Hot Chemotherapy (Hipek)
Hot Chemotherapy (Hipek) is an advanced method used to treat types of cancer in the abdominal cavity. Hipek involves the delivery of heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity in a device outside the body, which is administered following surgery. This innovative method often provides an effective treatment option for peritoneal cancers.
Definition and Objectives of Hot Chemotherapy (Hipek)
Hipek stands for “Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy”. This treatment method, administered during surgery, aims to- To destroy microscopic cancer cells in the abdomen.
- Enabling chemotherapy drugs to reach tumor cells directly.
- Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy so that less drug enters the systemic circulation.
In Which Situations is Hipek Applied?
Hipek is usually used for the following types of cancer:- Peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer that has spread to the peritoneum)
- Ovarian cancers
- Stomach cancers that have spread to the peritoneum
- Advanced stages of colorectal cancer
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare intra-abdominal tumor)
How is Hot Chemotherapy (Hipek) Administered?
- Surgical Resection:
- Before starting the Hipek procedure, the tumorous tissues are surgically removed. This stage is called cytoreductive surgery.
- Chemotherapy Preparation:
- Chemotherapy drugs are heated so that the intra-abdominal temperature remains constant between 40-42°C.
- Administration of Chemotherapy:
- Warm chemotherapy fluid is pumped into the abdominal cavity and circulated for about 60-90 minutes. During this time, a high concentration of drugs reaches the cancer cells.
- Termination
- After the procedure is completed, the chemotherapy fluid is drained and the surgical procedure is terminated.
Advantages of Hipek
- Direct Effect: Chemotherapy drugs reach cancer cells directly.
- Reduced Side Effects: Serious side effects seen with systemic chemotherapy are minimized with Hipek.
- Improved Survival Times: Potential to prolong life in eligible patients.
Disadvantages and Risks of Hipek
- Surgical Risks: Hipek is performed in conjunction with major surgery and complications from surgery can occur.
- Recovery Period: The patient may have a long recovery period after surgery.
- Limited Eligibility: Not all patients may be suitable for this treatment; selection needs to be made carefully.
Suitability for Hipek Therapy
The success of Hipek treatment depends on the patient’s general health and the extent to which the cancer has spread. Patients eligible for Hipek are usually:- In cases where the cancer is localized,
- Individuals in good general health.
Recovery Process After Hipek
- Length of Hospitalization: The duration of hospitalization after hyphex is usually 10-14 days.
- Diet and Nutrition: Bowel movements are expected to return to normal after surgery.
- Regular Follow-up: Regular post-treatment check-ups are important to monitor the progression of the disease.
Differences between Hipek and Traditional Chemotherapy
| Feature | Hipek | Traditional Chemotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Application | Intra-abdominal administration of hot medication | Systemic administration via intravenous route |
| Side Effects | Fewer systemic side effects | Side effects felt throughout the body |
| Impact Area | Locally focused on intra-abdominal cancer cells | Cancer cells scattered throughout the body |