Technical Feasibility of Modified Early Post-Operative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (mEPIC) (NCT05913674) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 2
Technical Feasibility of Modified Early Post-Operative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (mEPIC)
Canada25 participantsStarted 2026-05-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this prospective phase II unicentric Canadian clinical trial is to clarify the feasibility of modified early post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (mEPIC) following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the clinical context of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal and appendicular neoplasms.
The primary objective of this study is to confirm the feasibility of mEPIC by evaluating its completion rate compared to the one of historical standard early post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) cohorts. The secondary objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety of the mEPIC protocol by monitoring adverse events arising during the protocol and to assess logistical implementation barriers for the nursing and Oncology pharmacy teams, respectively.
Participants will undergo a modified schedule of EPIC (mEPIC) designed to maximize therapeutic benefit by exploiting the known pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of fluorouracil (5-FU) while limiting the logistical issues of the standard protocol. mEPIC consists in shortening the original protocol from five to two days of postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Additionally, instead of solely administering a singular 5-FU bolus per 24 hours-period, mEPIC is based on the De Gramont intravenous regimen and consists of administering one intraperitoneal bolus of 5-FU (400 mg/m2) followed by a 24 hours-intraperitoneal infusion of 5-FU (1200 mg/m2) on postoperative days 1 and 2.
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.
* In good general health as evidenced by an ECOG score of 0 or 1.
* Histological diagnosis of appendicular or colorectal tumors with peritoneal carcinomatosis, either synchronous (\< 12 months after primary diagnosis) or metachronous (\>12 months after the primary diagnosis)
* Complete staging defined as: (1)Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. (2) Positron emission tomography (PET) scan when clinically appropriate. (3) Diagnostic laparoscopy reporting Peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) +/- biopsy
* Meets criteria for recommendation by combined multidisciplinary team and tumor board for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS+HIPEC) followed by mEPIC
* Surgery must be performed within 4-6 weeks following the end of neoadjuvant therapy or 4-6 weeks following the patient's enrollment if no neoadjuvant therapy needed.
* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the study duration
* Hematology: Absolute neutrophil count (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).
Exclusion Criteria:
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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.
What they're measuring
1
Feasibility of mEPIC
Timeframe: 2 days (assessed at the end of mEPIC protocol).