Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC)
Intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy is being used, sometimes in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery, for selected peritoneal malignancies. Here is an excellent video presentation of intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy:
Wake Forest Video Presentation
You must have Real Player installed on your computer to view this video. For a free download of Real Player, click here.
Types of cancer/conditions treated may include:
- Appendiceal Neoplasms with Peritoneal Dissemination
- Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Peritoneal Sarcomatosis
- Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Other types treated can be found here:
Dr. Sugarbaker - Current Indications For Use
You can become a part of on of these clinical trials:
- Thalidomide in Treating Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery and Chemotherapy for Cancer That Has Spread Throughout the Abdomen Due to Colorectal Cancer or Appendix Cancer
- Continuous Hyperthermic Peritoneal Perfusion With Cisplatin Plus Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel and Fluorouracil Following Surgery in Treating Patients With Peritoneal Cancer
- Surgery Followed By Chemotherapy With or Without Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Gastrointestinal Cancer
So Is IPHC right for you? Blistering, burns, tissue swelling, blood clots, bleeding , and renal dysfunction were the possible side effects quoted in some of the abstracts I read.
Morbidity is low if this treatment is administered in specialized centers with the necessary expertise and technical resources. Keep in mind that this procedure is still considered relatively new. Not all facilities/physicians are using it. If you have chosen to do this, choose a physician who has extensive experience in this procedure.
Take Care, Sharon www.rare-cancer.org