Long-term Survival Following Treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

In Brief Summary Background Data: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a clinical syndrome with a poorly defined natural history. Relative contributions of tumor biology, patient selection, and the extent of treatment on ultimate outcome are not well characterized. Methods: Patients treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1980 and 2002 with a diagnosis of PMP were identified. Patient characteristics, pathologic features, and details of treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The 97 patients included in this study underwent a mean 2.2 ± 0.1 operations (range, 1–6). Although complete cytoreduction was achieved in 55% (53/97), disease recurred in 91% (48/53) of patients. The median disease-free interval after complete cytoreduction was 24 months. The median overall survival was 9.8 years and was independently associated with low-grade pathologic subtype (P < 0.001) and the ability to achieve complete cytoreduction (P < 0.001). Ten-year survival was attained in 21% (20/97) of the patients, of which 90% (18/20) had low-grade pathologic features. At the time of death or completion of follow-up, only 12% (12/97) of the patients were disease free. Conclusions: Outcome in patients with PMP is strongly associated with tumor biology. Although improved survival is associated with low-grade pathology and tumors amenable to complete cytoreduction, recurrence of PMP is common. Treatment may be beneficial, particularly in controlling symptoms, but absolute cure, defined as a prolonged disease-free state, is uncommon. Pseudomyxoma peritonei describes a clinical syndrome which encompasses a spectrum of biologic behavior. Although improved survival is associated with low grade pathology and tumors amenable to complete cytoreduction, recurrence is common. Treatment may be beneficial, particularly in controlling symptoms, but absolute cure, defined as a prolonged disease-free state, is uncommon.