HIPEC

HIPEC stands for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It refers to the chemotherapy treatment that is highly concentrated, heated and directed on the stomach during the surgery. This is targeted chemotherapy, unlike the regular chemotherapy where the chemotherapy delivery is done to the entire body. HIPEC delivers directly to the cancer cells present in the abdomen. This allows the higher concentration to reach the cancer cells, also the heated concentration helps in destroying the cancer cells that remain even after the surgery. The solution is heated to around 41-42 degree Celsius and is spread in the abdomen for around 1-1.5 hours. The solution is then drained out from the abdomen and the incision is closed.
This treatment is ideal for patients in whom there is cancer spread over the large area of the abdomen, without the involvement of the disease on the exterior of the abdomen. It also has the advantage that high doses of chemotherapy can be used. It also minimizes the risk of the body to chemotherapy and reduces the side effects posed by chemotherapy. Heated chemotherapy has better cellular penetration. Its a boon for patients with multiple lines of therapy in colorectal/ ovarian cancers.