Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients with peritoneal malignancies: a monocentric, single-arm open-label phase II clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a promising palliative treatment for patients with peritoneal malignancies who are not candidates for curative surgery. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of implementing a PIPAC program at a single cancer center.

METHODS

An open-label, single-arm, phase II study was conducted, enrolling patients with peritoneal tumors of various origins. Participants received bidirectional chemotherapy (intravenous and PIPAC). The primary endpoint was PIPAC efficacy measured as pathological response, while secondary endpoints included safety and feasibility of the technique, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

From March 2021 to March 2024, 32 patients were screened, and 25 were enrolled, resulting in 58 PIPAC procedures. The complication rate was low, with severe surgical complications occurring in 1.7 % of procedures and CTCAE grade 3 complications in 3.4 %. A major pathological response was observed in 56 % of cases, and seven patients (28.0 %) underwent curative-intent cytoreductive surgery after at least two PIPAC treatments. Both the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and the Peritoneal Regression Score (PRGS) decreased after repeated PIPAC (p = 0.016 and p = 0.047, respectively). Ascites volume also decreased significantly after the first PIPAC (p = 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, with responding patients (PRGS 1-2) showing better clinical outcomes (OS: 21.0 vs. 5.5 months,p < 0.001; PFS: 8.2 vs. 2.4 months,p < 0.001) and quality of life (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

PIPAC can be safely combined with systemic chemotherapy in patients with peritoneal malignancies, demonstrating efficacy in controlling ascites and achieving major pathological response. Further studies are necessary to determine its potential survival benefits.