Journal of Digestive Cancer Research 2013; 1(1): 29-35
Published online March 1, 2013
© Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is defined as the dissemination of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity resulting in deposition
of malignant cells onto parietal or visceral peritoneal surfaces, and is associated with malignant ascites. In general,
PC has been treated similarly to metastatic cancers of the primary tumor, but associated with unfavorable outcomes
as compared to other sites of metastatic disease from the same primary tumor origin. It has been known to have
the median survival of only 3-6 months with supportive care alone. PC is an intractable problem to physicians because
of its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recent studies have reported that a combination of cytoreductive
surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improved survival in PC of colorectal cancer. This paper gives
overviews of the characteristics, symptoms, prognosis, and diagnosis of PC and current treatment options on PC of
stomach, colorectal, and unknown primary origin.
KeywordsPeritoneal neoplasms Gastric cancer Colorectal cancer Treatment Chemotherapy
Journal of Digestive Cancer Research 2013; 1(1): 29-35
Published online March 1, 2013
Copyright © Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Cancer Research.
정재규·임윤정
동국대학교 의과대학 일산병원 내과학교실
Jae Gu Jung, Yun Jeong Lim
Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University-Seoul,
Graduate School of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is defined as the dissemination of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity resulting in deposition
of malignant cells onto parietal or visceral peritoneal surfaces, and is associated with malignant ascites. In general,
PC has been treated similarly to metastatic cancers of the primary tumor, but associated with unfavorable outcomes
as compared to other sites of metastatic disease from the same primary tumor origin. It has been known to have
the median survival of only 3-6 months with supportive care alone. PC is an intractable problem to physicians because
of its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recent studies have reported that a combination of cytoreductive
surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improved survival in PC of colorectal cancer. This paper gives
overviews of the characteristics, symptoms, prognosis, and diagnosis of PC and current treatment options on PC of
stomach, colorectal, and unknown primary origin.
Keywords: Peritoneal neoplasms, Gastric cancer, Colorectal cancer, Treatment, Chemotherapy