Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) holds promise as an adjunctive treatment strategy in malignancies affecting the peritoneal surface, effectively targeting remaining microscopic residual tumor. HIPEC increases concentrations of chemotherapy directly within the peritoneal cavity compared with the intravenous route and reduces the systemic side effects associated with prolonged adjuvant intraperitoneal exposure. Furthermore, hyperthermia increases tissue penetration and is synergistic with the therapeutic chemotherapy agents used. In ovarian cancer, evidence is building for its use in both primary and recurrent scenarios.”.

To read more about this study, click here.

A trial study conducted in participating centers in the Netherlands and Belgium and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that ” among patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer, the addition of HIPEC to interval cytoreductive surgery resulted in longer recurrence-free survival and overall survival than surgery alone and did not result in higher rates of side effects”.  In this study 245 patients  were randomized between interval cytoreductive surgery alone and interval cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy).The study found that patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC had a median overall survival of  45.7 months.

To read more about this study, view the abstract on the The New England Journal of Medicine.

Many of the cancers treated with HIPEC are diseases treated by multiple disciplines in medicine and surgery. It is important that patients discuss HIPEC therapy with their oncologists and surgeon who can guide their therapy appropriately. Sometimes a referral to a Surgical Oncologist or Gynecological Oncologist performing HIPEC is helpful and necessary early at the time of diagnosis. These doctors can help determine if a patient can benefit from HIPEC and then formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.