Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a type of treatment that is used to treat cancer of the organs located in the abdominal area. In this treatment chemotherapy drugs are given at a very high temperature during the surgical procedure of the abdominal area. The treatment of HIPEC can be used to treat different cancers such as ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer. HIPEC treatment is not commonly used to treat cancers but it is mostly used in complicated cases where other treatment options show minimal or no response. HIPEC treatment may not be suitable for every patient so healthcare providers do not use this type of treatment method on every patient. HIPEC has the advantage of fewer side effects and due to the direct infusion of chemotherapy drugs, it kills cancer cells in large amounts. HIPEC treatment also has some risk factors that should be avoided to prevent any complications. Recovery after HIPEC treatment can vary from person to person but generally it takes 6 to 12 weeks for a complete recovery of a patient. After this period, patients can continue the activities of daily living with minimal or no restrictions.
Types of HIPEC Treatment India
Some of the types of HIPEC treatment are as follows:
- Open HIPEC
- Closed HIPEC
- PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy)
- EPIC (Early Postoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
- Sequential HIPEC
- CRS with HIPEC (Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC)
Open HIPEC
In this open HIPEC method, a surgical procedure is performed to remove the tumors within the abdominal cavity. After tumor removal, heated chemotherapy medication is circulated within the abdominal cavity to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Closed HIPEC
This approach involves the use of a closed system to deliver heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity. It is a less invasive method as compared to open HIPEC and is often used in combination with minimally invasive surgery.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC)
PIPAC is an advanced technique in which chemotherapy drugs are given as a mist into the abdominal cavity under pressure. This method helps to distribute drugs with more accuracy.
Early Postoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (EPIC)
EPIC involves administering chemotherapy shortly after surgical tumor removal. It is used to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Sequential HIPEC
In this approach, multiple sessions of HIPEC may be administered over time. Sequential HIPEC is often used in combination with other cancer treatments to increase its effectiveness.
Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with HIPEC
CRS is a surgical procedure to remove visible tumors in the abdomen. HIPEC is then administered immediately after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
Procedure of HIPEC Treatment
The general overview of the procedure of HIPEC treatment is described below:
- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): HIPEC is usually combined with this type of surgery which helps to remove visible tumors from the abdominal cavity. During CRS, the surgeon will carefully remove the tumors and cancerous tissues from various organs within the abdominal cavity.
- Heated Chemotherapy Solution Preparation: After CRS, a chemotherapy solution is prepared. This solution consists of chemotherapy drugs that are heated to a very high temperature.
- Placement of Catheters: Catheters are placed within the abdominal cavity. Two catheters are used and one helps to infuse the medications and the other one drains the fluid and chemotherapy solution from the abdominal cavity.
- HIPEC Administration: The heated chemotherapy solution is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity. The goal is to distribute the chemotherapy drugs and to target any remaining cancer cells or diseased cells.
- Chemotherapy Removal: After a suitable time, the heated chemotherapy solution is carefully drained from the abdominal cavity.
- Closure: The catheters are removed, and the surgical incisions from CRS and the catheter placements are closed. Some medications may be applied on the site of infusions to prevent any infection.
Cost of HIPEC Treatment in India
The cost of HIPEC Treatment in India ranges from 2700 USD to 3600 USD. The cost can vary according to the complication of each patient and the type of HIPEC treatment. The cost can also vary according to the skills of the surgeon and the facility of hospitals.
HIPEC Treatment : 2664 USD - 3552 USD
Indications of HIPEC Treatment
Some of the conditions in which HIPEC treatment can be used are:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Cancer of appendix
- Small Bowel Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Uterine Sarcoma
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
- Colonic Adenocarcinoma
- Endometrial Cancer
- Retroperitoneal Sarcoma
- Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor
Risk Factors of HIPEC Treatment
Some of the risk factors of HIPEC Treatment are as follows:
Surgical Risks
The surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and damage to the structures in the surrounding area and can further complicate the condition of the patient.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
HIPEC involves the use of chemotherapy drugs at high temperatures which can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney problems.
Hyperthermia
The high temperature of chemotherapy drugs can increase the temperature of the body which may require further treatment to manage this complication.
Infection
There is a risk of infection after the surgery which can delay the recovery process in the patient.
Adverse Reactions to Chemotherapy
Some patients may have allergic reactions or severe adverse reactions to the chemotherapy drugs used in HIPEC.
Incomplete Tumor Removal
In some patients, the tumor cannot be removed completely due to its location or any other reason. It can reduce the effectiveness of treatment by recurrence of the disease.
Hematological Issues
Chemotherapy can affect blood cell counts which can create complications of infection, bleeding, and low immunity.
Delayed Recovery
HIPEC is a complex procedure and it may require more time for complete recovery as compared to the other treatments of cancer.
Recurrence
There is a risk of recurrence of the cancer after the surgery and HIPEC treatment. The risk is higher in patients with genetic factors of cancer development.
