HIPEC has been described as one of the most innovative treatments available today, with the number of treatments performed more than tripling from 200 in 2002 to 1,350 in 2012. HIPEC combines surgery with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers in the abdominal lining such as peritoneal mesothelioma. Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion is given at the end of cytoreductive surgery, also referred to as "debulking surgery". This type of surgery involves removing as much of the mesothelioma as possible from inside the abdominal cavity.
According to Mount Sinai Hospital, the HIPEC procedure delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity after the visible tumors are removed, where it penetrates the diseased tissue directly also known as a "chemo bath" or "chemo wash". The hyperthermia further enhances absorption of chemotherapy into tumor cells.
This "chemo bath” or "chemo wash" continues for 90 to 120 minutes. The solution is then removed before the incision is closed.
In addition, HIPEC destroys undetected cancer cells after the tumor has been removed, preventing them from forming into new tumors, which can cause cancer to recur. Fewer chemotherapy side effects have been reported using HIPEC versus other chemotherapy treatments.
"Abdominal cancers have historically been difficult to treat," says Division Chief of Surgical Oncology Daniel Labow, MD. "But the HIPEC combination procedure has proven to significantly extend patient survival rates."
If you are interested in learning more about Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC) and other mesothelioma treatment options available, contact us to speak with a doctor who can discuss your options and make a referral to a qualified physician or complete the form below to request a free mesothelioma book of answers.