Surgical Oncology

Hyperthermic Interperitoneal Chemotherapy

What is HIPEC?

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Hyperthermic interperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy to treat patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers and sarcomas that have spread to the lining of the abdomen.

Even after surgical removal, cancer often recurs in the abdomen. So when the tumor spreads, it is difficult for doctors to treat with standard chemotherapy.

HIPEC involves using a using a heated sterile solution that is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity. With HIPEC treatment, patients are connected to a series of tubes and a pumping device that bathes the abdominal cavity for two hours with a heated sterile solution containing anticancer (chemotherapeutic) drugs.

The high temperature has been found to increase the drug's effect. The fluid goes through the abdomen to treat tumor cells that may remain after surgery. Both heat and direct contact with chemotherapy drugs kills the cancer cells.

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What are the benefits of HIPEC?

Clinical studies have shown HIPEC to be significantly more effective than surgery alone. Studies have shown this procedure, combined with tumor removal, has improved survival and quality of life for patients who would otherwise have few if any options. The technique has also been shown to reduce pain dramatically.

Why Should Patients Come to the University of Maryland Medical Center for the HIPEC procedure?

One of the first medical centers in the nation to offer this procedure, the Greenebaum Cancer Center has been on the leading edge with HIPEC, which dramatically improves quality of life and sometimes increases patients' life expectancy.

The Cancer Center's state-of-the-art equipment and facilities provide patients with the most advanced therapies available. Our surgeons and oncologists work together throughout the treatment process to ensure that patients receive the highly individualized program of care they need while undergoing complex, aggressive therapies.

Who Should I Contact For More Information?

For more information, call University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center at 410-328-7320

This page was last updated on: March 12, 2008.