Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a surgical procedure for patients who are being treated for cancers that have spread inside the abdomen. After all visible cancerous tumors are removed via cytoreductive surgery (CRS), the patient’s abdomen is bathed in heated chemotherapy drugs to eliminate any remaining microscopic cancer cells.  

This might be done through a larger “open” abdominal incision or with small incisions laparoscopically or robotically, depending on the nature of the cancer and the operation. After the surgery is complete, the infusion is washed out and the incisions are closed.  

Benefits of HIPEC

• Treatment of cancers that have spread beyond the original organ
• High effectiveness at killing cancer cells
• Targeted treatment that doesn’t circulate through the whole body
• Different side effect profile than traditional systemic chemotherapy

Who is a candidate for HIPEC?

HIPEC is an aggressive, targeted treatment option for patients whose abdominal cancer has spread inside the abdomen. It’s especially helpful for treating cancer without affecting the rest of the body, like traditional chemotherapy.

Whether someone is a good candidate for HIPEC depends on multiple factors, including the primary cancer and how far it has spread. Specific cancers that may be treated with HIPEC include:  

• Appendiceal Cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Ovarian cancer
• Peritoneal cancer
• Certain types of sarcomas or soft tissue cancers like Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)
• Other local cancers in the abdomen

Eligibility depends on where the cancer started, the severity of the disease and how far the cancer has spread. Ultimately, your doctor will determine if your cancer is likely to respond to HIPEC and your individual tolerance.  

What to expect during HIPEC surgery

HIPEC is, generally, not performed by itself. Instead, it’s part of a two-stage surgical procedure.

First stage

While under anesthesia, the surgeon will perform cytoreductive surgery, removing all cancerous tumors and diseased tissue.  

Second stage

After cytoreductive surgery, the surgeon inserts a catheter into the abdomen containing the chemotherapy infusion. The drugs are heated by a perfusion machine which then spreads through your abdomen for one to two hours, although this time may vary by patient.

Why choose Loyola Medicine for abdominal cancer treatment

At Loyola Medicine, every patient is given personalized, innovative treatments, such as HIPEC, that are at the forefront of cancer care. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, patients have access to oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses and other physicians that will help reach the best road to recovery for every individual patient.

As an academic medical center, Loyola provides comprehensive support, from initial evaluation to follow-up care, all within a research-driven environment. Patients benefit from expert guidance, state-of-the-art imaging and a seamless experience focused on improving outcomes and quality of life.