Evaluation of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC): a retrospective, multicenter study

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Michael Ried
• Subject Area: Pneumology, Thoracic Surgery
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433397011

In the international literature only case series and retrospective single-center studies with small sample sizes evaluating HITOC are available. Some feasibility studies described the technique of HITOC with its potential complications. Objective of this retrospective, multicenter study (four Departments of Thoracic Surgery performig the most operations with HITOC in Germany) are for the first time the quality control and evaluation of the additional intraoperative HITOC after surgical cytoreduction with respect to potential complications (e.g. renal insufficiency), the technique including the choice and exact dosages of chemotherapeutic agents and duration of perfusion. Furthermore, recommendations for the perioperative management and safety regulations should be given.Meanwhile the applicant has written the first expert recommendation for HITOC in cooperation with thoracic surgeons of four university hospitals in Germany. This concensus is accepted for publication. The results of this retrospective, multicenter study should confirm and substitate the recommendations of the expert consensus. In the future a standardized and safe performance of the HITOC should be guaranteed and prospective studies including the HITOC as part of a multimodality treatment regime can be initiated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants