First of its kind trial opened in partnership with Velindre University NHS Trust to investigate a new chemotherapy delivery method

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Velindre University NHS Trust are proud sponsor a new clinical trial and be one of 40 sites across the UK investigating the efficacy of Pressurised IntraPeritoneal Aerosolised Chemotherapy (PIPAC) in the management of cancers of the colon, ovary and stomach.

Bowel, ovarian and stomach cancer will often spread (metastasize) to the lining (peritoneum) of the abdominal cavity. When this form of spread occurs, patients are normally informed that their disease is incurable.  Patients with peritoneal metastases normally receive chemotherapy or biological medications either through a drip (intravenously) or by taking it in tablet form, or through combinations of these.

Peritoneal metastases are difficult to treat with conventional anti-cancer drugs. PIPAC (Pressurised IntraPeritoneal Aerosolised Chemotherapy) is a new delivery method, giving chemotherapy as a spray into the abdominal cavity via keyhole surgery.

By aerosolising the chemotherapy, more drug reaches the cancer deposits in the peritoneum, with fewer side effects as the drug is not circulating in the blood.

The PICCOS Trial aims to determine if this new way of delivering chemotherapy as a spray directly into the peritoneal cavity in patients with peritoneal metastases will improve survival compared to conventional chemotherapy through a drip (intravenously). It will also assess the impact of this treatment on the patient’s quality of life.

Karen Arndell is the research specialist nurse and national lead for PICCOS;

“It’s fantastic to be part of such an exciting study using novel technology to deliver chemotherapy to patients with peritoneal metastases where there is urgent need for improved treatments. My role is key to facilitate the pathways to ensure effective delivery between the surgical and oncology sites. The trial will involve 40 sites around the UK and therefore require significant coordination to ensure the patient pathway runs smoothly.”

The most effective way to scientifically know whether one treatment is better than another is to carry out a type of research called a randomised controlled trial (RCT). An RCT is a type of research study in which patients are randomly allocated into two groups - an experimental group that receives the new treatment and a control group that receives usual treatment. Patients have an equal chance of being allocated to the experimental or control group. This enables a fair comparison to be made to see which treatment works best. This RCT will then allow for PIPAC to be compared against standard chemotherapy treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases in colorectal, ovarian and stomach cancer.”

Patients' comments

“Would be a dream come true if I could have chemo directly into my tummy and be a candidate for this treatment”

“Peritoneal cancer is fast growing. I’m only one person of many other desperate cancer patients who want to live and not leave their families”

“I felt I had been given a life line with this new trial”

For more information on the PICCOS trial email PICCOS@cardiff.ac.uk or visit the website.

 

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