Phase 1 trial of same day cytology to guide the use of HIPEC.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal metastases from gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancy are a prominent part of the natural history of these diseases. Peritoneal metastases, if not effectively treated, will result in a decreased survival and cause an impaired quality of life. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment specifically designed to combat peritoneal metastases. A group of patients who, from a theoretical perspective, may benefit from HIPEC are those patients with a positive peritoneal cytology. In order to identify these patients at the time of a surgical intervention, a same day cytology is to be performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The result of this test is to be available at or before the completion of the cancer resection. If the cytology is positive, the patient immediately becomes a candidate for HIPEC. The HIPEC will be of maximal value if a complete cytoreduction, as judged by the surgeon, has been possible. This phase 1 trial is to demonstrate that the Surgical Oncology Service, the Department of Pathology, the Pharmacy and the Operating Room personnel can co-ordinate a phase 1 protocol to successfully complete the same day cytology with an efficient delivery of HIPEC. A standardized plan for consent, cytology collection, preparation of the specimen, reading of the specimen, reporting the results in a timely manner facilitates the administration of HIPEC in peritoneal cytology positive patients.

DISSEMINATION: Successful completion of these requirements is a positive result for this study and allows for future protocols to be generated. Successful completion of the same day cytology phase 1 protocol will allow the efficacy, safety, and efficiency of this plan of patient management to be evaluated.