That difference reached statistical significance in a sensitivity analysis adjusted for baseline ascites, investigators said (HR, 0.59; P = .008). In addition, the 3-year overall survival rate reached 21.9% in the intraperitoneal arm, versus 6.0% for standard treatment.
Based on these possible clinical benefits, further investigation is warranted, authors said. One single-arm trial evaluating the intraperitoneal regimen is underway in Japan now and has enrolled 111 patients. Several other trials recently completed, ongoing, or planned are also evaluating intraperitoneal treatment plus other systemic therapy, they wrote.
“The results of these trials are awaited to confirm the efficacy of intraperitoneal therapy for gastric cancer,” Dr. Ishigami and associates said.
The study was supported in part by Sawai Pharmaceutical. Dr. Ishigami reported disclosures related to Taiho Pharmaceutical and Chugai Pharma.
SOURCE: Ishigami H et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 May 10. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.77.8613.