What Is HIPEC? Heated Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Cancer

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced cancer treatment for peritoneal surface malignancies. It delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS), improving drug absorption and reducing systemic toxicity.

How Does HIPEC Work?

Hyperthermia (Heat Treatment)

Chemotherapy is heated to 41–43°C
Increases drug penetration into cancer cells
Disrupts cancer cell DNA repair mechanisms
Induces apoptosis (cell death)

Localized Chemotherapy Delivery

Chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity
High drug concentration at the cancer site
Lower systemic side effects

What Cancers Can HIPEC Treat?

HIPEC is often used in combination with CRS to treat cancer that has spread within the abdominal cavity, such as

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (Colorectal, Gastric cancer)
Ovarian Cancer (Advanced or recurrent)
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) (Mucinous tumors from appendix)
Mesothelioma (Peritoneal type)

The surgeon will try Remove as much of the visible cancer as possible.

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS):

ศัลยแพทย์จะพยายามตัดก้อนมะเร็งที่มองเห็นออกให้มากที่สุด
The goal is to leave as few microscopic cancer cells as possible.

HIPEC Treatment

Use warmed chemotherapy drugs such as Mitomycin C or Cisplatin.
Circulate the medication intraperitoneally for 60–120 minutes.
Helps increase drug absorption without damaging normal cells in the body.

Benefits of HIPEC

Better local control (reduces recurrence risk)
Deeper drug penetration
Lower systemic toxicity
Prolongs survival in selected patients

Limitations of HIPEC

Not for all cancers
Requires specialized surgeons
Surgical risks (infection, bleeding, organ complications)
Expensive and resource-intensive

HIPEC Treatment Process

1.Patient Evaluation

Conduct a physical examination to assess if the patient is suitable for treatment.
Diagnose cancer using imaging techniques such as CT Scan or MRI.
Evaluate the patient’s overall health and the functionality of critical organs.

2.Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

Surgeons perform surgery to remove as much of the tumor and cancerous cells as possible.
In some cases, affected organs such as parts of the intestines, spleen, or peritoneal lining may need to be removed.

3.HIPEC Procedure

After surgery, the surgeon places catheters into the abdominal cavity to administer chemotherapy.
A specialized machine circulates heated chemotherapy (42-43°C) into the abdominal cavity.
The chemotherapy solution is left to circulate for approximately 60-90 minutes.
The heat enhances the effectiveness of the drug while minimizing damage to healthy cells.