HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is an advanced multimodal therapy that combines aggressive, targeted surgical techniques with localized chemotherapy to treat abdominal cancers. This innovative approach delivers chemotherapy directly to the abdominal cavity, minimizing systemic side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

After removing the tumor from the abdomen, the surgeon inserts catheters into the abdominal cavity. These catheters are connected to a perfusion machine that heats the chemotherapy drugs and circulates them throughout the abdominal cavity for one to two hours, targeting any remaining cancer cells.

Advantages of Intraperitoneal Administration of Chemotherapy

• Direct drug delivery to the peritoneal surface achieves higher local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic toxicity
• Administering chemotherapy intra-operatively prevents the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions

Advantages of Heating

• Heating enhances the penetration and cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy
• Hyperthermia increases cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy
• It also activates the systemic immune response by stimulating heat-shock proteins

Advantages of Timing During Interval Surgery

• Administering HIPEC during interval surgery allows for a shorter gap between chemotherapy treatments
• HIPEC is thought to be particularly effective against chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells that remain after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Yashoda Cancer Institute, one of the largest quaternary care centers in the country, is renowned for its expertise in treating a high volume of cancer patients and delivering the latest personalized cancer care. The institute’s strength lies in offering comprehensive cancer care, with all treatment modalities—medical, surgical, and radiation—available under one roof. Treatment decisions are made through multi-disciplinary tumor boards, where specialists collaboratively develop personalized treatment plans. The focus is on combining the most effective treatment modalities to achieve optimal outcomes while minimizing side effects.