Hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy using Oxaliplatin as consolidation therapy for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Results of a phase II prospective multicentre trial. CHIPOVAC study

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate morbidity of intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) using Oxaliplatin as consolidation therapy for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma and, secondly, to study peritoneal recurrence.MethodsBetween 2004 and 2007, 31 patients from 18 to 65 years with FIGO stage IIIC epithelial ovarian carcinoma were treated by surgery and a total of 6 cycles of platinum based chemotherapy. Those patients were eligible for consolidation therapy. We performed a second look laparotomy operation with intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy. We used Oxaliplatin 460 mg/m2 with 2 l/m2 of dextrose in an open medial laparotomy for a total of 30 min at a temperature of 42–44 °C.ResultsThe grade 3 morbidity rate was 29% (95 CI: 14–45%). Nine patients experienced a total of 13 exploratory laparotomies for intra-abdominal bleeding after HIPEC. Two-year disease free and overall survival were 27% and 67% respectively. As a result of this high level of morbidity the trial was closed.ConclusionUsing intra-peritoneal Oxaliplatin associated with hyperthermia as consolidation therapy for advanced ovarian cancer results in a high risk of grade 3 morbidities with only a small benefit on survival.