Surgery is considered the most reliable option to remove the cancer tumor from your body. But sometimes, the cancer cells stay back in the treated area even after your surgery. This is where doctors usually perform HIPEC, or Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Doctors use this targeted therapy to deliver a warmed chemotherapy solution directly into the abdomen and destroy cancer cells that surgery cannot remove. It can deliver a targeted concentration where you need it, without harming the rest of your organs.
How does it work and where is it used?
Doctors usually go for HIPEC after your surgery with a planned sequence. They first try to remove as much of the tumor as possible from your abdomen via surgery, and then they go for HIPEC. Doctors circulate a heated chemotherapy solution through the abdomen to directly target and destroy cancer cells that surgery cannot remove. With this precision, HIPEC doesn’t just kill the cancer cells in your body, but it also spares your other organs from the impact. It is mostly used when doctors usually focus on treating the hidden cancer cells that are most probably going to stay back even after your surgery.
Cancer HIPEC can treat
You may have to go through HIPEC if you are suffering from cancer that spreads into your abdominal cavity. Cancers like ovarian, colorectal, appendiceal, and peritoneal can stay behind even after surgery. In such cases, doctors may go for HIPEC to eliminate the risk of relapse so your quality of life is not disturbed.
What should you know about HIPEC?
HIPEC can sound good, as it can offer precision without harming other parts of your body. But there are some factors that you should stay aware of before making a decision.
HIPEC can offer a targeted and precise approach directly into your abdominal area.
Heat can also improve how chemotherapy works, as heat kills cancer cells.
Its precision can spare the other parts of your body from harm.
You may feel a little fatigued or face digestive issues in the beginning.
Recovery can be a little late, as it is combined with major surgery.
Doctors can give you HIPEC only if your body is strong enough to handle the high pressure.
A specialized approach
A cancer relapse can be overwhelming when you have already gone through surgery. But HIPEC can eliminate this probability of relapse by killing cancer cells precisely without harming your healthy cells, preserving your quality of life.