PICCOS- A trial looking at the use of pressurised intraperitioneal aerosolised chemotherapy (PIPAC) in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

Who can take part

Please note - unless we state otherwise in the summary, you need to talk to your doctor about joining a trial.

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You may be able to take part in the trial if you:

• have peritoneal metastases from epithelial ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal platinum-resistant cancer
• are 16 years of age or older
• have visible peritoneal lesion(s)on CT imaging
• have a good overall level of health

This is not an exhaustive list. If you're interested in participating in a clinical trial, you should speak to your doctor about what other criteria might apply.

About the trial

Researchers in this trial are trying to find out the best way to manage ovarian cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen (this is called peritoneal metastases). They are testing a new way of delivering cancer medicine (chemotherapy) called PIPAC. This involves spraying chemotherapy onto the peritoneal metastases during keyhole surgery.  Chemotherapy delivered during key hole surgery can cause some side effects but researchers believe that these will be less severe than those that would be experienced when chemotherapy is given in the usual way (through a drip.)

This trial is trying to determine if:

• using PIPAC (pressurised intraperitoneal aerosolised chemotherapy) is a more effective treatment for peritoneal metastases than the current standard treatment (chemotherapy given via a drip)
• there are differences in the quality of life in patients with peritoneal metastases who have PIPAC compared to those who do not

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria for the trial, you will be randomised (randomly allocated to a group by a computer) to receive either:

• Standard chemotherapy. This is the control group, your doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate type of usual chemotherapy for you to receive and what this will involve. The usual chemotherapy for patients with your type of cancer is given in cycles with a length of 3 or 4 weeks. You will either receive Paclitaxel or Liposomal Doxorubicin
   
• PIPAC. This is the experimental group. You will have up to 3 PIPAC procedures(each 6 weeks apart). PIPAC is a way of giving chemotherapy using keyhole surgery, that is performed under a general anaesthetic Prior to each PIPAC procedure you will be examined by a doctor and have bloods taken to check for any side effects from previous treatments and to c/heck that you are well enough to have your PIPAC surgery. You may also have an ECG (to check your heart rate and rhythm) in preparation for your anaesthetic. A month after each PIPAC surgery you will have a telephone call from a nurse to see how you are doing

You will be closely monitored by the trial team. You will need to have additional investigations such as blood tests, ECG’s, observations, and CT scans because you are part of the trial. The team will also ask you to complete questionnaires about your quality of life.

This information was last reviewed on 03/10/2025. Please note that the status of clinical trials can change at short notice. You should always check with your clinical team which trials may be suitable for your situation.