ICARuS Post-operative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (EPIC) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) After Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) for Neoplasms of the Appendix, Colon or Rectum With Isolated Peritoneal Metastasis
United States292 participantsStarted 2013-03
Plain-language summary
This is the first randomized trial comparing Early post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for appendiceal and colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to find out what effects, good and/or bad, EPIC and HIPEC after cytoreductive surgery have on the patient and the appendiceal, rectal or colon cancer.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patient's age 18 years or older, both genders.
* Clinical diagnosis of appendiceal or colorectal neoplasm with peritoneal mucinosis or metastasis.
* Patient must be planning to undergo complete cytoreduction of all peritoneal disease.
* ECOG performance status ≤ 1.
* Hematology: ANC ≥ 1,500/ μL; Platelets \> 75,000/ μL.
* Adequate Renal function Creatinine \<1.5 x the upper limit of normal (ULN) or calculated creatinine clearance of ≥ 50ml/min.
* Adequate Hepatic function: Bilirubin less than 1.5mg/dL; (except in patients with Gilbert's Syndrome, who must have a total bilirubin less than 3.0mg/dL).
* Women with childbearing potential who are negative for pregnancy test (urine or blood) and who agree to use effective contraceptive method. Reliable contraception should be used from trial screening and must be continued throughout the study. A woman of childbearing potential is defined as one who is biologically capable of becoming pregnant.
* A man participating in this study must agree to utilize reliable barrier form of contraception for the duration of the study.
* Signed and dated written informed consent to participate in this clinical trial must be obtained prior to any study procedure.
* Subjects with a history of endometrial cancer are eligible only if they presented with a stage lower than 1A and if the histology was a subtype other than poorly differentiated.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Subjects who have previously undergone intraperitoneal chemothe…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.