Intra Peritoneal Chemotherapy

Some cancers of the abdominal or gastrointestinal region can be treated using a type of chemotherapy infusion called intraperitoneal. There are two types of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The first is used at the bedside in the hospital or in an outpatient facility. The second type is done in the operating room, after surgery to debulk (partial or total removal) a tumor.

What is intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy?

Intraperitoneal is described as the space within the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the membrane (thin tissue) that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds your abdominal organs. Chemotherapy can be administered directly into this space to treat cancers of the abdominal region such as gastric (stomach), appendiceal (appendix) and ovarian. The chemotherapy is warmed and infused directly into the intraperitoneal cavity.

Types of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

• Standard Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
• Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Benefits of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapyy

• Chemotherapy is administered in a way that allows it to directly affect the cancer cells, which studies have shown can improve survival in certain types and stages of cancer.
• Potentially fewer side effects in other areas of the body.
• A higher dose of chemotherapy can be safely administered than can be prescribed for intravenous use.
• Treatment using HIPEC may require only one round of chemotherapy, which is completed in the operating room.