gynecologic concerns in children and adolescents, and surgical interventions including minimally invasive surgical procedures. Information is easy to find and absorb owing to the extensive use of full-color diagrams, algorithms, and illustrations. The new edition has been expanded to include aspects of gynecology important in international and resource-poor settings.

This book is written by experts with clinical expertise on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of women with cancer during pregnancy. It provides a comprehensive review of data and an overview of psychological, ethical, and social aspects. Chapters address the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of women with solid or hematologic cancers. The safety of subsequent pregnancy and the maintenance or enhancement of fertility in women undergoing cancer therapy are also addressed.