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This story is sponsored by Jordan Valley Cancer Center. Prevent. Treat. Thrive.

What exactly is HIPEC?

Hyperthermic Intraoperative Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment that coincides with cytoreduction therapy or tumor removal surgery for patients who have an advanced spread of cancers within the belly.

Once the tumor is removed, in many cases, there are microscopic cancer cells filled with residual disease that is left behind. HIPEC is designed to eliminate the residual.

How does HIPEC work?

HIPEC delivers treatment directly to the abdomen through catheters. Doing so more accurately targets the residual cancer cells, as opposed to orally or intravenously.

What makes it even more effective is that the chemotherapy is heated to 107° F (about the temperature of a warm bath). Cancer cells cannot tolerate high temperatures like normal cells can so the heat weakens the cancer cells and causes them more susceptible to the chemotherapy.

What are the advantages of HIPEC?

There are many advantages of HIPEC for patients who qualify for the procedure. HIPEC helps with the following:

1. Allows for high doses of chemotherapy,

2. Enhances and concentrates chemotherapy within the abdomen,

3. Minimizes the rest of the body’s exposure to the chemotherapy,

4. Improves chemotherapy absorption and susceptibility of cancer cells,

5. And reduces some chemotherapy side effects.

The goal is to eradicate hidden cancer cells in the abdomen and prevent the development of new tumors.

Who is eligible for HIPEC treatment?

HIPEC is designed specifically for patients who have an advanced spread of cancers within the abdomen, namely, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, mesothelioma or pseudomyxoma peritonei (also known as peritoneal carcinomatosis).

Where can I get this treatment?

“Previously, patients had to travel elsewhere to have an HIPEC treatment, but it is now available in Utah,” said Dr. Patricia Judson Lancaster of Jordan Valley Cancer Center. “Jordan Valley Cancer Center is one of few centers that offers this type of treatment to patients.”

For more information on this life-saving treatment, got to JVCancerCenter.com.