Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with carboplatin for optimally-cytoreduced, recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian carcinoma: A pilot study

Objective We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of hyperthermic intraperitoneal carboplatin (HIPEC-carboplatin) following secondary cytoreduction for recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Methods In a single institution prospective, pilot study, ten patients underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC-carboplatin at 1000 mg/m². Consolidation (6 cycles) was with platinum-based regimens. Adverse and quality of life were measured throughout treatment. Results Twelve patients were enrolled of which 2 were excluded (one each for extra-abdominal disease indentified before surgery and suboptimal cytoreduction). All 10 remaining patients received prescribed HIPEC-carboplatin. There were no intra-operative complications or AEs attributable to HIPEC-therapy. Grade 1/2 nausea was the most common post-operative toxicity (6/10 patients). Two patients had grade 4 post-operative neutropenia and thrombocytopenia but only one experienced transient treatment delay. The median hospital stay was 5.5 days. 69/70 (98%) of planned chemotherapy doses were ultimately delivered with 1 patient electively forgoing her final treatment. At a median (range) follow-up of 16 (6-23) months, three patients have recurred at 8, 14, and 16 months from surgery. The median disease-free and overall survivals have not been reached. Fact-O scores were significantly lower following surgery (126 vs. 108, p <.01), but improved by completion of therapy (108 vs. 113, p = 0.27). Conclusions HIPEC-carboplatin at 1000 mg/m² following optimal cytoreduction for ovarian cancer is feasible. Surgical complications were not observed, and post-operative AEs were largely within expected ranges. Consolidation using standard platinum-based regimens was feasible following HIPEC-carboplatin, and preliminary survival data suggests efficacy. Further investigation of HIPEC-carboplatin in the setting of debulkable cancer recurrence is warranted.