There are now many scientific studies on PIPAC, but few that answer the key question conclusively: how much do patients actually benefit? One reason is that cases of peritoneal cancer are very hard to compare. The primary cancer, the pattern of spread and previous treatments differ from patient to patient.
For now, the evidence for PIPAC rests largely on observational and comparative studies. Earlier observations had already described favourable treatment courses with PIPAC. A recent American comparative study now adds further positive results.
The study at a glance
The study looked at survival, quality of life and the number of good days with PIPAC, compared with standard systemic chemotherapy alone.
Study design
A total of 32 patients with peritoneal cancer resulting from colorectal cancer were included, all of whom had previously received at least two regimens of standard systemic chemotherapy. The patients were divided into two groups:
- 20 patients subsequently received further systemic chemotherapy
- 12 patients received PIPAC therapy only (1–3 treatments)
The number of inpatient treatment days required, quality of life measured with specific questionnaires, and survival were assessed.
The results
The PIPAC patients needed statistically significantly fewer inpatient treatments at 6 and 12 months and therefore had more good days. There was also a trend towards longer survival compared with the chemotherapy group.
Quality of life in the PIPAC group dropped only slightly and only temporarily, two weeks after the procedure. This fits with the good tolerability reported in other PIPAC studies.
What does this mean for patients?
The study is small and has clear limitations. Whether PIPAC actually prolongs survival in this situation remains to be proven. What the data do show:
In this study, PIPAC patients spent less time in hospital and had more good days.
Quality of life dropped only briefly after each procedure. A survival benefit was suggested but not proven.
This matches what we have seen over many years at the German PIPAC Center. If you have already been through several lines of chemotherapy, PIPAC can be a well-tolerated option that puts quality of life first.
If you would like to discuss whether PIPAC is suitable for you, we are happy to advise you in person.
Personal consultation
Prof. Dr. med. Jürgen Zieren and his team will advise you individually on PIPAC therapy.