The complexity of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) has led many to question its use because why would anyone choose such an involved treatment when less intense options exist for ovarian cancer? Although milder treatment options exist for ovarian cancer patients, HIPEC surgery remains one of the most effective treatment methods available. These claims don’t represent our position but extensive research and numerous studies have demonstrated their validity.
The battle against ovarian cancer can strain your body but HiPEC provides hope when standard treatments fail. The combination of precise surgical techniques and heated chemotherapy within the Hipec procedure leads to a low recurrence rate for ovarian cancer.
Moreover, a significant number of patients undergoing treatment reported better quality of life when compared to other ovarian cancer treatment methods. In this blog, we’ll cover all basic questions about HIPEC surgery and discuss reasons why it stands as a strong treatment choice for ovarian cancer.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC surgery represents an advanced and modern cancer treatment specifically designed to treat tumors located in the abdominal region. The one major thing that makes Hipec surgery so unique and different from other treatments is that it uses a two-way process to eliminate ovarian cancer cells. During the initial stage of the procedure, surgeons remove visible tumor cells and then apply heated chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
Furthermore, it has been noticed that patients opting for Hipec surgery treatment suffer from lesser side effects than the ones who have undergone with traditional chemotherapy. The application of heated chemotherapy makes it simpler to destroy cancer cells because heat renders these cancerous cells more susceptible and defenseless. Hipec surgery functions as a targeted treatment for cells which helps to minimize damage to healthy cells.
In addition to ovarian cancer treatment, HIPEC surgery also targets stomach cancer, colon cancer, appendix cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and several other abdominal cancer types. The suitability of Hipec surgery for every patient varies because this treatment method presents specific risks and limitations similar to other cancer treatment options.
How HIPEC Works for Ovarian Cancer?
Patients undergoing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy treatment experience a treatment method that differs significantly from standard chemotherapy. It is way better and more advanced than your standard chemotherapy, which allows patients to recover as quickly as possible.
Here is a brief overview of how Hipec surgery works and how it affects ovarian cancer.
Step 1
Cytoreduction serves as the initial procedure in Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy treatment. During Hipec surgery procedures surgeons conduct operative procedures to extract all detectable tumor cells from the patient. After the surgeon removes all visible and large cancer cells from the ovaries and abdominal lining as well as other affected areas, the medical team proceeds to the next stage of the treatment.
Step 2
The second step introduces heated chemotherapy once surgeons have removed all tumors visible to the naked eye. Doctors administer a chemotherapy solution heated to 40–42°C (104–108°F) throughout the abdominal lining area. The heated chemotherapy treatment will eliminate all invisible cancer cells which could have been missed during the visible tumor removal. The heated chemotherapy treatment takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Step 3
When the procedures are complete the machine-operated heated chemotherapy solution circulating through the abdominal lining is drained out. After the solution drains from the patient’s abdomen the entire area receives a rinse and surgeons close the surgical incision. After these steps the patient enters the recovery phase. The recovery process depends on the patient’s condition and their body’s ability to handle the treatment.
Why HIPEC Surgery Is Gaining Popularity in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer?
Hipec surgery has gained increasing popularity over several past decades. The proven success of Hipec surgery against advanced ovarian cancer has encouraged numerous patients to select it as their main treatment option. Below are several distinctive advantages which establish Hipec surgery as a beneficial choice for numerous patients.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Hipec surgery targets cancer cells exclusively, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells throughout the body via the bloodstream. Patients who undergo HIPEC surgery experience reduced side effects and less physical impact during the procedure.
Another critical aspect of HIPEC is the use of heat. Heat plays an essential role in cancer treatment because cancer cells show susceptibility to heat, which aids their destruction. With the heated chemotherapy solution, Hipec surgery increases the likelihood of destroying cancer cells. Heated chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells even when they remain hidden deep within tissue structures.
The primary obstacle for ovarian cancer patients is the frequent recurrence of cancer post-treatment. Hipec surgery successfully addresses this problem by completely eliminating cancer cells from the body during treatment. The likelihood of cancer returning decreases after surgery.
Traditional chemotherapy results in multiple side effects, such as hair loss and nausea,a but patients undergoing HIPEC experience fewer side effects. Patients experience faster recovery thanks to this result.
In addition, various studies have shown that Hipec surgery increases the survival rate among ovarian cancer patients, which proves its superiority and effectiveness over traditional treatment methods.
Evidence of HIPEC’s Effectiveness in Ovarian Cancer: Survival Rates and Clinical Outcomes
Before deciding on HIPEC surgery patients regularly ask themselves “Does this procedure actually work?” The effectiveness of HIPEC as a treatment option for ovarian cancer is confirmed through robust clinical evidence.
Research from the Dutch Clinical Trial (2018) and investigations by MD Anderson Cancer Center show that HIPEC reduces side effects and raises survival rates for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The studies show that women treated with HIPEC survived a median of 45.7 months, whereas the standard treatment group survived only 33.9 months. This clearly indicates that patients undergoing HIPEC have a better chance of long-term survival than those receiving traditional chemotherapy alone.
HIPEC proves effective because it reaches cancer cells hidden deep in abdominal tissues that conventional treatments typically fail to find. The direct administration of heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity during surgery through HIPEC leads to optimal cancer cell destruction which results in higher treatment efficacy and reduced recurrence rates.
Risks and Limitations of HIPEC
While Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy surgery appears to be a promising approach for treating ovarian cancer it includes specific side effects and risks. Hipec surgery brings together two major surgical procedures with heated chemotherapy techniques. The combination of surgical procedures and heated chemotherapy results in greater complexity and elevated risk for Hipec surgery compared to basic chemotherapy or surgical operations.
During the surgical procedure patients face significant risks including infections and bleeding as well as possible damage to internal organs. Hipec surgery is a specialized surgical treatment recommended for advanced ovarian cancer patients but not suitable for all patients. The combined surgery requires patients to have good health because they must withstand both the surgical procedure and subsequent chemotherapy. Heated chemotherapy produces side effects including nausea and vomiting along with abdominal pain and blood clotting. The treatment plan requires specialized equipment and trained medical teams which makes it costlier than other treatment options.
Is HIPEC Suitable for All Ovarian Cancer Patients?
HIPEC is a complex treatment that may not be suitable for everyone. It is ideal for patients who are diagnosed with cancer types that affect the abdominal cavity. In addition, studies have shown a higher increase in survival rate than other treatments. While HIPEC offers hope, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the right choice for your situation.
Conclusion
Hipec surgery has become a source of new hope for cancer patients especially those with ovarian cancer. The treatment process for ovarian cancer becomes more efficient through this method. The combination of surgical procedures with heated chemotherapy in Hipec surgery has led to better survival rates and decreased recurrence of cancer among ovarian cancer patients. Meanwhile, it is vital to note, that Hipec surgery is not meant for every patient as it is a complex treatment with some risks, and your overall health needs to be strong enough to handle it.
If you or a loved one is considering advanced treatment options for ovarian cancer, consulting with an experienced HIPEC specialist is crucial. Dr. Aditi Bhatt, a renowned surgical oncologist and one of the best ovarian cancer doctors in Ahmedabad, has extensive experience in performing HIPEC and helping patients navigate their journey with compassion and expertise.
Your care begins with the right guidance. Trust Dr. Aditi Bhatt for expert evaluation and personalized ovarian cancer treatment.
