Clinical information
HIPEC for advanced ovarian cancer: a promising treatment option for the right patients
What HIPEC involves, who may benefit, and how the decision is made.
Being diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are faced with unfamiliar medical terms and treatment decisions. One treatment that may be discussed as part of your care is HIPEC, a specialist procedure that combines surgery with heated chemotherapy. Understanding what HIPEC involves can help you feel more informed and more confident about your options.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. In simple terms, warmed chemotherapy is circulated inside the abdomen straight after surgery to remove ovarian cancer.
HIPEC is usually carried out after several cycles of chemotherapy. During the operation, the aim is to remove as much visible cancer as possible; this is sometimes called interval cytoreductive surgery or debulking surgery. Once that has been achieved, the heated chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity, to target any microscopic cancer cells that may remain. The whole procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.
Why is HIPEC used?
Standard chemotherapy travels throughout the body in the bloodstream. HIPEC, by contrast, is delivered directly to the area where ovarian cancer most commonly spreads: the lining of the abdomen. The chemotherapy is gently heated, which may help it work more effectively against cancer cells.
For carefully selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer, research has shown that combining surgery with HIPEC can improve outcomes and may help to delay the cancer coming back.
Who might benefit from HIPEC?
HIPEC is not suitable for everyone with ovarian cancer. It is generally considered for women with advanced ovarian cancer who have responded well to their first chemotherapy and who are fit enough for major surgery.
Every case is different. The extent of the cancer, your overall health, how you responded to earlier treatment and what the surgeon finds during the operation all play an important part in deciding whether HIPEC is the right option for you.
What are the benefits?
The main aim of HIPEC is to improve long-term outcomes by treating cancer cells that cannot be seen during surgery. For some patients, this may mean a longer period before the cancer returns, and potentially improved survival.
Many patients also find it reassuring to know that every possible step is being taken to reduce the risk of disease being left behind after surgery.
What about recovery and risks?
HIPEC is given as part of major surgery, so recovery takes time, and you will usually stay in hospital for a while afterwards. As with any major operation, there are risks, and your team will explain them clearly before you decide. Our ICRS and HIPEC page sets out what to expect in more detail, and our patient leaflets include a downloadable guide.
Expert care and personalised advice
Deciding on the best treatment approach needs careful assessment by an experienced specialist team. HIPEC is offered only when it is considered safe, appropriate and likely to help.
If you have been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and would like to explore your options, a specialist consultation can help you understand whether HIPEC may be part of your personalised plan. Every patient deserves clear information, compassionate support and expert guidance throughout their cancer journey. Our news post on bringing HIPEC to Nottingham explains how the treatment became available locally.
Cancer Research UK explains treatment for ovarian cancer, and NICE has published guidance on managing ovarian cancer. To book a consultation with Mr Jafaru Abu, please get in touch.
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