Progress in treatments for colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases during the years 2010-2015 : a systematic review

Peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) were traditionally associated with bad prognosis. Only recently, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has resulted in survival improvements. A systematic literature search between January 2010 and June 2015 was performed. Studies were selected and appraised according to predetermined criteria. Nineteen cohort studies, and thirteen comparative studies of CRS/HIPEC were included. The weighted median overall survival was 31.6 months (range 16-51). Major morbidity was 17.6-52.4% (weighted average 32.6%). Mortality was 0-8.1% (weighted average 2.9%). Additional relevant topics, such as CRC-PM prevalence, results by systemic therapies, preoperative work-up, and technical aspects were summarized through a narrative review. The recent literature suggests that CRS/HIPEC is gaining acceptance as standard of care for selected CRC-PM patients. Refinement of selection criteria, and rationalization of comprehensive systemic and local-regional management is ongoing. Prevention and early treatment of PM are new and promising options.