What are the best treatments for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei?

Treatments for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of mucinous tumor cells in the abdominal cavity. It typically originates from an appendix tumor but can also arise from other organs. The treatment approach for PMP involves a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and aims to remove all visible tumor deposits from the abdominal cavity. The goal is to achieve complete cytoreduction, which means removing all visible tumor nodules larger than 2.5 mm. This procedure is known as cytoreductive surgery (CRS).

During CRS, the surgeon may perform various procedures, including:

• Peritonectomy: Removal of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) affected by tumor deposits.


• Visceral resections: Removal of affected organs, such as the appendix, ovaries, or parts of the colon.


• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): After CRS, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity to kill any remaining cancer cells.

CRS combined with HIPEC has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing the risk of recurrence in PMP patients.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. It is typically administered in combination with surgery, either before or after the procedure.

The most commonly used chemotherapy agents for PMP include:

• Mitomycin C: A chemotherapy drug that is often used during HIPEC to target residual cancer cells in the abdominal cavity.


• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): Another chemotherapy drug that may be used in combination with Mitomycin C or as part of systemic chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy helps to destroy cancer cells, reduce tumor size, and prevent recurrence. It may be administered intravenously (systemic chemotherapy) or directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy).

Follow-up Care

Regular follow-up care is essential for PMP patients to monitor their condition and detect any signs of recurrence. Follow-up visits may include physical examinations, imaging tests (such as CT scans), and blood tests to assess tumor markers.

If a recurrence is detected, additional treatments, such as repeat surgery or systemic chemotherapy, may be considered.

In conclusion, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei is best treated through a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) aims to remove all visible tumor deposits, while hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) helps to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, both systemic and intraperitoneal, plays a crucial role in reducing tumor size and preventing recurrence. Regular follow-up care is necessary to monitor the patient's condition and detect any signs of recurrence.

by Diseasemaps