Malignant Uterine Neoplasm

This study is to find out how well liquid biopsies work as a non-invasive alternative to other methods of finding cancer cells (such as a tissue biopsy) in patients with endometrial cancer. A liquid biopsy is a blood test that may be able to find cancer cells. Collecting and storing samples of blood and tissue from patients with endometrial cancer to study in the laboratory may help doctors learn how the cells in the blood may change during treatment for uterine cancer.

This phase I trial studies the side effects of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) in treating patients with ovarian, uterine, appendiceal, stomach (gastric), or colorectal cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, fluorouracil, mitomycin, and irinotecan, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. PIPAC is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The study device consists of a nebulizer (a device that turns liquids into a fine mist), which is connected to a high-pressure injector, and inserted into the abdomen (part of the body that contains the digestive organs) during a laparoscopic procedure (a surgery using small incisions to introduce air and to insert a camera and other instruments in the abdominal cavity for diagnosis and/or to perform routine surgical procedures). Pressurization of the liquid chemotherapy through the study device results in aerosolization (a fine mist or spray) of the chemotherapy intra-abdominally (into the abdomen). Giving chemotherapy through PIPAC may reduce the amount of chemotherapy needed to achieve acceptable drug concentration, and therefore potentially reduces side effects and toxicities.

The phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of cryocompression therapy alone or in combination with cilostazol in preventing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (numbness, pain or tingling in the feet and hands) for patients with gynecologic cancers. Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents, including paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Cryocompression is a therapy that combines compression garments or dressings with cooling of the treated area. Cilostazol is in a class of medications called platelet-aggregation inhibitors (antiplatelet medications). It works by improving blood flow to the legs. Giving cilostazol together with cryocompression may be safe and tolerable in treating patients with gynecological cancers.