Minimally invasive and targeted cancer therapies like HIPEC, PIPAC, and HITOC are revolutionizing cancer treatment by delivering chemotherapy directly to affected areas, improving effectiveness while reducing side effects.

1. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)

HIPEC is a specialized treatment used after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) to target cancer cells in the abdominal cavity.

• After removing visible tumors, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated in the abdomen for about 60–90 minutes to destroy microscopic cancer cells.
• Used for peritoneal carcinomatosis, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and appendiceal cancer.
  ✔ Improves survival rates
  ✔ Minimizes systemic chemotherapy side effects

2. PIPAC (Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy)

PIPAC is a novel, minimally invasive technique used for patients with advanced peritoneal cancer.

• Instead of surgery, chemotherapy is delivered as a pressurized aerosol (spray) into the abdominal cavity using laparoscopic surgery.
• The pressurized nature helps the medication penetrate tumors more effectively.
• Ideal for patients who are not candidates for CRS+HIPEC.
  ✔ Less toxic and better tolerated
  ✔ Can be repeated multiple times

3. HITOC (Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy)

HITOC is a procedure similar to HIPEC but targets thoracic (chest) cancers such as mesothelioma or pleural metastases.

• After surgically removing tumors from the pleural cavity (lining of the lungs), a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated to kill residual cancer cells.
  ✔ Effective for pleural-based cancers
  ✔ Improves local tumor control

Symptoms Indicating Need for Treatment

• Persistent abdominal or chest pain
• Swelling or bloating (ascites) due to fluid buildup
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
• Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Breathing difficulties (in thoracic cancers)

These advanced therapies offer better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with advanced cancers in the abdomen and thoracic cavity.