New Study Uses Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS) to Identify Effectiveness of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Colorectal Patients

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Jun 10, 2014, 03:30 ET

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Extensive clinical experience suggests that hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may play an important role in the ongoing treatment of colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRCPC). However, there is no established nonsurgical process to select patients for HIPEC treatment as part of recommended standard of care or for clinical trial inclusion.

Jesus Esquivel, MD, FACS, National Director of HIPEC Research and Medical Director, International Oncology Initiatives at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), and a global research team of his colleagues utilized the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS) as a basis to improve patient selection. The results of that study have been published in the May 2014 issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

The study retroactively examined 1,013 CRCPC patients from around the world based on three specific criteria obtained before surgery – symptoms, extent of peritoneal dissemination, and primary tumor histology. The overall survival was analyzed according to four tiers of disease severity and a comparison was made between patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus HIPEC and those who did not.

"The data gathered from this research will help us guide how we treat colorectal cancer," said Dr. Esquivel. "We can utilize PSDSS to help better determine if CRS followed by HIPEC is an appropriate treatment option."

The results of the study indicated that the PSDSS, when undertaken before surgery, is capable of defining CRCPC populations that have a statistically defined high or considerably lower likelihood of long-term survival after CRS/HIPEC. The PSDSS can be quite useful in the decision to recommend CRCPC patients for, and their stratification within, clinical trials.

"This research will define how we care for patients with colorectal cancer for years to come," said Maurie Markman, MD, President of CTCA Medicine and Science. "Dr. Esquivel and this team have found a way to improve colorectal treatment protocol and eliminate unnecessary procedures."

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America^®

Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Inc. (CTCA) is a national network of five hospitals that specialize in the treatment of patients fighting complex or advanced-stage cancer. CTCA offers an integrative approach to cancer treatment that combines surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with nutritional counseling, naturopathic medicine, mind-body therapy, and spiritual support to enhance quality of life and minimize side effects during treatment. The company serves patients from all 50 states at hospitals located in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Known for delivering the Mother Standard^® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine^®, CTCA provides patients with comprehensive information about their treatment options so they can participate in their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.

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SOURCE Cancer Treatment Centers of America