Bases and foundations of the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: Review article

Peritoneal carcinomatosis refers to a shedding or tumor that spreads to the peritoneal serosa and structures of the abdominal cavity. It is an entity with a poor prognosis. Several conditions can cause this, the most common being colon, rectum, ovary, stomach or appendix cancers, including peritoneal pseudomyxoma, among others. The abdominal cavity invasion is considered a clinical stage IV. For a long time life expectancy of this entity was very short. With the advent of meticulous techniques in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) the prognosis of patients has changed. In some conditions, these procedures are standard treatments. CRS is a very important prognostic factor; leaving a less residual disease in the patient, the evolution will be better. The HIPEC starts immediately after the surgical event. The hyperthermia increases the cytotoxic effect of antineoplastic drugs. Numerous studies have appeared in medical literature wherein the clear improvement in survival of the affected population is demonstrated. It is essential that a multidisciplinary team participates in the decision for the best treatment option and the maximum clinical benefit of the patients.