Using pharmacologic data to plan clinical treatments for patients with peritoneal surface malignancy.
The surfaces of the abdomen and pelvis are an important anatomic site for the dissemination of gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancy. This transcoelomic spread of cancer cells gives rise to peritoneal carcinomatosis which, without special treatments, is a fatal manifestation of these diseases. In order to control peritoneal carcinomatosis cytoreductive surgery to remove gross disease is combined with perioperative intraperitoneal and perioperative intravenous chemotherapy to eradicate microscopic residual disease. Chemotherapy agents are selected to be administered by the intraperitoneal or intravenous route based on their pharmacologic properties. A peritoneal-plasma barrier which retards the clearance of high molecular weight chemotherapy from the peritoneal cavity results in a large exposure of small cancer nodules on abdominal and pelvic surfaces. Tissue penetration is facilitated by moderate hyperthermia (41-42 degrees C) of the intraperitoneal chemotherapy solution. A constant dose of chemotherapy agent and volume of carrier solution based on body surface area allows prediction of systemic drug exposure and systemic toxicity. Timing of the chemotherapy as a planned part of the surgical procedure to maximize exposure of all peritoneal surfaces is crucial to success.
Van der Speeten
Kurt
K
Washington Cancer Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Stuart
Oswald Anthony
OA
Sugarbaker
Paul H
PH
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000503:physiopathology; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents