Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies, An Issue of Surgical Oncology Clinics, 1e (The Clinics: Surgery)

Understanding the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America: Focus on Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

The Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, guest-edited by Dr. Jesus Esquivel, delves into the multifaceted world of peritoneal surface malignancies, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and charting a course for future advancements.

Current Status and Future Directions of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies:

• Appendix Cancer: Exploring the latest strategies and potential breakthroughs in the treatment of this rare yet aggressive malignancy.
• Colorectal Cancer: Discussing evolving modalities and novel therapies for peritoneal involvement of colorectal cancer, a common complication with significant implications.
• Ovarian Cancer: Unveiling the complexities of ovarian cancer’s spread to the peritoneal surfaces and examining promising treatment options for this prevalent gynecological malignancy.
• Gastric Cancer: Analyzing the challenges and progress in managing peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer, a condition associated with poor prognosis.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Delving into the unique characteristics and therapeutic approaches for peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and often aggressive cancer that originates in the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC):

• Pharmacokinetic Rationale: Explaining the scientific basis for the utilization of heat and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, providing insights into their synergistic effects.
• HIPEC Techniques and Safety Considerations: Outlining the various techniques employed in HIPEC and addressing the safety measures and potential risks associated with this complex procedure.
• Establishing a Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program: Guiding surgeons and healthcare providers through the process of initiating a comprehensive program dedicated to treating peritoneal surface malignancies.
• Anesthesia Considerations: Emphasizing the critical role of anesthesia during cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, outlining the anesthetic techniques and monitoring strategies to ensure patient safety.
• Patient Selection: Establishing criteria for determining patient eligibility for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, considering factors such as tumor burden, organ function, and patient’s overall condition.
• Systemic Chemotherapy: Exploring the role of systemic chemotherapy in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies of appendiceal and colorectal origin, addressing its implications for preoperative neoadjuvant therapy and postoperative adjuvant therapy.

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America serves as an invaluable resource for surgeons, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the current treatment modalities and future research directions, it empowers clinicians to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes in this challenging field.