Heated Chemotherapy

Traditional Chemotherapy Treatments

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment for cancer that involves various combinations of drugs aimed at killing cancerous cells by keeping them from dividing. There are two common approaches for administering chemotherapy. The first technique, referred to as systemic therapy, is when an individual receives a chemotherapy medication either orally or through an injection. Using this technique, the medication is able to enter the bloodstream and prevent cells from rapid growth and division. The technique more commonly associated with the treatment of mesothelioma patients involves placing the chemotherapy drugs directly into the affected area through the use of a catheter. If cancer is present near the chest region, then the catheter is placed intrapleurally, or through the hollow of the chest. If cancer is detected near the abdomen, an injection of medication would occur intraperitoneally, or into the abdominal area.

HIPEC

For many individuals undergoing chemotherapy, especially mesothelioma cancer patients, the traditional methods of administration can be unpleasant. There is a new chemotherapy alternative available for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer known as Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). This promising and innovative treatment method offers peritoneal mesothelioma patients some unique benefits.

This form of chemotherapy is a two-step method that involves first removing as much of the malignancy as possible. Immediately following surgery, HIPEC commences in the form of an intra-abdominal lavage infused over one to two hours. The lavage is a chemotherapeutic agent in a sterile solution heated between 111 degrees Fahrenheit and 114 degrees Fahrenheit. The intraperitoneal environment surrounding the lavage is maintained at a temperature between 107 degrees Fahrenheit and 109 degrees Fahrenheit. At the end of the perfusion interval, the solution is drained from the operation site. This perfusion part of the treatment is generally repeated once a week for three to four weeks, depending on the doctor’s discretion.

Purpose and Benefits of HIPEC

HIPEC is helpful to patients with peritoneal mesothelioma for several reasons. The HIPEC method is intended to destroy any cancer cells lingering in the peritoneal cavity after surgical removal of the tumor. Flushing the abdomen with chemotherapy solution during surgery provides better coverage of the malignant area than traditional chemotherapy techniques have previously been able to provide. The heating aspect also makes HIPEC a powerful treatment; when warmed to the appropriate temperature, the solution helps eradicate deadly cancer cells and spare normal cells. The solution is more effective than traditional treatments, as the tumor nodules become softer, boosting the efficiency of the chemotherapy.
Another benefit of HIPEC is there are potentially less side effects on the rest of the body, because with the HIPEC technique, treatment focuses on the peritoneal cavity. This delivery method allows chemotherapy to be absorbed better by the body and does not affect other body systems as severely as traditional chemotherapy.
Overall, many individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer are beginning to prefer HIPEC over traditional chemotherapy. Some surgeons using the HIPEC technique have seen successes in treating peritoneal mesothelioma. Because of the improved outcomes with this new treatment and the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is an alternative that mesothelioma patients will likely continue to explore.
Reference:
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center