Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are two procedures that are often used together to treat advanced cancers that have spread to the peritoneal cavity, such as ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and mesothelioma. This combination therapy involves removing as much of the visible tumor as possible through surgery and then bathing the abdominal cavity in a heated chemotherapy solution to kill any remaining cancer cells.
The long-term survival rates for patients who undergo CRS and HIPEC can vary depending on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the extent of the tumor removal during surgery. Here, we will examine the survival rates for several different types of cancer that are commonly treated with CRS and HIPEC.
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers treated with CRS and HIPEC. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the five-year survival rate for patients with ovarian cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC was 45%. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the five-year survival rate for patients with ovarian cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC was 40%. In both studies, patients who had a complete cytoreduction (no visible tumor remaining) during surgery had significantly better long-term survival rates than those who did not.
Colorectal Cancer:
Colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneal cavity is another disease that can be treated with CRS and HIPEC. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the five-year survival rate for patients with colorectal cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC was 30%. However, the study found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction during surgery had a significantly higher five-year survival rate of 47%.
Mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen. It is often treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, for patients with mesothelioma that has spread to the peritoneal cavity, CRS and HIPEC may be a viable treatment option. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the five-year survival rate for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent CRS and HIPEC was 51%. However, the study also found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction during surgery had a significantly higher five-year survival rate of 75%.
Appendiceal Cancer:
Appendiceal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. It is often treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. However, for patients with appendiceal cancer that has spread to the peritoneal cavity, CRS and HIPEC may be a more effective treatment option. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the five-year survival rate for patients with appendiceal cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC was 63%. The study also found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction during surgery had a significantly higher five-year survival rate of 85%.
Overall, the long-term survival rates for patients who undergo CRS and HIPEC are promising, particularly for patients who have a complete cytoreduction during surgery. However, it is important to note that these survival rates are based on data from clinical studies and may not reflect the outcomes of every patient. Additionally, CRS and HIPEC are complex procedures that require a skilled surgical team and careful patient selection. As with any cancer treatment, the decision to undergo CRS and HIPEC should be made in consultation with an experienced oncologist.
