Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Most colorectal cancers start in the inner surface of the bowel wall, in some cases it can spread to the abdominal cavity and affect the surface which is called the peritoneum.

Traditional treatment of the cancer that affects the peritoneum has not been very effective. HIPEC treatment is an innovative treatment that aims to treat the cancer of the peritoneum and has been effective for some patients. At HCA UK we offer HIPEC treatment in London and Manchester.

Surgery has not traditionally been used with the intention of curing cancer once it has spread to the peritoneum. However there is evidence that if the size and spread of the cancer is limited then a specialised surgical technique can be used. This is called ‘Cytoreductive Surgery’ and removes all the evident cancer, this may involve major surgery to remove organs in the abdomen and peritoneum.

If your surgeon is able to remove most or all of the cancer, then heated chemotherapy drugs are put into the abdomen to kill any cancer cells that are not visible. This process is known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and helps to destroy any cancer cells that can’t be seen but could go on to develop into further tumours.

What are the benefits of HIPEC treatment?

• The technique improves chemotherapy absorption and susceptibility of cancer cells, concentrating the chemotherapy to the abdominal cavity.
• Allows the use of a higher dose/more intense dose of chemotherapy, which can destroy more cancer cells.
• Treatment takes place in one surgical session, instead of visits for multiple treatment sessions over several weeks.
• Reduces some side effects of chemotherapy.

Overall HIPEC treatment has the potential to improve survival rates for patients with colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

What are the risks of HIPEC treatment?

Many patients tolerate the HIPEC treatment well, although the specific risks will depend upon the type of surgery that was undertaken to remove your cancer, as well as the type of drugs used with the HIPEC treatment. Your consultant will discuss this in more detail with you where you will have the chance to ask questions about the surgery.

Although HIPEC is an effective treatment for many colorectal cancer patients, there is also a risk that it will not destroy all the cancer cells, with a chance that the cancer will return.