HIPEC Treatment Plan for Advanced Abdominal Cancers

HIPEC Treatment Plan for Advanced Abdominal Cancers

Overview

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). This includes certain types of advanced abdominal cancers, such as ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, and peritoneal mesothelioma. HIPEC combines cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity to target remaining cancer cells. Below is a detailed HIPEC treatment plan, including the steps involved, eligibility criteria, and approximate costs in euros (€).

Treatment

1. Eligibility for HIPEC

HIPEC is not suitable for all patients. Eligibility depends on:

The type and stage of cancer.
The extent of peritoneal spread (Peritoneal Cancer Index, or PCI).
The patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate major surgery.
Absence of distant metastases (e.g., to the liver or lungs) in most cases.

A multidisciplinary team (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists) will evaluate your case to determine if HIPEC is appropriate.

2. Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Before HIPEC, the following steps are taken:

Diagnostic Imaging:
CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to assess the extent of cancer spread.
Cost: €380–€12,870.
Laparoscopy:
A minimally invasive procedure to visually inspect the abdominal cavity and confirm the extent of peritoneal involvement.
Cost: €6,000–€8,900.
Blood Tests and Biopsies:
To confirm the cancer type and assess overall health.
Cost: €200–€5,100.

3. HIPEC Procedure Steps

The HIPEC procedure is performed in two main phases:

Phase 1: Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)
The surgeon removes all visible tumors and affected tissues from the abdominal cavity.
This may involve removing parts of organs (e.g., intestines, spleen, or ovaries) if they are affected.
Duration: 6–12 hours, depending on the extent of disease.
Phase 2: Heated Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
After surgery, a heated chemotherapy solution (typically 40–42°C) is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for 60–90 minutes.
The heat enhances the effectiveness of the chemotherapy, allowing it to penetrate deeper into tissues and kill remaining cancer cells.
Common drugs used: Cisplatin, Mitomycin C, or Oxaliplatin.

4. Recovery and Post-Treatment Care

Hospital Stay: Patients typically remain in the hospital for 10–14 days after the procedure.
Monitoring: Regular blood tests, imaging, and follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and detect any recurrence.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and nutritional support may be needed to regain strength.

5. Costs of HIPEC

The total cost of HIPEC varies depending on the country, hospital, and complexity of the procedure. Below is an approximate breakdown:

Component Approximate Cost (€)
Diagnostic Tests€7,000–€14,000
Cytoreductive Surgery €20,000–€40,000
Heated Chemotherapy€10,000–€30,000
Hospital Stay€5,000–€10,000
Follow-Up Care€7,000–€15,000 (annual)
Total Estimated Cost€49,000–€95,000

6. Risks and Side Effects

HIPEC is a major procedure and carries risks, including:

Infection or bleeding.
Damage to abdominal organs.
Blood clots.
Side effects from chemotherapy (e.g., nausea, fatigue, kidney toxicity).
In same cases complications like bowel obstruction or nutritional deficiencies.

7. Success Rates

HIPEC can significantly improve survival and quality of life for eligible patients.
For example, in peritoneal mesothelioma, HIPEC combined with CRS has shown 5-year survival rates of up to 50%.
In colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases, HIPEC can extend survival by several years compared to systemic chemotherapy alone.

8. Next Steps

WEGOVITA Assistance: WEGOVITA can assist you initially in consulting a specialist experienced in HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery.
Medical Records Review: Share your medical records, imaging, and biopsy results for evaluation.
Multidisciplinary Discussion: We can assist you to determine if HIPEC is the best option for your case.
Preparation: If eligible, prepare for the procedure by optimizing your health (e.g., nutrition, quitting smoking).

For more information or to discuss your case, please contact us. We invite you to share your medical records for a comprehensive evaluation and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Act now—your health and well-being are our priority.

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