Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program
Program Overview
Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program
The Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program is a specialized treatment program for patients with peritoneal surface malignancy, also known as peritoneal carcinomatosis. This condition occurs when cancer cells spread to the peritoneal cavity, which is the space between the organs in the abdomen.
Causes of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
The most common cancers that cause peritoneal carcinomatosis are:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic/Appendiceal cancer (including pseudomyxoma peritonei or PMP)
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Primary peritoneal cancer
Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment
Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a two-step treatment process:
- Surgically removing any visible tumor or cancer (CRS): This involves removing any visible tumors in the abdomen, which may include involved organs. The extent of surgery will be determined by the amount of tumor in the abdomen.
- Delivering heated chemotherapy drugs into the abdomen (HIPEC): A heated chemotherapy solution is circulated in the abdominal cavity to treat any cancer cells that may remain.
Quality of Care
A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals will carefully review the patient's medical records and meet with them to determine if this operation may be an effective treatment. Two factors are critical for successful outcomes:
- Careful patient selection to determine who may benefit the most with the least amount of risk
- Performance of this operation at a busy national cancer center, such as The Johns Hopkins Hospital, by professionals experienced in the care of complex cancer patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment
How invasive is the procedure?
The procedure is typically performed through an open incision, extending from the bottom of the sternum to the pubic bone.
What is the recovery time for a patient having CRS/HIPEC?
The average recovery time is two to three months.
Are there any side effects from the surgery?
Common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Standard risks of bleeding, infection, and the effects of anesthesia
How long will I be in the hospital?
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 10-14 days.
How will the chemotherapy affect me?
The one-time dose of chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen at an elevated temperature can cause:
- Bowels to temporarily slow down
- Changes in lab results, such as white blood cell and platelet counts
Meet Our Experts
The multidisciplinary team consists of surgeons, oncologists, advanced practice providers, radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers who are all dedicated to providing holistic care based on the best evidence to improve patient outcomes and the quality of life for people diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Surgical Oncology
- Nettles, Brenda Smith DNP, ACNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Rebecca Lynn Stone, MD MS, Director, The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Medical Oncology
- Nilo Azad, MD, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Professor of Oncology
- Katie Bever, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology
- Dung Le, MD, Bloomberg~Kimmel Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy, Professor of Oncology
- Valerie Lee, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology