A Clinical Study of Intraoperative Perfusion Chemotherapy With Raltitrexed in Colon Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women and the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality among men. Treatment of colon cancer is very crucial for a patient's survival. In this study, we assessed the reliability, efficacy, and safety of raltitrexed in intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Methodology: A total of 57 patients with clinical stages II and III of colon cancer were included in the study. R0 resection surgery + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure was done with raltitrexed. It was given in a dose of 3 mg/m in a 0.9% NS injection in a volume of 500 milliliters. Postoperative complications were observed.

Result: The most common postoperative complication was nausea/vomiting, which was seen in 21 out of 57 patients (37%). The second most common complication was fever (18/57). None of the patients died or developed renal toxicity, hepatic toxicity, and intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion: Raltitrexed is a reliable, efficient, and safe drug and can be used in intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy of colon cancer.