HIPEC

Injection of Chemotherapy into the Peritoneum and/or Pleura

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an innovative treatment method used to deliver chemotherapy directly into the peritoneum and/or pleura. This method involves heating the chemotherapy solution above normal body temperature and circulating it in the abdomen or chest for a period of time to maximize its efficacy.

HIPEC is often used as an alternative method for administering chemotherapy when traditional methods are not effective in treating certain types of cancer, such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer. The HIPEC method is typically used in combination with debulking surgery, which involves surgically removing as much of the tumor as possible before administering the chemotherapy.

One of the main advantages of HIPEC is that it allows for the delivery of a high dose of chemotherapy directly to the affected area while minimizing systemic side effects. This is because the chemotherapy is delivered directly to the peritoneum or pleura, which is the lining of the abdominal or thoracic cavity, respectively. By delivering the chemotherapy directly to this area, it can penetrate deeper into the tumor and reach areas that may be inaccessible through other methods.

Another key advantage of HIPEC is that the chemotherapy is delivered at a higher temperature than normal body temperature. This increased temperature has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by improving drug penetration into tissues and increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to the chemotherapy.

However, there are also some limitations to the use of HIPEC. One significant limitation is that HIPEC is a highly invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia and a prolonged hospital stay. The high heat involved in the procedure can also lead to potential complications such as infection and bowel perforation.

In conclusion, HIPEC is an innovative and promising method for delivering chemotherapy directly to the peritoneum and/or pleura. While it is still a relatively new treatment option, studies have shown that HIPEC can be effective in treating certain types of cancer that are resistant to traditional chemotherapy methods. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of HIPEC before deciding on this treatment option.