When discussing cancer treatment options, a wide range of choices are available. You have likely heard of chemotherapy, a standard method to kill cancer cells. However, there is a more advanced and complex approach beyond traditional chemotherapy. This specialized method is known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and is specifically used to treat certain types of abdominal cancer.
There is no doubt about this: traditional chemotherapy has been a cornerstone in the fight against cancer for decades. However, this approach is now being challenged by a newer treatment that has shown greater effectiveness. While chemotherapy is all about targeting fast-growing cancer cells throughout your entire body and on the other side, Hipec treatment uses two-step procedures that combine surgery with heated chemotherapy to eliminate cancer cells more effectively.
You might wonder—why heat the chemotherapy? Why not stick to conventional chemotherapy, which seems less overwhelming? Why undergo a complex procedure that involves both surgery and chemotherapy? This is why you need to understand the key differences between these two treatments (HIPEC vs traditional chemotherapy). Once you grasp these differences, it will help you decide the right approach to make a world of difference in both outcomes and quality of life.
What is Traditional Chemotherapy?
Traditional chemotherapy is one of the most widely used cancer treatments. This treatment works by eliminating or slowing down the growth of cancer cells. Patients receive this treatment either by taking high doses of drugs in pill form or through intravenous (IV) infusion. Both methods allow the medication to enter the bloodstream and reach cancer cells throughout the body.
However, chemotherapy does not exclusively target cancer cells—it also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, certain chemotherapy drugs, like cytotoxic agents, can be highly toxic to the body.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC surgery (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a specialized form of chemotherapy that combines surgery with heated chemotherapy to treat cancer. This treatment is commonly used to treat certain types of abdominal cancers, including ovarian, colon, and gastric cancer.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which uses pills or IV to introduce medicine into the bloodstream, Hipec surgery treatment involves a two-step approach that combines both surgery and chemotherapy, which helps more precise and targeted therapy. First, the surgeon removes visible cancerous tumors. Then, heated chemotherapy is applied directly to the abdominal cavity to target any remaining cancer cells that are too small to detect. Since the medication is confined to the abdomen rather than circulating throughout the body, HIPEC reduces side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
HIPEC vs Traditional Chemotherapy: Key Differences
Both traditional chemotherapy and HIPEC surgery aim to destroy cancer cells. While both treatments are used for cancer management, they differ in their effectiveness and approach. Understanding these key differences can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
Here are some key differences between HIPEC and traditional chemotherapy.
1: Delivery Method
Traditional chemotherapy is administered orally through pills or intravenously (IV), allowing the drugs to circulate throughout the entire body. This method affects both cancerous and healthy cells.
In contrast, HIPEC surgery is a highly specialized and localized treatment. It involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity, targeting only the affected area. This localized approach minimizes damage to healthy cells and enhances effectiveness.
2: Temperature
There is no alteration in temperature while administering traditional chemotherapy. Traditional chemotherapy drugs are administered at normal body temperature.
HIPEC surgery, however, utilizes heated chemotherapy—with drugs warmed to 41-43°C before being introduced into the abdominal cavity. This elevated temperature increases the efficiency of the drug and makes it easier to eliminate cancer that penetrates deep inside the tissue.
3: Area Targeted
Traditional chemotherapy is systemic, meaning it travels through the bloodstream and can target cancer cells anywhere in the body.
HIPEC surgery, on the other hand, is limited to the abdominal cavity, targeting cancers that affect the peritoneal lining, such as peritoneal mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancer.
4: Duration and Effectiveness of Treatment
Traditional chemotherapy requires multiple treatment sessions spread over weeks or months, depending on the type of cancer you have and how well your body is reacting to the treatment.
Hipec surgery, on the other hand, is a one-time treatment and takes around an hour to finish both processes. After the treatment, the patient would stay in the hospital for about 7 days or more than that.
5: Side Effects of Treatment
Since traditional chemotherapy affects the entire body, its side effects can be severe and long-lasting. Some common side effects of traditional chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, anemia, and weakened immune function. On the other hand, HIPEC treatment has fewer side effects, which are limited for short duration; it includes nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and digestion issues.
6: Cancer Types Treated
HIPEC is specialized for treating certain abdominal cancers, such as:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Appendix cancer
- Stomach cancer
On the other hand, Traditional chemotherapy, being systemic, is more versatile and can treat a wider range of cancers, regardless of location.
How Painful is HIPEC Surgery?
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a complex surgery. As this extensive procedure involves both surgery and chemotherapy, it increases the level of stress and discomfort, making it more stressful and painful compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Patients undergo major abdominal surgery, requiring an incision, which leads to post-surgical pain and discomfort. Immediately after surgery, patients are placed in the ICU for close monitoring. While anesthesia initially controls the pain, discomfort increases once it wears off. Patients may also feel soreness and tenderness in the incision area, common after abdominal surgeries.
What is the Life expectancy After HIPEC Surgery?
The life expectancy post HIPEC surgery depends on factors like cancer type, extent (stage) of cancer, body conditions, and overall well-being of patients. Like, patients with colorectal cancer can have a median survival of 30–60 months, while ovarian cancer patients have around 45 months of survival rate. So, depending on the type of cancer you have and how early it’s been identified, your survival rate would vary.
Is HIPEC Surgery Dangerous?
Like any major surgery, HIPEC comes with risks and limitations. Some potential complications include:
- Infections – Patients have a high chance of getting infected. Some common infections noticed in cancer patients are wound infections, urinary tract infections, or sepsis.
- Heavy Bleeding – HIPEC involves removing multiple tumors from the abdominal cavity, increasing the risk of significant blood loss.
- Organ Failure – Lastly, there are also chances of organ failure during the surgery. In rare cases, an organ may be damaged while removing the nearby tumor, which could cause the organ to fail.
Despite these risks, HIPEC remains a highly effective treatment for specific types of cancer.
When is HIPEC Recommended?
HIPEC is not suitable for all cancers—it is primarily used for abdominal cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Appendix cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
Additionally, HIPEC is beneficial for recurrent cancers confined to the peritoneal cavity, as it significantly reduces the chances of recurrence.
Also Read>> Diet after HIPEC Surgery
Conclusion
HIPEC surgery is a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy for specific abdominal cancers. While it is a complex treatment involving both surgery and heated chemotherapy, its localized approach and reduced recurrence rate make it a valuable option.
Although HIPEC may seem physically demanding, it kills cancer cells more effectively with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. For patients eligible for HIPEC, it offers a higher survival rate and a better quality of life post-treatment.
For those seeking expert care, Dr. Aditi Bhatt is a highly renowned HIPEC cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializing in advanced peritoneal surface malignancies. With extensive experience in performing HIPEC procedures, she has helped numerous patients achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life. If you or a loved one are considering HIPEC cancer surgery in Ahmedabad, consulting Dr. Aditi Bhatt can provide the right guidance and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
