Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is a form of chemotherapy performed in conjunction with surgery to remove abdominal tumors. Look to UC San Diego Health's surgical oncology team for your HIPEC treatment.

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HIPEC Expertise

Better Outcomes at UC San Diego Health

UC San Diego Health's surgical oncology team is internationally recognized for its expertise in HIPEC. We perform more HIPEC procedures than any medical center in the western United States with success rates that exceed international averages.

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Video: How Heated Chemotherapy Treatment Works

three doctors do surgery on a patient while a nurse stands by at right and another doctor watches a computer monitor

Dr. Joel Baumgartner, a surgical oncologist at UC San Diego Health's Moores Cancer Center, describes how HIPEC, or heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion, is done after all the visible tumor cells are removed from the abdomen. A dose of the heated chemotherapy drug is applied to kill the remaining microscopic cancer cells and lower the risk of the tumors returning.

Understanding HIPEC

HIPEC is a form of chemotherapy performed at the end of surgery to remove abdominal tumors. Once all visible tumors are removed in a process called "cytoreduction," your surgeon circulates a heated, sterile chemotherapy solution throughout the abdominal cavity to kill any remaining cancer cells. The approach allows you to receive a higher dose of chemotherapy with fewer side effects.

Cancers Treated with HIPEC

HIPEC is an effective treatment for cancers in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cancer), including pseudomyxoma peritonei, mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix and peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal metastases from colon cancer and advanced ovarian cancer may also be treated with HIPEC.

Are You a Candidate for HIPEC?

It is important you discuss HIPEC therapy with your care team to determine if it's right for you. You can help your physician with treatment planning by gathering as much information as possible about your health history. Here are some examples of records that are helpful.

Imaging studies (CT, PET, MRI) of abdomen, pelvis and chest

Pathology report

Tumor markers: CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125

Surgeon's notes for any prior surgery for your cancer

Summary of all chemotherapy treatments

HIPEC Surgeons

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