Repeat Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Recurrences is Safe and Efficacious

Background Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (CRPM) is associated with improved survival in patients with historically dismal prognosis. Nonetheless, peritoneal recurrences remain common and represent a difficult challenge in these patients' management. Repeat CRS/HIPEC is associated with even greater morbidity and its survival benefit has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained database and aimed to assess the safety and oncological efficacy of repeat CRS/HIPEC. Results Two hundred thirty-two patients underwent an initial CRS/HIPEC, whereas 30 subsequently had repeat CRS/HIPEC for CRPM. Groups were similar in demographics, comorbidities, and peritoneal cancer index (PCI). No significant difference in morbidity, hospital stay, or reoperation rate was noted between initial and repeat procedures. Patients who underwent repeat CRS/HIPEC had a median overall survival of 68 months versus 51 months in patients who did not undergo repeat procedure for their peritoneal recurrence (p = 0.03). Disease-free survival (DFS) in patients after repeat and after initial procedure were similar with median of 9.6 versus 12 months, respectively (p = 0.083). Univariate analysis demonstrated that PCI, DFS, and repeat procedure displayed significant factors on outcomes in patients with peritoneal recurrences, whereas PCI > 16 and DFS remained independent predictors on multivariable analysis. Conclusions Our analysis, which represents the largest series to date of repeat CRS/HIPEC for CRPM, indicates that this approach as a part of multimodal therapy is both safe and efficacious in appropriately selected patients.

Automated summary

Repeat CRS/HIPEC for CRPM patients shows a positive impact on survival rates compared to initial procedures, with no significant differences in complications and hospital stay. PCI and DFS are important factors influencing patient outcomes, and repeat procedures are safe and effective in appropriately selected patients.