Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: why the fuzz?
OBJECTIVE
Critical evaluation of the benefits of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy.


METHODS
Critical review of the literature in support of the administration of chemotherapy via the IP route.


RESULTS
The 3 largest randomized phase III trials conducted by the Gynecologic Oncology Group and published over a 10-year period clearly demonstrated a 19% to 25% reduction in risk of death for patients treated with IP chemotherapy compared with intravenous chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the differences in the treatment arms and in the drugs used, and whether the explanation lies on the local effect of the drugs on the intraperitoneal tumors or is related to the reservoir effect of the drugs stored in the peritoneal cavity, remains to be determined, but the explanation for the effect cannot refute the benefit observed in the improvement in overall survival.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, McGill University and Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. walter.gotlieb@mcgill.ca
Walter H
WH
Gotlieb
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents