Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

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HIPEC: The Basics - Scalpel & Suds

  • Definition: Heated (41-43°C) chemotherapy delivered directly into the peritoneal cavity during surgery.
  • Synergy: Used as an adjunct immediately after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) for peritoneal malignancies.
  • Objective: Eradicate microscopic residual disease (MRD) not visible to the surgeon, aiming to improve survival.
  • Distinction: Differs from EPIC (Early Postoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), which is typically normothermic and administered in the early postoperative period.

⭐ HIPEC targets microscopic disease not visible to the surgeon after CRS.

HIPEC Indications - Targeting Tumors

Prerequisite: Complete Cytoreduction (CC-0/CC-1). Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) guides selection.

  • 📌 P-A-C-O-M Indications & typical PCI cut-offs:
    • Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP): Favorable, higher PCI may be accepted.
    • Appendiceal cancer (peritoneal mets): PCI < 20.
    • Colorectal cancer (peritoneal mets, selected): PCI < 12-15 (up to 20).
    • Ovarian cancer (recurrent/selected primary): PCI < 10-15.
    • Mesothelioma (peritoneal): PCI < 30.

⭐ Pseudomyxoma peritonei: classic, highly favorable for CRS + HIPEC.

HIPEC Mechanics - Hot Chemo Action

  • Hyperthermia Rationale (Target: 41‑43°C intra-abdominally):
    • ↑ Drug penetration into tumors
    • Direct cytotoxicity from heat
    • Inhibits DNA repair mechanisms
    • Synergistic action with chemotherapy
  • Pharmacological Advantages:
    • High local drug concentration (peritoneal)
    • ↓ Systemic absorption & toxicity
    • Helps overcome drug resistance
  • Common Chemotherapy Agents:
    • Mitomycin C, Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin, Doxorubicin
    • Selection factors: Tumor type, drug heat stability, molecular weight.

HIPEC vs PIPAC procedures

⭐ Hyperthermia at 41-43°C significantly enhances the cytotoxic effect of drugs like Mitomycin C and Cisplatin on peritoneal tumor cells.

HIPEC Procedure - The Surgical Dance

  • Prerequisite: Maximal Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) achieving CC-0 (no visible disease) or CC-1 (nodules < 2.5mm).
  • Techniques:
    • Open (e.g., Coliseum, Sugarbaker technique) or Closed abdomen methods.
    • Heated chemotherapy (e.g., Mitomycin C, Cisplatin) perfused for 60-90 minutes.
  • Key Steps:
    • Strategic placement of inflow/outflow catheters.
    • Establishment of perfusion circuit; continuous multi-site temperature monitoring.
  • Safety: Intraoperative measures to minimize staff exposure to cytotoxic agents.

HIPEC open vs closed technique diagram

⭐ The completeness of cytoreduction (CC score) before HIPEC is the single most important prognostic factor for long-term survival.

HIPEC: Candidates & Caveats - Risk vs Reward

  • Candidates: ECOG 0-1; resectable disease (low PCI, CC 0/1 achievable); adequate organ function; limited extra-abdominal disease.
  • Contraindications: ECOG ≥2-3; unresectable (high PCI, extensive small bowel); significant comorbidities; active infection.
  • Risks: Morbidity 20-40% (Grade III/IV: hematologic, GI, renal); Mortality <5% (experienced centers).

⭐ Major postoperative morbidity after CRS/HIPEC can be 30-40%, demanding careful selection & experienced teams.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • HIPEC is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus heated (41‑43°C) intraperitoneal chemotherapy for locoregional control.
  • Main uses: Pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma, ovarian/colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM).
  • Hyperthermia enhances drug penetration and cytotoxicity.
  • Common agents: Mitomycin C, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin.
  • Targets microscopic residual disease after optimal CRS.
  • Offers improved progression‑free and overall survival in selected patients.
  • Key complications: Anastomotic leak, ileus, myelosuppression, renal toxicity.

Practice Questions: Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

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