Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Mesothelioma of the abdomen, also known as peritoneal mesothelioma, accounts for approximately 20-25% of all mesothelioma cases. It is associated with asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. Cyto-reductive surgery, also known as debulking surgery, is a treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma that involves removing the visible tumor nodules in the abdomen. This surgery is often followed by intra-peritoneal chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
The success rate of cyto-reductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the expertise of the surgical team. The success rate is typically defined as the percentage of patients who survive for a certain period of time after the surgery without a recurrence of cancer.
A study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology in 2020 analyzed the outcomes of 126 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent cyto-reductive surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. The study found that the overall survival rate at 1 year was 81%, at 2 years was 55%, and at 5 years was 29%. The median survival time was 33 months. The study also found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction (removal of all visible tumor nodules) had a higher survival rate than those who had an incomplete cytoreduction.
Another study published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology in 2017 analyzed the outcomes of 146 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent cyto-reductive surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. The study found that the overall survival rate at 1 year was 78%, at 2 years was 54%, and at 5 years was 28%. The median survival time was 42 months. The study also found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction had a higher survival rate than those who had an incomplete cytoreduction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology in 2014 analyzed the outcomes of 1,067 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent cyto-reductive surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. The study found that the overall survival rate at 1 year was 75%, at 2 years was 48%, and at 5 years was 21%. The median survival time was 32 months. The study also found that patients who had a complete cytoreduction had a higher survival rate than those who had an incomplete cytoreduction.
It is important to note that cyto-reductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma is a complex and risky procedure that should only be performed by experienced surgeons in specialized centers. The surgery can be associated with significant complications, including bleeding, infection, and bowel perforation. Patients who undergo cyto-reductive surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy also require close monitoring and follow-up to detect any recurrence of cancer.
In conclusion, the success rate of cyto-reductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma varies depending on several factors, but studies consistently show that patients who undergo complete cytoreduction have a higher survival rate than those who undergo incomplete cytoreduction. Despite the risks and challenges associated with the surgery, cyto-reductive surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy remain an important treatment option for select patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
