Groundbreaking abdominal cancer study launched in Hampshire
The first-of-its-kind research aims to improve treatment outcomes for rare abdominal cancer
Last updated 21st Jul 2025
A pioneering clinical study into one of the world’s rarest abdominal cancers has been launched at Hampshire Hospitals’ Peritoneal Malignancy Institute.
The five-year research programme marks the first study of its kind in the Institute’s 30-year history, and will focus on improving treatment outcomes for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP)—a rare cancer that typically begins in the appendix before spreading throughout the peritoneal cavity.
Currently, PMP is treated with cytoreductive surgery—a complex nine-hour procedure followed by heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The new trial will explore whether a patient’s prognosis can be improved through greater understanding of chemotherapy dosage and its effects.
The study will involve 176 participants over the age of 16, divided into two groups receiving different doses of chemotherapy. Researchers will assess how the cancer responds to each dosage and monitor the impact on patients’ quality of life.
The study is being led by Mr Faheez Mohamed, Consultant Surgeon, and Dr Sophia Stanford, Lead Scientist, in collaboration with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit. It will also investigate the genetic makeup of the disease—insights that could help develop more targeted treatments in the future.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Mohamed said:
“Through this important programme of research, we will ensure our pioneering work in the treatment of pseudomyxoma peritonei can make progress; gaining from insights and understanding that will aid innovation in treatment for our patients and so improving long term prognoses.”
Dr Stanford added:
“For more than 30 years, Hampshire Hospitals has led treatment for this rare yet extremely debilitating form of cancer; through our research we hope to propel treatment forward so that patients receive even more successful outcomes.
“I am extremely grateful to those patients who are taking part, we have worked for many years to establish this research study and thanks to their involvement this work can move into a crucial stage.”