Ernst Lengyel
Dr. Ernst Lengyel

A new study found that patients who received heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after surgery lived almost 16 months longer than patients who were treated by surgery alone. Conducted with data from 584 patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer from multiple treatment centers, this study is the largest to date looking at the effects of HIPEC in the upfront setting. The authors note that there are several limitations to the generalizability of the study.  

“Nevertheless, the study by Lei et al adds to recent evidence indicating that the addition of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with HIPEC, whether upfront or at interval debulking, might improve overall survival,” the invited commentary contributors, which included OCRA Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. Ernst Lengyel, were quoted.

“It would appear to us, after reviewing the available published evidence supporting the use of HIPEC, that one should discuss the use of HIPEC preoperatively with patients with stage III, low-volume disease who are thought to likely experience optimal (R0) cytoreduction. From the data presented by Lei et al, one could argue that even patients with large volumes of residual disease could benefit from HIPEC with PCS, but the data are less convincing and need further investigation.” 

For more information on this study, see coverage in MedPage Today, the study on JAMA Network Open, and the invited commentary published by JAMA.