February 4th is observed as World Cancer Day in order to address the mammoth issues surrounding prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. As per the National Cancer Registry Programme 2020, India’s cancer burden could increase from 1.39 million to 1.57 million by 2025.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a rare form of cancer affecting the peritoneum, the thin membrane surrounding your abdominal organs. It most often develops when other abdominal tumors spread to the peritoneum, leading to multiple new tumors on the surface of this membrane. Most peritoneal metastases are of colorectal, ovarian, appendiceal, and gastric origin. Women at risk for ovarian cancer are also at an increased risk for developing peritoneal cancer.
Usually, patients may have to undergo more than one type of treatment for peritoneal cancer. Moreover, the type of treatment one needs to undergo also depends upon the stage and grade of the cancer, the size and location of the cancer and the age and overall health of the patient.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (PIPAC) are two innovative techniques for the application of chemotherapy in cases of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, which present good results increasing the survival and quality of life of the patients. Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Chairman & HOD Surgical Oncology – MHEPL, Consultant Surgical & Gynec. Onco & Robotic Surgeon, HIPEC Super Specialist, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bengaluru shares interesting insights about the two methods. Watch the video to learn more.