Cancers Treated with HIPEC

Some types of cancers are very difficult to treat. Cancer that has spread to the lining surfaces of the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity from primary colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, or mesothelioma and pseudomyxoma peritonei —known as peritoneal carcinomatosis — are such cancers.

Cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC is a comprehensive surgical treatment for certain patients with malignancies arising from or confined to the peritoneal cavity, including:

• Pseudomyxoma peritonei: A buildup of mucus in the peritoneal cavity. The mucus may come from ruptured ovarian cysts, the appendix, or from other abdominal tissues, and mucus-secreting cells may attach to the peritoneal lining and continue to secrete mucus.
• Mucinous adenocarcinoma of appendix: A type of cancer that begins in cells that line the appendix and produce mucin (the main component of mucus).
• Mesothelioma: A benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
• Colorectal carcinoma: Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).

Many of the cancers treated with HIPEC are diseases treated by multiple disciplines in medicine and surgery. It is important that patients discuss HIPEC therapy with their oncologists and surgeon, who can guide their therapy appropriately. A consultation with Dr. Andrew Lowy may be helpful and necessary early at the time of diagnosis to help you determine if you can benefit from HIPEC and to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.