The results of three prospective clinical trials are reported: the first one was aimed at determining the appropriate dose of heated (42 degrees C) intraperitoneal oxaliplatin following complete resection of peritoneal carcinomatosis by studying its pharmacokinetics. The recommended dosage was set at 460 mg/m2 in 2 L/m2 of peritoneal instillation. Using these data another phase 2 study on 24 patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with the preceding regimen was initiated; the 2-year survival rate was 74% after a minimal follow-up of 18 months. A pharmacokinetic study using intraperitoneal oxaliplatin at the same dose but in various hypotonic solutions did not show any specific pharmacologic advantage and was associated with excessive postoperative bleeding.