Physicians' awareness of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer carcinomatosis

Background: Recent trials have shown that cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (S + HIPEC) for colorectal cancer carcinomatosis (CRC-C) leads to 5-year, disease-free survival rates of more than 30%. Since these data represent a substantial change in the management of CRC-C, the objectives of this study were to determine physicians' awareness of S + HIPEC for CRC-C and physician characteristics predictive of awareness of S + HIPEC for CRC-C. Methods: This study was a mailed, cross-sectional survey of general surgeons and medical oncologists in Ontario. Results: The response rate was 44.0% (214 of 487). Most respondents were men and younger than 50 years. There was an even split between those at academic and community hospitals. Overall, 46% of respondents were aware of S + HIPEC for CRC-C, and multivariate analysis showed that there were no physician characteristics predictive of awareness of S + HIPEC for CRC-C. Conclusion: Physician awareness of S + HIPEC for CRC-C is low. Therefore, strategies to improve patient and physician knowledge about S + HIPEC for CRC-C are important to ensure appropriate treatment for patients.