HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. It is a specialized treatment for certain types of cancer that have spread to the peritoneal cavity, which is the abdominal space surrounding the organs. HIPEC is often used in combination with cytoreductive surgery, a procedure to remove visible tumors within the abdomen.
Here's how the HIPEC procedure typically works:
- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): The first step involves surgically removing visible tumors from the abdominal cavity. This may include the removal of organs or tissues that are affected by cancer.
- HIPEC Administration: After the surgical removal of tumors, the abdominal cavity is bathed in a heated chemotherapy solution. This solution contains chemotherapy drugs chosen to target any remaining cancer cells that may not be visible to the surgeon. The heat is applied to enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and improve its ability to penetrate cancer cells.
The combination of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is designed to maximize the treatment of cancer within the abdominal cavity. This approach is primarily used for cancers that have originated in or spread to the peritoneum, such as peritoneal mesothelioma, appendiceal cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Key points about HIPEC:
- Localized Treatment: HIPEC is a localized treatment that aims to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells within the abdominal cavity while minimizing systemic exposure.
- Enhanced Drug Penetration: Heating the chemotherapy solution is thought to enhance the penetration of the drugs into cancer cells, making them more susceptible to the effects of the chemotherapy.
- Patient Selection: Not all patients with abdominal cancers are candidates for HIPEC. The decision to use HIPEC is based on factors such as the type of cancer, the extent of disease, and the overall health of the patient.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The HIPEC procedure is typically performed in specialized centers by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals with expertise in peritoneal surface malignancies.
- Potential Side Effects: While HIPEC is designed to target cancer cells within the abdominal cavity, there can be side effects associated with the chemotherapy, including abdominal pain, fatigue, and changes in blood counts. The heated nature of the chemotherapy can also cause changes in body temperature.