Peritoneal Metastasis: A Dilemma and Challenge in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a common mode of distant metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has a poorer prognosis compared to other metastatic sites. The formation of PM foci depends on the synergistic effect of multiple molecules and the modulation of various components of the tumor microenvironment. The current treatment of CRC-PM is based on systemic chemotherapy. However, recent developments in local therapeutic modalities, such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC), have improved the survival of these patients. This article reviews the research progress on the mechanism, characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of CRC-PM, and discusses the current challenges, so as to deepen the understanding of CRC-PM among clinicians.

Keywords

• colorectal cancer (CRC)
• peritoneal metastasis (PM)
• intraperitoneal free cancer cells (IFCCs)
• cytoreductive surgery (CRS)
• intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC)