BACKGROUND: Advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer results in extensive spread of 
tumor on the peritoneal surfaces of the abdomen and pelvis. We collectively 
review studies in the literature that report the efficacy of cytoreductive 
surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian 
cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis.
METHODS: An electronic search of all relevant studies published in peer-reviewed 
journals before May 2009 was performed on three databases. The quality of each 
study was independently assessed and classified according to the time point of 
HIPEC use in various setting of ovarian cancer from the consensus statement of 
the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group. Clinical efficacy was synthesized through 
a narrative review with full tabulation of the results of each included study.
RESULTS: Nineteen studies each of more than ten patients reporting treatment 
results of HIPEC of patients with both advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer 
were included and data were extracted. All studies were observational case 
series. The overall rate of severe perioperative morbidity ranged from 0 to 40% 
and mortality rate varied from 0 to 10%. The overall median survival following 
treatment with HIPEC ranged from 22 to 64 months with a median disease-free 
survival ranging from 10 to 57 months. In patients with optimal cytoreduction, a 
5-year survival rate ranging from 12 to 66% could be achieved.
CONCLUSION: Despite the heterogeneity of the studies reviewed, current evidence 
suggest that complete CRS and HIPEC may be a feasible option with potential 
benefits that are comparable with the current standard of care. A randomized 
trial is required to establish the role of HIPEC in ovarian cancer.