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PPS23. Does Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC Improve Quality of Life?

Thursday, March 5, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM MST
Location: HUB Poster Park - West Hall 1-3
Introduction: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is increasingly used for peritoneal surface malignancies, but its long-term effect on quality of life (QoL) remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate QoL metrics for CRS+HIPEC based on patient feedback via validated survey tools to better inform clinicians and patients when weighing treatment options.


Methods: An IRB-approved, anonymous Qualtrics survey was distributed via an online support group for patients who underwent CRS+HIPEC. The survey included the SF-36 and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments, scored on 0–100 scales. Demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, race, diagnosis, stage, months since surgery, treatment history) were collected. Analyses used descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests to compare cohort means with reference norms: the SF-36 midscale of 50 and QLQ-C30 US population norms (Rogge 2024).


Results:

Forty-five patients responded (mean age 52.5 ± 11.3 years, range 29.5–70.0; 36 female, 9 male). Racial distribution was 96% White, 2% Black/African American, 2% Hispanic/Latino. Diagnoses included low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm/pseudomyxoma peritonei (LAMN/PMP, 58%), appendiceal adenocarcinoma (16%), goblet cell adenocarcinoma (13%), high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (HAMN, 4%), mucinous adenocarcinoma (4%), combined HAMN/LAMN (2%), and peritoneal sarcomatoid mesothelioma (2%). Median time since surgery was 32 months (IQR 6–65, range 1–341). 



 



Compared with the SF-36 reference midscale of 50, CRS+HIPEC patients reported significantly higher scores in physical functioning (68.2, p< 0.01), emotional well-being (72.5, p< 0.01), social functioning (70.4, p< 0.01), pain control (65.7, p< 0.05), and general health (66.1, p< 0.05). On QLQ-C30, compared with US norms (Rogge 2024), patients reported higher global QoL (72.6 vs 63.9, p< 0.05), less fatigue (23.2 vs 31.9, p< 0.01), less pain (21.9 vs 27.5, p≈0.05), and less insomnia (26.7 vs 30.8, p< 0.05). Nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and dyspnea were similar to norms. Appetite loss was significantly worse (47.4 vs 14.1, p< 0.001). Overall, long-term survivors reported QoL comparable to the general US population in most domains, with appetite loss the major exception. 



Conclusions: Long-term QoL is preserved or improved after CRS+HIPEC, with higher global health status and reduced fatigue, pain, and insomnia compared with US norms. These findings provide reassurance for patients and clinicians overall, while appetite loss remains an area for targeted supportive intervention.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate long-term quality of life outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), noting improvements across most domains compared with US norms.
  • Identify domains of benefit (functioning, fatigue, pain, insomnia) and persistent burden (appetite loss) after CRS+HIPEC.
  • Apply findings to survivorship care, emphasizing reassurance and targeted supportive interventions.