Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialized and intensive cancer treatment used in certain cases of advanced abdominal cancers. It involves delivering heated chemotherapy drugs directly to the abdominal cavity after surgical removal of visible tumors. This procedure is designed to target any remaining cancer cells that may not be visible to the naked eye, and the heat increases the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
The HIPEC procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Surgery: The first step is a surgical procedure called cytoreductive surgery. During this surgery, the surgeon aims to remove as much of the visible tumor tissue as possible from the abdominal cavity. This can involve removing parts of or entire organs, such as the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), parts of the intestines, and other affected structures.
- Heated Chemotherapy: After the cytoreductive surgery, the abdominal cavity is bathed with a solution containing chemotherapy drugs. These drugs are heated to a temperature higher than normal body temperature (around 104-107°F or 40-42°C). The heat helps to enhance the penetration of the chemotherapy drugs into the cancer cells and may make the cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of the drugs.
- Circulation and Distribution: The solution containing the chemotherapy drugs is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for a specified period of time, usually about 60 to 90 minutes. This ensures that the drugs come into contact with any remaining cancer cells that may not have been removed during surgery.
- Draining and Closure: After the HIPEC treatment, the solution is drained from the abdominal cavity, and the incisions from the surgery are closed.
HIPEC is most commonly used for cancers that originate in or spread to the abdominal cavity, such as:
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity.
- Appendiceal Cancer: Cancer that originates in the appendix.
- Colorectal Cancer: In cases where the cancer has spread to the peritoneum.
- Ovarian Cancer: Advanced cases where cancer has spread within the abdominal cavity.
HIPEC is considered an aggressive treatment option and is typically recommended for patients who have a good overall health status and for whom standard chemotherapy or radiation therapy might not be as effective. It’s important to note that HIPEC is not suitable for all patients and requires careful consideration by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, and other medical professionals.
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