Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

About this approach

HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity, usually during an operation after visible tumor has been removed through cytoreductive surgery. It is considered for selected cancers involving the abdominal lining, called the peritoneum. HIPEC is different from whole-body hyperthermia or ordinary intravenous chemotherapy. It is also a major treatment pathway rather than a simple heated infusion. Assessment considers the cancer type, extent of spread, feasibility of surgery and the person’s ability to recover from it.

Where it fits: Specialist regional chemotherapy for selected abdominal cancers

Where this treatment is used

The role of HIPEC depends on the tumor type, clinical setting, chemotherapy used and surgery performed. It is not a single treatment with one success rate across all cancers that reach the peritoneum. Specialist teams evaluate whether visible disease can be removed adequately and whether adding regional chemotherapy is justified in that situation. A consultation should separate the expected benefit of cytoreductive surgery from the additional contribution of HIPEC, rather than attributing every outcome to heated chemotherapy. Other treatment may be needed before or afterward. Recovery, nutrition, possible bowel surgery and the risk of delayed complications are central parts of deciding whether to proceed.

Procedure and practical considerations

Combined surgery and HIPEC can cause serious complications, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, bowel leakage or blockage, kidney injury and low blood counts. Recovery can be prolonged, and the procedure carries a risk of death. The extent of surgery influences these risks and may affect eating, bowel function and daily activity.

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