The long-term impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on survivors treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after complete surgical resection is currently accepted as a therapeutic option for peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, considerable morbidity is reported after HIPEC.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the impact of HIPEC on the quality of life (QoL) of survivors without recurrences of disease according to socio-demographic and medical variables. For that purpose, HIPEC was used as a global concept including the surgical procedure effects.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed by analyzing questionnaires concerning socio-demographic data, the psychological status, and general and specific QoL scores.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight patients (86% of those contacted) completed and returned mailed questionnaires. For 19/21 QoL dimensions explored, survivors reported good to very good QoL with a median score >/=67%. The two adversely affected dimensions were future prospects and sexual functioning with a mean score of 57% and 23%, respectively. The burden of carcinomatosis, evaluated by a peritoneal index, was not correlated with statistically identified sequels in QoL. The extent of morbidity due to HIPEC, evaluated by the hospital stay, was statistically correlated with only one score, namely, embarrassment during social activities (p = 0.01) but not during familial life.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though HIPEC is considered as an aggressive treatment, survivors reported good to very good QoL. However, specific care for the psychological aspect, as reflected by anxiety regarding future prospects and sexual activity, needs to be developed for survivors.
Zenasni
Franck
F
Department of Psycho-oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, Paris, France.
Botella
Marion
M
Elias
Dominique
D
Dauchy
Sarah
S
Boige
Valérie
V
Malka
David
D
Ducreux
Michel
M
Pignon
Jean-Pierre
JP
Goéré
Diane
D
Pocard
Marc
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents