In a nutshell
The present study evaluated the long-term quality of life (QOL) for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) who had cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC (hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy). Main findings: patients who survived the procedure regained their baseline (pre-operative) QOL within 6-12 months after treatment.
Some background
PC is a type of metastatic (stage IV) cancer that has spread from the bowel, ovaries or other abdominal organs to the peritoneum (a sheath lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs). A treatment option for these patients is CRS (removal of cancerous tissue that cannot be completely excised, along with the peritoneum), followed by HIPEC (after the cancer is removed, the abdominal cavity is washed with a warm solution of chemotherapy). Despite the high risks of this therapy, current data shows that CRS and HIPEC significantly improve survival for patients with PC.
Methods & findings
The study included 90 patients with PC (due to colorectal, appendiceal and other types of cancer) who had CRS and HIPEC between February 2005 and July 2010. Patients’ QOL before the surgery was compared with the QOL 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the surgery. QOL was evaluated through physical, emotional and social well-being and symptoms like pain, tiredness, sleep disturbances or heavy breathing.
6 months after treatment, patients significantly regained their physical strength and recovery was almost complete after 2 years. Full emotional rehabilitation took in average 1 year. The tiredness, heavy breathing and sleep disturbances continued 6 months after surgery, but improved later on.
The bottom line
To summarize, in this trial, patients with PC who had CRS and HIPEC recovered most QOL constituents within 6-12 months after the procedure.
The fine print
However, results can vary because of different cancer types, patients’ age and other health problems. Due to these arguments, the risks of this treatment should be weighed carefully against its benefit individually.
Published By :
Annals of Surgical Oncology
Date :
Jan 01, 2013
