Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Mesothelioma
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is a treatment approach where chemotherapy drugs are directly delivered into the peritoneal cavity, which is the space in the abdomen that surrounds the abdominal organs. This method is commonly used in the management of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC):
In some cases, intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be combined with hyperthermia (heat treatment) in a procedure known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). During HIPEC, the chemotherapy drugs are heated and circulated throughout the abdominal cavity to enhance their effectiveness.
Chemotherapy Drugs Used:
Common chemotherapy drugs used in intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma include cisplatin and pemetrexed. These drugs aim to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Procedure Administration:
The administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy is typically performed during surgery. After the removal of visible tumors or cytoreductive surgery, the chemotherapy drugs are heated and introduced into the abdominal cavity. The drugs are then allowed to circulate within the abdomen for a specified period.
Enhanced Penetration:
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers the advantage of enhanced drug penetration into the peritoneal tissues, targeting microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgery.