HIPEC Program
Offering a two-step surgery to treat stage 4 cancers affecting the abdomen
At O’Neal Cancer Center, we treat every type of cancer at every stage. Stage 4 cancer treatment options are limited, but our HIPEC Program treats many advanced cancers with an innovative two-step surgery consisting of cancer tissue removal followed by heated chemotherapy. It is used to treat a variety of cancers that occur in the abdomen and may extend life expectancy for patients with few other options. We were the first cancer center in the state to offer this procedure, known as CRS+HIPEC, in 2022.
CRS+HIPEC – How It Works
First the surgeons remove all visible cancer from the abdomen in a procedure called cytoreductive surgery (CRS) – this may involve removing part of the stomach, liver, spleen, or bowel. Then, the abdomen is flushed with heated intraperitoneal (meaning delivered into the abdomen) chemotherapy, or HIPEC. HIPEC is provided to eradicate invisible cancer cells that may still be floating or left behind in the area.
In some cases, surgery may be performed using smaller incisions and with a camera (called laparoscopic surgery, which is often robot-assisted). Patients may require chemotherapy before and after CRS+HIPEC.
Many cancers can be treated with CRS+HIPEC, including but not limited to:
- Appendix cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Gastric cancer
- Sarcoma
If you or a loved one might need a consult with our HIPEC Program, please call 205-934-3280.
