Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program

The multidisciplinary team at NYU Langone’s Peritoneal Surface Malignancy (PSM) Program offers advanced treatments to help manage cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. The PSM Program, part of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, performs complex abdominal cancer surgery and manages postoperative care. Our team is the largest and one of the most experienced in the region.

Peritoneal surface malignancy can develop from several types of cancer, including the following:

• appendix cancer and other appendiceal neoplasms, such as low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm
• colorectal cancer
• certain sarcomas
• mesothelioma
• ovarian and other gynecologic cancers
• stomach cancer
• other gastrointestinal cancers, including bile duct, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic

Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment

Treating cancer after it spreads to the abdominal cavity can be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of surgical and medical oncologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, and supportive service providers has expertise in managing PSM using a combination of approaches, including surgery and chemotherapy.

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Unlike traditional intravenous chemotherapy, which is given through a vein and absorbed through the bloodstream, intraperitoneal chemotherapy is delivered at higher concentrations directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery. This approach targets tumors in the abdomen while limiting the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the rest of the body.

Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Our doctors may recommend heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a treatment for people with cancer that is confined to the abdominal cavity.

HIPEC treatment is often a two-step process. First, the surgeon removes all visible cancer from the abdomen in a procedure called cytoreduction. Next, the abdominal cavity is treated with heated chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Heated chemotherapy affects the abnormal cells more than healthy cells. Putting tumor cells in direct contact with a high concentration of chemotherapy increases the treatment’s effectiveness and absorption rate compared with standard chemotherapy.

The heated chemotherapy agent is circulated through the abdomen, enabling it to reach tumor cells that are present but not visible. After about 60 to 90 minutes, the chemotherapy fluid is drained from the abdomen.

NYU Langone physicians are specially trained in HIPEC, which has been performed for over 40 years.

Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy

For people with advanced PSM, particularly gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, we offer an innovative, minimally invasive treatment. During laparoscopic surgery, you receive pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC) as a fine mist, delivered through small incisions directly into the abdomen.

PIPAC may be appropriate when surgery to remove the cancer isn’t currently an option. It can be used to relieve symptoms, like pain and bloating. It may also shrink tumors enough to make surgery possible.

Where We Evaluate and Treat Peritoneal Surface Malignancy

We see patients at two Perlmutter Cancer Center clinics, one located in Manhattan and one on Long Island. Our team reviews your history and any imaging that you have. We also consider any previous treatments you’ve had, including chemotherapy and surgery, and related pathology reports. This helps us determine the best next step in your treatment.

Inpatient procedures are performed at NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion and NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island.

Contact Us

For more information, please call Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Long Island Surgical Oncology Associates at 516-663-2780 or Perlmutter Cancer Center—38th Street at 212-263-2630, or email PSM@NYULangone.org.