Palliative systemic therapy is the standard treatment option for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and peritoneal metastasis (PM), who have a median overall survival of only 6-11 months and a serious adverse event (SAE) rate of \>5%. Patients with peritoneal-only metastasis may demonstrate unique tumor biology with less potential for hematogenous and lymphatic spread, making them potential candidates for a regional approach directed at the peritoneum. PIPAC is a drug- delivery system that combines the pharmacokinetic advantages of low- dose intraperitoneal chemotherapy (high tumor tissue penetration with low systemic absorption/toxicity) with the principles of aerosolization (homogenous intraperitoneal distribution and deeper tissue penetration). PIPAC may offer a complimentary approach to maximize drug delivery to tumor implants, potentially improving quality of life and survival without significant additional morbidity. Several non-randomized studies have evaluated safety, feasibility, and efficacy of PIPAC with various intraperitoneal agents in a variety of tumor types. Very few patients with pancreatic cancer PM have been included in these studies and most have been treated with either PIPAC-oxaliplatin or doxorubicin/cisplatin. A recent phase 1 dose-escalation study included patients with ovarian, gastric, breast, and hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies. One patient with
pancreatic cancer was included in this study. The recommended phase 2 dose was 140 mg/m2, with guidance to decrease the dose to 112.5 mg/m2 in patients with hepatic impairment. Therefore, the dose utilized in this study is 112.5 mg/m2. This recommendation was based on concern for nab-paclitaxel hepatotoxicity, but there was no data presented to support this expert recommendation.
This study sets out to explore the role of PIPAC with nab-paclitaxel in combination with medical oncology choice standard of care therapy in this patient population.
Ability to understand and sign informed consent form
Age ≥18 years
Patient must have histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with either histologic confirmation or strong suspicion of peritoneal metastasis on cross sectional imaging
ECOG performance status ≤ 2
Confirmed or suspected extra-peritoneal metastasis
Bowel obstruction requiring nasogastric tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or exclusive total parenteral nutrition.
Life expectancy of less than 4 months.
Prior intra-abdominal aerosol chemotherapy