Why?

HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, commonly known as HIPEC, is a promising, innovative treatment for some types of intra-abdominal cancer. Combining surgery and heated chemotherapy, this procedure directly targets cancer cells, providing an effective solution for patients with advanced or recurrent cancer.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

HIPEC is a two-stage procedure designed to treat certain types of cancer in the abdominal cavity. The types of cancer treated include:

• Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis

• Ovarian cancer

• Appendiceal cancer

• Stomach cancer

• Mesothelioma

The procedure goes as follows:

1. Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): This is the surgical removal of tumors visible in the abdominal cavity. The goal is to reduce the tumor burden as much as possible.

2. HIPEC Application: Following surgery, a heated chemotherapy solution is administered directly into the abdominal cavity. The chemotherapy solution is heated to approximately 41-43°C (105.8-109.4°F), which enhances its effectiveness.

How Does HIPEC Work?

A heated chemotherapy solution is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 60-90 minutes. This local treatment method offers the following advantages:

• Increased Effectiveness: Heat increases the absorption of chemotherapy and its ability to destroy cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Reduces the systemic side effects of chemotherapy by directly targeting the abdominal cavity.

Improved Survival Rates: Studies show that HIPEC significantly extends survival compared to traditional treatments for certain types of cancer.

A heated chemotherapy solution is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 60-90 minutes. This local treatment method offers the following advantages:

• Increased Effectiveness: Heat increases the absorption of chemotherapy and its ability to destroy cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Reduces the systemic side effects of chemotherapy by directly targeting the abdominal cavity.

Improved Survival Rates: Studies show that HIPEC significantly extends survival compared to traditional treatments for certain types of cancer.

Advantages of HIPEC

• Minimizes Side Effects: Unlike systemic chemotherapy, HIPEC ensures that the drug is effective only in the abdominal area.

• Targets Microscopic Disease: The heated solution reaches areas that cannot be reached by surgery and destroys microscopic cancer cells.

• Improves Quality of Life: The patient's quality of life improves as they generally experience fewer side effects.