National Medical Policy Subject: Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Policy Number: NMP339 Effective Date*: May 2007 Update: September 2015 This National Medical Policy is subject to the terms in the IMPORTANT NOTICE at the end of this document For Medicaid Plans: Please refer to the appropriate Medicaid Manuals for coverage guidelines prior to applying Health Net Medical Policies The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) For Medicare Advantage members please refer to the following for coverage guidelines first: Use X Source National Coverage Determination (NCD) National Coverage Manual Citation Local Coverage Determination (LCD)* Article (Local)* Other None Reference/Website Link Use Health Net Policy Instructions Medicare NCDs and National Coverage Manuals apply to ALL Medicare members in ALL regions. Medicare LCDs and Articles apply to members in specific regions. 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Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 1 Current Policy Statement Health Net, Inc. considers intraperitoneal chemotherapy a medically necessary treatment option for women with optimally debulked ovarian cancer (stage II and III) who have undergone optimal surgical cytoreduction with no or minimal residual (no tumor nodule < 1cm in diameter) disease. Codes Related To This Policy NOTE: The codes listed in this policy are for reference purposes only. Listing of a code in this policy does not imply that the service described by this code is a covered or noncovered health service. Coverage is determined by the benefit documents and medical necessity criteria. This list of codes may not be all inclusive. On October 1, 2015, the ICD-9 code sets used to report medical diagnoses and inpatient procedures will be replaced by ICD-10 code sets. Health Net National Medical Policies will now include the preliminary ICD-10 codes in preparation for this transition. Please note that these may not be the final versions of the codes and that will not be accepted for billing or payment purposes until the October 1, 2015 implementation date. ICD-9 Codes 183.0 – 183.9 Malignant neoplasm of ovary and other uterine adnexa ICD-10 Codes C56.1-C56.9 Malignant neoplasm of ovary CPT Codes 96446 Chemotherapy administration into peritoneal cavity via indwelling port or catheter HCPCS Codes J9060 J9265 Cisplatin, powder or solution, per 10 mg Injection, Paclitaxel, 30 mg 2015 HCPCS Codes J9267 Injection, paclitaxel, 1 mg Scientific Rationale – Update September 2015 Tewari et al. (2015) completed a study to determine long-term survival and associated prognostic factors after intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Data from Gynecologic Oncology Group protocols 114 and 172 were retrospectively analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for statistical analyses. In 876 patients, median follow-up was 10.7 years. Median survival with IP therapy was 61.8 months (95% CI, 55.5 to 69.5), compared with 51.4 months (95% CI, 46.0 to 58.2) for intravenous therapy. IP therapy was associated with a 23% decreased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.90; P = .002). IP therapy improved survival of those with gross residual (≤ 1 cm) disease (AHR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.92; P = .006). Risk of death decreased by 12% for each cycle of IP chemotherapy completed (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.94; P < .001). Factors associated with poorer survival included: clear/mucinous versus serous histology (AHR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.83 to 4.24; P < Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 2 .001), gross residual versus no visible disease (AHR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.43; P < .001), and fewer versus more cycles of IP chemotherapy (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.94; P < .001). Younger patients were more likely to complete the IP regimen, with a 5% decrease in probability of completion with each year of age (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.96; P < .001). The advantage of IP over intravenous chemotherapy extends beyond 10 years. IP therapy enhanced survival of those with gross residual disease. Survival improved with increasing number of IP cycles. Scientific Rationale – Update September 2014 Per NCCN guidelines (3.2014) on Ovarian cancer, “Patients with low-volume residual disease after surgical cytoreduction for invasive epithelial ovarian or peritoneal cancer are potential candidates for intraperitoneal (IP) therapy. In these patients, consideration should be given to placement of IP catheter with initlal surgery. The guidelines note, “The intravenous/IP chemotherapyregimine (IP chemotherapy) is recommended for stage III patients with optimally debulked (<1cm residual) disease based on randomized controlled trials (category 1). Stage II patients may also receive IP chemotherapy, although no randomized evidence for stage II has been published.” Suidan et al (2014) compared survival outcomes for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who received primary intravenous/intraperitoneal (IV/IP) chemotherapy to those who received IV followed by consolidation (treatment given to patients in remission) IP chemotherapy. Data was analyzed and compared for all patients with stage III-IV EOC who underwent optimal primary cytoreduction (residual disease ≤1cm) followed by cisplatin-based consolidation IP chemotherapy (1/2001-12/2005) or primary IV/IP chemotherapy (1/2005-7/2011). The authors identified 224 patients; 62 (28%) received IV followed by consolidation IP chemotherapy and 162 (72%) received primary IV/IP chemotherapy. The primary IP group had significantly more patients with serous tumors. The consolidation IP group had a significantly greater median preoperative platelet count, CA-125, and amount of ascites. There were no differences in residual disease at the end of cytoreduction between both groups. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was greater for the primary IP group; however, this did not reach statistical significance (23.7months vs 19.7months; HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.57-1.06; p=0.11). The median overall survival (OS) was significantly greater for the primary IP group (78.8months vs 57.5months; HR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38-0.83; p=0.004). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, the difference in PFS was not significant (HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.56-1.11; p=0.17), while the difference in OS remained significant (HR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.89; p=0.01). The authors concluded in this study, primary IV/IP chemotherapy was associated with improved OS compared to IV followed by consolidation IP chemotherapy in patients with optimally cytoreduced advanced EOC. Barrios et al (2014) conducted a pilot study to investigate a regimen of combination IP carboplatin and IV and IP paclitaxel. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify all patients who received IP and IV chemotherapy after an optimal cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma from May 2007 to June 2013. The regimen consisted of day 1 administration of IP carboplatin AUC 6 and IV paclitaxel 175 mg/m over 3 hours and day 8 IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m over 1 hour. Common toxicity criteria for adverse events were used to classify toxicities. Protocol toxicities and oncologic outcomes were recorded. Twenty patients received the treatment protocol. The median age was 62 years (range 42-88 years). The median CA-125 at presentation was 296 units/mL (range 31-4,838 units/mL). Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 3 Nineteen (95%) patients were stage IIIC. The median number of IP cycles completed was six (range five to six cycles). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities occurred in 11 (55%) and 10 (50%) patients, respectively. The following grade 3 and 4 toxicities occurred: neutropenia in 14 (70%) patients, thrombocytopenia in five (25%), anemia in four (20%), nausea in two (10%), and fatigue in one (5%). With a median follow-up of 20 months, the median progression-free survival has not yet been met. The 5-year overall survival rate was 80%. Investigators concluded combination day 1 IP carboplatin, IV paclitaxel, and day 8 IP paclitaxel after optimal cytoreductive surgery for advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer is effective and safe. Bowles et al (2014) reported a 2006 National Cancer Institute clinical announcement recommended the use of IV and IP chemotherapy over IV chemotherapy alone for women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 3 optimally debulked ovarian cancer due to significant survival benefit demonstrated in multiple randomized clinical trials. The authors examined uptake of IP chemotherapy in community practice before and after this recommendation. They identified 288 women with FIGO stage 2 or greater incident ovarian cancer diagnosed from 2003 to 2008 at three integrated delivery systems in the US. Administrative health plan data were used to determine patient characteristics and receipt of IV and IP chemotherapy within 12 months of diagnosis. We compared characteristics of women receiving IV chemotherapy alone vs. IP chemotherapy (with or without IV chemotherapy) and assessed temporal trends in IP chemotherapy use. Overall 12.5% (n=36) of women received IP chemotherapy during the study period. IP chemotherapy use was non-existent between 2003 and 2005. Use of IP chemotherapy occurred among 26.9% of women diagnosed in 2006 and plateaued at 20.4% of women diagnosed in 2008. IP recipients were younger (mean age 55.9 vs. 63.5years, p=<0.001) and more likely to have stage 3 ovarian cancer (77.8 vs. 50.4% p=0.039) compared to their IV-only chemotherapy counterparts. The authors concluded use of IP chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced stage ovarian cancer patients was uncommon in this community setting. Future research should identify potential patient, physician, and system barriers and facilitators to using IP chemotherapy in this setting. Robinson and Cantillo ( 2014) compared the rate of completion of optimal debulking and/or 6 cycles of IP chemotherapy in women with International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians stage III/IV ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) versus primary surgery (PS) and to compare morbidity between these 2 groups. Ninety-six subjects with stage III/IV ovarian cancer who underwent either NACT or PS were identified. Data comparisons include rate of optimal debulking and completion rate of 6 cycles of IP chemotherapy. Other data collected included surgical times, length of stay, intensive care unit admissions, blood transfusions, bowel resections, major complications, and dose reductions. SigmaStat version 2.0 was used for statistical analysis. Of the 96 subjects, 38 received NACT and 58 had PS. All 14 subjects with stage IV disease received NACT, and all experienced resolution of pleural effusion, based on computed tomographic imaging. Thirty-five (92%) of 38 NACT subjects versus 47 (81%) of 58 PS subjects were optimally debulked (P = 0.08). Thirty-six (95%) of 38 NACT subjects versus 37 (64%) of 58 PS subjects completed IP chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Length of stay was 3.26 (NACT) versus 5.08 (PS) days (P < 0.001). Intensive care unit admissions were 1 of 38 (NACT) versus 12 of 58 (PS) (P < 0.001). Bowel resections were done in 2 of 38 (NACT) versus 14 of 38 (PS) (P < 0.05). Duration of surgery was 96 minutes (NACT) versus 138 minutes (PS) (P < 0.001). A trend to fewer dose reductions occurred in NACT (1/38) versus PS (8/58) (P = 0.056). Investigators Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 4 concluded the NACT subjects were more likely to complete IP chemotherapy and had decreased length of stay, intensive care unit admissions, bowel resections, and duration of surgery. Both optimal debulking and dose reductions were numerically but not statistically associated with NACT versus PS. This likely reflects a relatively high overall rate of optimal debulking and low rate of dose reductions in these subjects and would require a larger group to determine significance. Blinman et al (2013) sought to determine the regimen's feasibility, adverse events, catheter-related complications, progression-free survival, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and patients' preferences for IP versus IV chemotherapy. The authors conducted a single arm, multi-center study of IP chemotherapy with IV paclitaxel 135 mg/m(2) (D1) over 3 hours, IP cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) (D2), and IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2) (D8) for 6 cycles in women with optimally debulked stage III ovarian or related cancers. Thirty-eight eligible patients were recruited from 12 sites between July 2007 and December 2009. Seventy-one percent (n=27) completed at least 4 cycles and 63% (n=24) completed all 6 cycles. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events included nausea (n=2), vomiting (n=2), abdominal pain (n=2), and diarrhea (n=1), but not febrile neutropenia, neurotoxicity, or nephropathy. There were no treatment-related deaths. Catheter-related complications were the most frequent cause of early discontinuation of treatment (16 patients, 21%). Apart from neurotoxicity HRQL which worsened over time, HRQL was stable or improved with time. Most patients (≥50%) judged moderate benefits (e.g., an extra 6 months survival time or a 5% improvement in survival rates) necessary to make IP chemotherapy worthwhile. The authors concluded IP chemotherapy was feasible, tolerable, and most participants considered moderate survival benefits sufficient to warrant the adverse effects and inconvenience. Scientific Rationale – Update September 2013 Barlin et al. (2012) completed the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study 172, which demonstrated improved progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival for patients with stage III optimally debulked ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma treated with IV/IP paclitaxel and intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin compared to standard IV therapy. The inpatient administration, toxicity profile, and limited completion rate have been blamed for the lack of acceptance and widespread use of this regimen. The authors sought to evaluate the PFS, OS, toxicity, and completion rate of a modified outpatient IP regimen. Using a prospectively maintained database, the authors evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent primary optimal cytoreduction for stage III ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinoma followed by IV/IP chemotherapy from 1/05-3/09. Our modified regimen was as follows: IV paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2)) over 3h on day 1, IP cisplatin (75 mg/m(2)) on day 2, and IP paclitaxel (60 mg/m(2)) on day 8, given every 21 days for 6 cycles. The authors identified 102 patients who initiated the modified IV/IP regimen and completed chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 43 months. The median age at diagnosis was 57 years (range, 23-76). Primary disease site was: ovary, 77 (75%); fallopian tube, 13 (13%); peritoneum, 12 (12%). FIGO stage was: IIIA, 8 (8%); IIIB, 4 (4%); IIIC, 90 (88%). Residual disease after cytoreduction was: none, 58 (57%); ≤ 1 cm, 44 (43%). The most frequent grade 3/4 toxicities were: neutropenia, 12 (12%); gastrointestinal, 8 (8%); neurologic, 6 (6%). Eighty-two (80%) of 102 patients completed 4 or more cycles of IV/IP therapy; 56 (55%) completed all 6 cycles. The median PFS and OS were 29 and 67 months, respectively. By modifying the GOG 172 treatment regimen, convenience, toxicity, and tolerability appear improved, with survival outcomes similar to those of GOG 172. This modified IV/IP regimen warrants further study. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 5 The 2013 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on ovarian cancer states intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy notes intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in <1cm optimally debulked Stage II patients and Stage III patients, (i.e., Category I for Stage III, based on randomized controlled trials). Stage II patients are based on a NCCN 2A category recommendation, which is now considered medically necessary, and has been added to the policy statement. (Note: 2A recommendation is based upon lower level evidence but there is uniform NCCN consensus that the intervention is appropriate). Scientific Rationale – Update August 2012 The 2012 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on ovarian cancer states intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy notes intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in <1cm optimally debulked Stage II patients and Stage III patients (Category I for Stage III, based on randomized controlled trials). NCCN further notes that “ Patients with low volume disease after surgical cytoreduction for invasive epithelial ovarian or peritoneal cancer are potential candidates for intraperitoneal (IP) therapy. In these patients care should be given to placement of IP catheter with initial surgery”. There continues to be a paucity of randomized controlled trials for Stage II patients. Scientific Rationale – Update September 2011 The 2011 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on ovarian cancer states intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is recommended in Stage III patients with optimally debulked <1cm residual disease, based on randomized controlled trials, noted below in initial scientific rationale. (Category I for stage III). They also note in the guidelines stage II patients may also receive IP chemotherapy, although no randomized evidence for stage II have been published. Clinical Trials are ongoing evaluating both intraperitoneal chemotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Scientific Rationale Update – December 2010 The 2011 National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) guidelines on ovarian cancer state: Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is recommended in Stage III patients with optimally debulked <1cm residual disease, based on randomized controlled trials, noted below in initial scientific rationale. (Category I for stage III). Patients with low volume residual disease after surgical cytoreduction for invasive epithelial ovarian or peritoneal cancer are potential candidates for intraperitoneal therapy. In these patients, consideration should be given to placement of IP catheter with initial surgery. Tierstan et al. (2009) completed a phase II evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and debulking followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy in women with stage III and IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Women with adenocarcinoma by biopsy or cytology with stage III/IV (pleural effusions only) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma that presented with bulky disease were treated with neoadjuvant intravenous (IV) paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 6 q 21 daysx3 cycles followed by surgery (if >/=50% decrease Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 6 in CA125). If optimally debulked they received IV paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and IP carboplatin AUC 5 (day 1) and IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 (day 8) q 28 daysx6 cycles. Sixty-two patients were registered. Four were ineligible. Fifty-six were evaluated for neoadjuvant chemotherapy toxicities. One patient died of pneumonia. Five patients had grade 4 toxicity, including neutropenia (3), anemia, leukopenia, anorexia, fatigue, muscle weakness, respiratory infection, and cardiac ischemia. Thirty-six patients had debulking surgery. Two had grade 4 hemorrhage. Twenty-six patients received post-cytoreduction chemotherapy. Four had grade 4 neutropenia. At a median follow-up of 21 months, median PFS is 21 months and median OS is 32 months for all 58 patients. PFS and OS for the 26 patients who received IV/IP chemotherapy is 29 and 34 months respectively. These results compare favorably with other studies of sub-optimally debulked patients. Ziemet et al. (2009) Development of the pros and cons of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer based on the most prominent data published on the evolution of IP chemotherapy and on experience with this therapeutic strategy in clinical routine. The literature published on IP chemotherapy in ovarian cancer between 1970 and 2008 was identified systematically by computer-based searches in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Furthermore, a preliminary analysis of data recorded during an observational nationwide multicenter study of the Austrian AGO on IP-IV chemotherapy using the GOG-172 treatment regimen was performed. The literature review unequivocally revealed a significantly greater toxicity for IP than for intravenous (IV) cisplatinbased chemotherapy. However, according to a Cochrane meta-analysis, IP-IV administration of chemotherapy is associated with a 21.6% decrease in the risk for death. In agreement with earlier reports, the most frequently mentioned side-effects in the Austria-wide observational study were long-lasting neurotoxicity, abdominal pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicities, and catheter-related complications. Most of these toxicities were identified as mirroring the toxicity profile of high-dose IV cisplatin (>or=100 mg/m(2)). In some patients, the classic IP-IV regimen with cisplatin/paclitaxel was changed to an alternative schedule comprising carboplatin AUC 5 (d1) and weekly paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2) (d1, 8, 15) completely administered via the IP route. This treatment was better tolerated and quality of life was significantly less compromised. However, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the limiting side-effects of this IP regimen. In cases where optimal cytoreduction with residual disease <or=1 cm was achieved during primary surgery and disease was confined to the peritoneal cavity, IP chemotherapy should be given serious consideration, even at the expense of significantly increased, but manageable toxicity. Scientific Rationale Initial There is a growing body of evidence showing a survival advantage for intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin as compared to IV administration of platinum along with intravenous taxane-based chemotherapy in women with optimally cytoreduced stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. The publication of results from the most recent of these trials, Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) trial 172, led the US National Cancer Institute to issue a Clinical Alert, strongly encouraging the use of IP chemotherapy in this subset of patients. On January 5, 2006, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) released a clinical announcement concerning recommended treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Based on the results of eight phase III clinical trials, the NCI is encouraging doctors to follow surgery with a combination of two drug-delivery methods: intravenous and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 7 intraperitoneal. The combined approach, though more toxic, extends overall survival for women with advanced ovarian cancer by about a year compared to intravenous delivery alone. Patients should be provided with information on the survival and toxicity for both IP chemotherapy and intravenous therapies, as well as practical information about the administration of each regimen, so that they may play an active role in the decision-making process. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) issued a position statement to comment on the NCI Clinical Announcement regarding the use of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. The policy statement notes the following: “Intraperitoneal chemotherapy should only be considered in women who have undergone optimal cytoreductive surgery with residual tumor nodules less than 1 cm in diameter - microscopic or near microscopic disease is most desirable. In this regard, studies have shown that gynecologic oncologists are more likely to perform optimal debulking of ovarian cancer than other surgeons. The NCI recommendation that IP chemotherapy be considered only for patients who are optimally debulked further highlights the importance of referral of women with known or suspected ovarian cancer to a gynecologic oncologist or other physician with special expertise and training in ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery. Although there is good evidence that IP chemotherapy increases median survival, it remains unclear whether this translates into higher cure rates. In addition, there is presently no consensus regarding what constitutes the “standard” IP chemotherapy regimen. Furthermore, the intensity and toxicity of IP chemotherapy generally is higher than that of IV chemotherapy and IP chemotherapy may be poorly tolerated by patients who do not have an excellent performance status. In view of these issues, the decision whether or not to use IP chemotherapy should be decided on a case-by-case basis by each patient and her physician. The issues and challenges associated with the administration of IP chemotherapy differ from those encountered with IV chemotherapy. Most notably, this includes surgical insertion and maintenance of IP catheters as well as management of complications, such as catheter obstruction, infection and bowel fistula. In view of this, IP chemotherapy should be given by oncologists who have appropriate expertise and experience with this approach.” Epithelial ovarian cancers can spread by local extension, by intra-abdominal dissemination to other sites within the peritoneal cavity, and by lymphatic spread to pelvic and para-aortic nodes in the retroperitoneum. The most common route of ovarian cancer spread is within the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of chemotherapy was first proposed several decades ago. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin and, more recently, paclitaxel, were found to have distinct pharmacokinetic advantages when given via an intraperitoneal route. These include high intraperitoneal concentration of drug, as well as a longer half-life of the drug in the peritoneal cavity, compared to that observed with intravenous (IV) administration. For cisplatin there was a 10-20-fold greater exposure in the peritoneal cavity over what is achieved with the IV route. In addition, the intraperitoneal administration resulted in prolonged systemic exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents. The penetration into tumor tissue is limited to a few Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 8 millimeters of tumor on the peritoneal surface layers, therefore, this approach is best suited to patients with minimal residual disease after surgical cytoreduction. The optimal timing of IP catheter/port placement has not been established. The IP access device can be placed at the time of laparotomy performed for initial diagnosis, staging, and cytoreduction or it could be placed laparoscopically or by minilaparotomy in the post operative period. The drug delivery device should be a fully implantable port attached to a single lumen venous silicone catheter of large size so that it does not kink and obstruct flow. The catheter is only needed for infusion, and withdrawal of fluid is not needed after chemotherapy. While there have been no studies comparing different IP chemotherapy port locations, the most commonly recommended site is two to three fingerbreadths above the right or left costal margin in the midclavicular line. This location permits the port reservoir to be trapped against a fixed underlying structure while it is being accessed. This prevents internal rotation of the reservoir, and difficulty with insertion of the Huber needle into the port, which can be a problem if the device is placed in the right or left lower quadrant. Contraindications to IP port placement include patients at poor surgical risk, active peritonitis or sepsis, and the presence of extensive intraabdominal adhesions, because they prevent adequate distribution of instilled chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, patients who had removal of a portion of the left side of the colon during surgery may have more difficulty with IP therapy. IP chemotherapy may be discontinued prematurely due to abdominal pain with infusions, intolerance to the higher dose cisplatin and problems related to the access device. The GOG conducted a randomized, phase III trial (Armstrong et al., 2006) that compared intravenous paclitaxel plus cisplatin with intravenous paclitaxel plus intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel in patients with stage III ovarian cancer. 415 patients with stage III ovarian carcinoma or primary peritoneal carcinoma with no residual mass greater than 1.0 cm were randomized to receive 135 mg of intravenous paclitaxel per square meter of body-surface area over a 24-hour period followed by either 75 mg of intravenous cisplatin per square meter on day 2 (intravenous-therapy group) or 100 mg of intraperitoneal cisplatin per square meter on day 2 and 60 mg of intraperitoneal paclitaxel per square meter on day 8 (intraperitoneal-therapy group). Treatment was given every three weeks for six cycles. Quality of life was assessed. Grade 3 and 4 pain, fatigue, and hematologic, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurologic toxic effects were more common in the intraperitoneal-therapy group than in the intravenous-therapy group. Only 42 percent of the patients in the intraperitoneal-therapy group completed six cycles of the assigned therapy, but the median duration of progression-free survival in the intravenous-therapy and intraperitoneal-therapy groups was 18.3 and 23.8 months, respectively. The median duration of overall survival in the intravenous-therapy and intraperitoneal-therapy groups was 49.7 and 65.6 months, respectively. Quality of life was significantly worse in the intraperitoneal-therapy group before cycle 4 and three to six weeks after treatment but not one year after treatment. The investigators concluded as compared with intravenous paclitaxel plus cisplatin, intravenous paclitaxel plus intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel improves survival in patients with optimally debulked stage III ovarian cancer. Elit et al. (2007) performed a systematic review with meta-analyses of published randomized trials that compared first-line intraperitoneal-containing chemotherapy with first-line intravenous chemotherapy in the treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. Seven randomized, controlled trials were identified, including 3 large Phase III trials and 4 smaller randomized trials. The 3 large Phase Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 9 III trials detected statistically significant overall survival benefits with intraperitoneal cisplatin-containing chemotherapy compared with intravenous chemotherapy alone. Pooled analysis from 6 of the 7 randomized trials confirmed the survival effect with intraperitoneal chemotherapy compared with intravenous chemotherapy alone. Severe adverse events and catheter-related complications with intraperitoneal chemotherapy were significantly more common and often were dose-limiting. The reviewer concluded that the results from this review indicated that cisplatincontaining intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be offered to patients on the basis of significant improvements in overall survival. The appropriate clinical and institutional multidisciplinary facilities are needed for the safe delivery of this treatment in optimally debulked patients. The investigator also noted that further research is needed concerning specific aspects of the treatment, such as optimal agent, dose, and scheduling. Fung-Kee-Fung et al. (2007) also performed a review of the available evidence on IP chemotherapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Eight randomized trials comparing IP chemotherapy versus intravenous (IV) chemotherapy were identified. Three trials reported statistically significant improvements in median survival of 8.0, 11.0, and 15.9 months with cisplatin-based IP chemotherapy. In one trial, the 15.9month improvement in median overall survival (RR=0.75, 95% CI=0.58-0.97) represented a 25% reduction in the risk of death with IP chemotherapy. Severe adverse events and catheter-related complications were often dose limiting with IP chemotherapy. The reviewer concluded that survival benefits with cisplatin-based IP chemotherapy may represent a significant improvement in the outlook for select patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The delivery of IP chemotherapy is more challenging than the IV route; however, severe adverse events and catheter-related complications may be offset through research defining the optimum treatment regimen, and the standardization of care. He noted further that system-wide standards for the delivery of IP chemotherapy for patients with optimally debulked stage III ovarian cancer are offered in Canada. Improved outcomes with IP chemotherapy was confirmed in a Cochrane metaanalysis (2006). The reviewer found that overall survival and progression free survival from advanced ovarian cancer was increased with IP chemotherapy. The reviewers retrieved data on overall and disease free survival as well as adverse events and QOL and then performed a meta-analysis of outcomes, using hazard ratios for time-to-event variables and relative risks for dichotomous outcomes. Eight randomised trials studied 1819 women receiving primary treatment for ovarian cancer. Women were less likely to die if they received an intraperitoneal (IP) component to the chemotherapy (hazard ratio (HR) =0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70 to 0.90) and the disease free interval (HR =0.79; 95%CI: 0.69 to 0.90) was also significantly prolonged. The reviewers noted that there might be greater serious toxicity with regard to gastrointestinal effects, pain and fever but less ototoxicity with the intraperitoneal than the intravenous route. The reviewer concluded that the results of the meta-analysis provide the most reliable estimates of the relative survival benefits of IP over IV therapy. It was noted, however, that the potential for catheter related complications and toxicity needs to be considered when deciding on the most appropriate treatment for each individual woman. The reviewer noted further that the optimal dose, timing and mechanism of administration could not be addressed from this meta-analysis and would need to be addressed in the next phase of clinical trials. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 10 Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in females in the United States and the most common cause of death among women who develop gynecologic cancer. The majority of primary ovarian tumors derive from epithelial cells (epithelial carcinoma) while the remainder arise from germ cell tumors, sex cord-stromal tumors, and mixed cell tumors. The incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age; the mean age of diagnosis in the mid-fifties. Risk factors in the etiology of ovarian cancer include nulliparity or older age at first birth (older than 35 years) and family history (primarily patients having 2 or more first-degree relatives with ovarian cancer), including linkage with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genotypes. Some studies suggest postmenopausal women taking estrogen are also at increased risk. Conversely, younger age at pregnancy and first birth (25 years or younger), the use of oral contraceptives, and/or breast-feeding may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. The potential benefit of screening for ovarian cancer is early detection in an effort to reduce mortality. However, because currently available screening tests do not achieve high levels of sensitivity and specificity, screening is not recommended for the general population. At this time, routine screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended by any medical organization in the U.S. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that women with a strong family history of this disease may be screened, but transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 are not recommended for screening women without known strong risk factors for ovarian cancer. Instead of routine screening, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that obstetrician-gynecologists remain vigilant for the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal or pelvic pain and unexplained weight loss, and that these symptoms be evaluated by pelvic examination, CA-125, or ultrasound. They found that data suggest that currently available screening tests do not appear to be beneficial for screening low-risk, asymptomatic women. Current screening tests for screening women in “high-risk population” include tumor markers (e.g., CA 125) and imaging methods such as ultrasound with color Doppler, CT, and MRI. The pelvic examination, which can detect a variety of gynecological disorders, is not sensitive or specific for detecting ovarian cancer. In general, ovarian malignancies have disseminated by the time they are palpable. Symptoms of early stage disease are often vague and ill-defined, and may not be severe or specific enough to prompt a woman to seek medical attention. As a result, the majority of cases of ovarian carcinoma are advanced at the time of diagnosis. Most affected women have one or more nonspecific symptoms such as lower abdominal discomfort or pressure, gas, bloating, constipation, irregular menstrual cycles/abnormal vaginal bleeding, low back pain, fatigue, nausea, indigestion, urinary frequency, or dyspareunia. Advanced disease is typically associated with abdominal distention, nausea, anorexia, or early satiety due to the presence of ascites and omental or bowel metastases; dyspnea may be present due to a pleural effusion. Survival from ovarian cancer is related to the stage at diagnosis. About 76% of women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis, and 45% survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Women younger than age 65 have better 5-year survival rates than older women. If diagnosed and treated while the cancer has not spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 94%. However, only 19% of all ovarian cancers are found at this early stage. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 11 In contrast to other types of cancer, surgery is always considered for women with both localized and advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Unlike many other solid tumors, effective cytoreduction (“debulking”) conveys a survival benefit among with women with ovarian carcinoma. The goal of surgery is to establish both an accurate diagnosis and staging and optimal cytoreduction, leaving no or minimal residual tumor. Surgical staging is critically important because subsequent treatment and prognosis will be determined by the pathologic or surgical stage of disease. Ovarian malignancies are surgically staged according to the 2002 revised American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and International Federation of Gynecologic Oncologists (FIGO) joint staging system: Stage 1: Cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries and has not spread. Stage II: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis within the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver). Stage III: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen within the peritoneal cavity. Stage IV: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has metastasized (spread) beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body. Cancer that is found in the tissues of the liver is also considered stage IV. Initial surgery usually includes a comprehensive staging laparotomy, including a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). Based on published improved outcomes, it is recommended that a gynecologic oncologist perform the primary surgery. Cytoreductive surgery for patients having clinical stage II, III, or IV disease remains the initial treatment recommendation. The goal of primary surgery is to reduce the burden of ovarian cancer to little or no residual disease (less than 1 cm residual disease.) Procedures that may be considered for optimal surgical cytoreduction include: radical pelvic dissection, bowel resection, diaphragm stripping, or splenectomy. Approximately 75 percent of women with epithelial ovarian cancer present with stage III or stage IV disease. The standard of care for these patients is surgery followed by systemic chemotherapy. The recommended initial chemotherapy following debulking is generally a platinum-and-taxane chemotherapy combination given every 3 weeks for a period of 18 weeks (6 times over the 18 week period). The platinum drug of choice is either carboplatin or cisplatin, and the taxane drug (a drug originally identified from the bark of the Pacific yew tree) is either paclitaxel or docetaxel. The remaining 25 percent present with stage I or stage II disease are managed initially with appropriate surgical staging and a maximal cytoreductive procedure. Systemic chemotherapy may or may not be recommended. In summary, there is mounting evidence, bolstered by the recent randomized trial, that in certain patients, intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be superior to traditional intravenous chemotherapy in the treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer who have undergone optimal surgical cytoreduction. Patients should be adequately counseled about the potential benefits and toxicities associated with IP chemotherapy so that they may make an informed decision regarding treatment. The benefit of IP chemotherapy is uncertain in patients with early stage (stage I or II) ovarian cancer, patients with stage IV disease, patients who have residual tumor Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 12 greater than 1 cm in diameter and patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. In addition, further evaluation is needed concerning specific aspects of the treatment, such as optimal agent, dose, and scheduling. Review History May 2007 December 2010 September 2011 August 2012 September 2013 September 2014 September 2015 Medical Advisory Council Update. Added Medicare Table. Update – no revisions. Code updates. Update – no revisions Update – added intraperitoneal chemotherapy as medically necessary treatment option for women with optimally debulked (stage II ovarian cancer, rated as a 2A recommendation from NCCN 2013). Codes updated. Update – no revisions Update – no revisions. Codes updated. This policy is based on the following evidence-based guidelines: 1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Clinical Announcement on Intraperitoneal Therapy for Ovarian Cancer. (January 5, 2006). 2. Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Statement on Use of Intraperitoneal (IP) Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer. January 2006. 3. Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: A complex strategy but what an exciting avenue!. Jan 2006. Available at: http://www.gog.org/ipchemoed/GOCPositionStmt.PDF 4. Elit L, Oliver T, Covens A, Kwon J, et al. Gynecology Cancer Disease Site Group. The role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer: a clinical practice guideline. Toronto (ON): Cancer Care Ontario (CCO); 2006 Aug 3. 5. Hayes. Medical Technology Directory. Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Resulting from Ovarian Cancer, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, or Abdominal Sarcoma. 2009. Updated February 15, 2012. Update February 4, 2013. Archived June 13, 2014. 6. National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) Guidelines in Oncology. Ovarian Cancer, including fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer. Version 2.2011. Update Version 2.2012. Update Version 2.2013. Update 3.2014. Update Version 2.2015. References – Update September 2015 1. Tewari D, Java JJ, Salani R, et al. Long-term survival advantage and prognostic factors associated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment in advanced ovarian cancer: a gynecologic oncology group study. J Clin Oncol. 2015 May 1;33(13):1460-6. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2014.55.9898. Epub 2015 Mar 23. References – Update September 2014 1. 2. Al Mutairi NJ, Le T. Does modality of adjuvant chemotherapy after interval surgical debulking matter in epithelial ovarian cancer?: An exploratory analysis. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2014 Mar;24(3):461-7. Barrios M, Diaz J, Schroeder E, et al. Combination intraperitoneal Carboplatin and intravenous and intraperitoneal Paclitaxel in the management of advancedstage ovarian cancer. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 May;123 Suppl 1:90S. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 13 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Battelli C, Campo M, Buss MK, et al. Safety and outcome of patients treated with a modified outpatient intraperitoneal regimen for epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer. Chemotherapy. 2013;59(4):251-9. Blinman P, Gainford C, Donoghoe M, et al. Feasibility, acceptability and preferences for intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin after optimal debulking surgery for ovarian and related cancers: an ANZGOG study. J Gynecol Oncol. 2013 Oct;24(4):359-66. Bowles EJ, Wernli KJ, Gray HJ, et al. Diffusion of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer in Community Settings 2003-2008: The Effect of the NCI Clinical Recommendation. Front Oncol. 2014 Mar 10;4:43. Robinson W, Cantillo E. Debulking surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy are associated with decreased morbidity in women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2014 Jan;24(1):43-7. Suidan RS, St Clair CM, Lee SJ, et al. A comparison of primary intraperitoneal chemotherapy to consolidation intraperitoneal chemotherapy in optimally resected advanced ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2014 Jul 17. References Update – September 2013 1. 2. Barlin JN, Dao F, Zgheib NB, et al. Progression-free and overall survival of a modified outpatient regimen of primary intravenous/intraperitoneal paclitaxel and intraperitoneal cisplatin in ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. Herzog TJ, Armstrong DK. First-line chemotherapy for advanced (stage III or IV) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancer. UpToDate. July 1, 2013. References Update – August 2012 1. 2. 3. 4. Konner JA, Grabbon DM, Gersi SR, et al. Phase II study of interaperitoneal paclitaxel plus cisplatinum and intravenous paclitaxel plus Bevacizumab as adjuvant treatment of optimal stage II or III epithelial ovarian cancer. J Clinical Oncology. 2011; 29:4662-4668. National Institute of Health. U.S. National Library of Medicine. NCI Clinical Alert. Clinical Advisory: NCI Issues Clinical Announcement for Preferred Method of Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer. Available at: www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/ovarian_ip_chemo.html Parson EN, Lentz S, Russell G, et al. Outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface dissemination from ovarian neoplasms. Am J Surg. 2011 Oct;202(4):481-6. Epub 2011 Apr 7. Walker JL, Markman M. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treatment of ovarian cancer. UpToDate. June 14, 2012. References Update - September 2011 1. 2. 3. Landrum LM, Hyde J Jr, Mannel RS, et al. Phase II trial of intraperitoneal cisplatin combined with intravenous paclitaxel in patients with ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2011 Jun 10. Mackay HJ, Provencheur D, Heywood M, et al. Phase ii/iii study of intraperitoneal chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: ncic ctg ov.21. Curr Oncol. 2011 Apr;18(2):84-90 Muñoz-Casares FC, Rufián S, Arjona-Sánchez A, et al. Neoadjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel for the radical surgical treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer: a prospective pilot study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2011 Jul;68(1):267-74. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 14 References Update – December 2010 1. 2. 3. Tiersten AD, Lu PY, Smith HO, et al. Phase II Evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and debulking followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy in women with stage III and IV epithelium ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Southwest Oncology Group Study S0009; Gynecol Oncol 2009. 112: 444-449. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19138791 Zeimet AG, Reimer D, Radi AC, et al. Pros and cons of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Anticancer Res 2009; 29: 2803-2808. Markman M. An update on the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the management of ovarian cancer. Cancer J 2009; 15: 105-109. References Initial 1. Armstrong DK, Bundy B, Wenzel L, et al. Intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel in ovarian cancer. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:34. 2. Elit L, Oliver TK, Covens A, et al. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic review with metaanalyses. Cancer. 2007 Feb 15;109(4):692-702. 3. Markman M. Clinical efficacy supporting the role of intraperitoneal drug delivery in the primary chemotherapeutic management of small-volume residual advanced ovarian cancer. Semin Oncol. 2006 Dec;33(6 Suppl 12):S3-7 4. Jemal, A, Siegel, R, Ward, E, et al. Cancer statistics, 2006. CA Cancer J Clin 2006; 56:106. 5. Walker J, Armstrong D, Huang H, et al. Intraperitoneal catheter outcomes in a phase III trial of intravenous versus intraperitoneal chemotherapy in optimal stage III ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Gynecologic Oncology 100 (2006) 27 – 32 6. Hamilton C, Berek, J. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Current Opinion in Oncology. 18(5):507-515, September 2006. 7. Massard C, Lhomme C, Pautier P. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in first-line combination treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Bull Cancer. 2007 Apr 1;94(4):398-404. 8. Nieves L, Currie J, Hoffman J, Sorosky JI. Ototoxicity after intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a case report. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2007 Apr 13. 9. Hess LM, Alberts DS. The role of intraperitoneal therapy in advanced ovarian cancer. Oncology (Williston Park). 2007 Feb;21(2):227-32. 10. Fung-Kee-Fung M, Provencher D, Rosen B, et al. IP Chemotherapy Working Group on behalf of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer: A review of the evidence and standards for the delivery of care. Gynecol Oncol. 2007 Mar 16 11. Fujiwara K, Armstrong D, Morgan M, Markman M. Principles and practice of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2007 Jan-Feb;17(1):1-20. 12. Wenzel LB, Huang HQ, Armstrong DK, et al. Gynecologic Oncology Group. 13. Health-related quality of life during and after intraperitoneal versus intravenous chemotherapy for optimally debulked ovarian cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol. 2007 Feb 1;25(4):437-43. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 15 14. Alberts DS, Delforge A. Maximizing the delivery of intraperitoneal therapy while minimizing drug toxicity and maintaining quality of life. Semin Oncol. 2006 Dec;33(6 Suppl 12):S8-17. 15. Petignat P, du Bois A, Bruchim I, et al. Should intraperitoneal chemotherapy be considered as standard first-line treatment in advanced stage ovarian cancer? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2007 May;62(2):137-147. 16. Burkett AM, Cohn DE, Copeland LJ. Vaginal evisceration during intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2007 Feb;104(2):491-3. 17. Kyrgiou M, Salanti G, Pavlidis N, et al. Survival benefits with diverse chemotherapy regimens for ovarian cancer: meta-analysis of multiple treatments. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006 Nov 15;98(22):1655-63. 18. Coleman RL, Sood AK. Historical progress in the initial management of ovarian cancer: intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Curr Oncol Rep. 2006 Nov;8(6):455-64. 19. Singhal P, Lele S. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: where are we now? J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2006 Oct;4(9):941-6. 20. de Bree E, Theodoropoulos PA, Rosing H, et al. Treatment of ovarian cancer using intraperitoneal chemotherapy with taxanes: from laboratory bench to bedside. Cancer Treat Rev. 2006 Oct;32(6):471-82. 21. Rufian S, Munoz-Casares FC, Briceno J, et al. Radical surgery-peritonectomy and intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in recurrent or primary ovarian cancer. J Surg Oncol. 2006 Sep 15;94(4):316-24. 22. Hamilton CA, Berek JS. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Curr Opin Oncol. 2006 Sep;18(5):507-15. 23. de Bree E, Rosing H, Michalakis J, et al. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy with taxanes for ovarian cancer with peritoneal dissemination. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2006 Aug;32(6):666-70. 24. Jaaback K, Johnson N. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the initial management of primary epithelial ovarian cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1) 25. Zang RY, Li ZT, Tang J, et al. Weekly induction intraperitoneal chemotherapy after primary surgical cytoreduction in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. World J Surg Oncol. 2006 Jan 19;4(1):4 26. Miyagi Y, Fujiwara K, Kigawa J, et al. Sankai Gynecology Study Group (SGSG). Intraperitoneal carboplatin infusion may be a pharmacologically more reasonable route than intravenous administration as a systemic chemotherapy. A comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of platinum using a new mathematical model after intraperitoneal vs. intravenous infusion of carboplatin--a Sankai Gynecology Study Group (SGSG) study. Gynecol Oncol. 2005 Dec;99(3):591-6 27. Yen MS, Juang CM, Lai CR, et al. Intraperitoneal cisplatin-based chemotherapy vs. intravenous cisplatin-based chemotherapy for stage III optimally cytoreduced epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2001 Jan;72(1):55-60. 28. Markman M, Bundy BN, Alberts DS, et al. Phase III trial of standard-dose intravenous cisplatin plus paclitaxel versus moderately high-dose carboplatin followed by intravenous paclitaxel and intraperitoneal cisplatin in small-volume stage III ovarian carcinoma: an intergroup study of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, Southwestern Oncology Group, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol. 2001 Feb 15;19(4):1001-7. Important Notice General Purpose. Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 16 Health Net's National Medical Policies (the "Policies") are developed to assist Health Net in administering plan benefits and determining whether a particular procedure, drug, service or supply is medically necessary. The Policies are based upon a review of the available clinical information including clinical outcome studies in the peer-reviewed published medical literature, regulatory status of the drug or device, evidence-based guidelines of governmental bodies, and evidence-based guidelines and positions of select national health professional organizations. Coverage determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and are subject to all of the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member's contract, including medical necessity requirements. Health Net may use the Policies to determine whether under the facts and circumstances of a particular case, the proposed procedure, drug, service or supply is medically necessary. The conclusion that a procedure, drug, service or supply is medically necessary does not constitute coverage. The member's contract defines which procedure, drug, service or supply is covered, excluded, limited, or subject to dollar caps. 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The determination of coverage for a particular procedure, drug, service or supply is not based upon the Policies, but rather is subject to the facts of the individual clinical case, terms and conditions of the member’s contract, and requirements of applicable laws and regulations. The contract language contains specific terms and conditions, including pre-existing conditions, limitations, exclusions, benefit maximums, eligibility, and other relevant terms and conditions of coverage. In the event the Member’s contract (also known as the benefit contract, coverage document, or evidence of coverage) conflicts with the Policies, the Member’s contract shall govern. The Policies do not replace or amend the Member’s contract. Policy Limitation: Legal and Regulatory Mandates and Requirements The determinations of coverage for a particular procedure, drug, service or supply is subject to applicable legal and regulatory mandates and requirements. If there is a discrepancy between the Policies and legal mandates and regulatory requirements, the requirements of law and regulation shall govern. Reconstructive Surgery CA Health and Safety Code 1367.63 requires health care service plans to cover reconstructive surgery. “Reconstructive surgery” means surgery performed to correct or repair abnormal structures of the body Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Sep 15 17 caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease to do either of the following: (1) To improve function or (2) To create a normal appearance, to the extent possible. Reconstructive surgery does not mean “cosmetic surgery," which is surgery performed to alter or reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance. Requests for reconstructive surgery may be denied, if the proposed procedure offers only a minimal improvement in the appearance of the enrollee, in accordance with the standard of care as practiced by physicians specializing in reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive Surgery after Mastectomy California Health and Safety Code 1367.6 requires treatment for breast cancer to cover prosthetic devices or reconstructive surgery to restore and achieve symmetry for the patient incident to a mastectomy. Coverage for prosthetic devices and reconstructive surgery shall be subject to the co-payment, or deductible and coinsurance conditions, that are applicable to the mastectomy and all other terms and conditions applicable to other benefits. "Mastectomy" means the removal of all or part of the breast for medically necessary reasons, as determined by a licensed physician and surgeon. 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