Dr Viswanth Kottakota- Consultant Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Vizag stresses that compared to standard general surgery, HiPEC offers several advantages, including improved tumor penetration, enhanced cytotoxic effects, and a reduced risk of cancer recurrence
Ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer are among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer abdominal distension, loss of appetite, early satiety, virgin abdominal pain, weight loss or weight gain. Symptoms of colorectal cancer Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, teneues. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. While traditional general surgery involves tumor removal along with adjacent healthy tissue, it may not always eliminate microscopic cancer cells that could have spread to other areas of the abdomen, leading to disease recurrence.
In recent years, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HiPEC) surgery has emerged as a promising treatment option for ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer, surpassing traditional approaches. This innovative technique involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly to the abdominal cavity during surgery, targeting cancer cells more effectively while minimising systemic side effects. Compared to standard general surgery, HiPEC offers several advantages, including improved tumor penetration, enhanced cytotoxic effects, and a reduced risk of cancer recurrence.
Benefits of HiPEC surgery
One of the key benefits of HiPEC surgery is its ability to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy directly to the tumor site. The chemotherapy solution is heated and circulated throughout the abdominal cavity, providing complete coverage of malignant tissues, including any microscopic metastases. This targeted approach helps eradicate cancer cells more effectively while minimising damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
Additionally, the hyperthermic environment created during HiPEC surgery enhances the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy, making cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. The combination of heat and chemotherapy creates a synergistic effect, increasing the likelihood of complete tumor destruction. Studies have shown that HiPEC surgery results in higher rates of tumor regression and improved overall survival compared to traditional approaches.
Another significant advantage of HiPEC surgery is its potential to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. By eliminating residual cancer cells in the abdominal cavity after tumor resection, HiPEC helps prevent the spread of disease and lowers the likelihood of tumor regrowth. This can lead to longer disease-free intervals and improved long-term outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer.
Furthermore, HiPEC surgery is associated with fewer systemic side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy regimens. Because the chemotherapy is delivered directly to the abdominal cavity and heated, lower doses can be used, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity and associated adverse effects. Patients undergoing HiPEC surgery may experience less nausea, fatigue, and hair loss commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy treatments.
In conclusion, HiPEC surgery represents a significant advancement in the treatment of ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional approaches. With its ability to improve tumor penetration, enhance cytotoxic effects, and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, HiPEC surgery has become a cornerstone of modern Ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer therapy, offering new hope to patients and healthcare professionals alike.