Cancer is one of the most difficult challenges a patient and their family face. Throughout the years, medical researchers and scientists have strived to develop less painful and more effective treatments. PIPAC is one of the newer treatment options in use globally.
What is PIPAC? How does it work? What are the advantages and side effects? Let’s understand more in simple words.
What is PIPAC?
PIPAC refers to Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy. That sounds like a vast and challenging term, but in fact, this is easy to comprehend step by step:
- Pressurised is simply around gentle pressure.
- Intraperitoneal means inside the lining of the tummy (abdomen), where some cancers spread.
- Aerosol Chemotherapy: The cancer medicine is delivered in a mist or fine spray form, rather than a liquid form.
Simply put, PIPAC is a novel technique of delivering chemotherapy to the abdomen through the tummy in the form of a haze spray.
PIPAC Procedure
The PIPAC surgery is performed under minimally invasive surgery in the operation theatre. This implies the doctor will only cut the tummy in two or three small incisions instead of large incision.
Using a laparoscope (a tiny camera and surgical tool), the doctor sprays chemotherapy medicine inside the tummy. This is because the drug is misted in the air under pressure and hence capacitated to reach the minute hidden places of cancers that an ordinary chemotherapy
or surgery could not reach.
The process normally lasts an hour or so. Patients usually bounce back quickly and they can be sent home after days.
PIPAC vs HIPEC
Many people also hear about another treatment called HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). Both procedures are mainly used in cases where the cancer has spread within the abdomen.
- During HIPEC, chemotherapy is administered through surgery as a hot liquid into the abdomen.
- In PIPAC, chemotherapy is administered by the use of pressurised mist and can occur laparoscopically without major surgery.
Comparing PIPAC vs HIPEC:
- HIPEC is typically performed following major surgery and is a single treatment process.
- PIPAC is less invasive, and there is less stress to the body since it can be performed repeatedly.
Which Cancers Can PIPAC Help Treat?
PIPAC cancer therapy is principally applied when cancer spreads in the lining (peritoneum) of the tummy. Cancer types that PIPAC chemotherapy would help in alleviating include:
- Stomach cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Appendiceal cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
Not all cancers receive the first-line treatment. It is usually taken into consideration when other measures, such as standard chemotherapy or surgery, fail to give the desired results.
PIPAC Side Effects
PIPAC side effects are like any cancer therapy- they may occur. The positive point about PIPAC is that it tends to produce fewer side effects than other forms of chemotherapy, as the medication remains localised to the abdomen in most cases.
The side effects include:
- Slight abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Mild product infection at the reservoir site
PIPAC is well tolerated by the majority of patients and they are able to resume regular activities swiftly.
PIPAC in India
PIPAC is gaining popularity in India, more particularly in advanced cancer centres. As opposed to the extremely high costs of cancer treatment in many countries, the cost at world-class hospitals in India is comparatively affordable and yet the quality of care remains at the highest levels.
Team such as Surgical Oncology Solutions are the pioneers in terms of providing both HIPEC and PIPAC procedures and highly qualified physicians and advanced tech facilities.
Why Choose Surgical Oncology Solutions for PIPAC?
Our mission is to provide precision cancer treatment with Compassion. We also know that the cancer treatment process can be very stressful, and we aim to provide not only the best care but also emotional support.
Our Strengths:
- Qualified Experts: Our senior cancer surgeons, working in our facility, have over two decades of combined experience in multiple cancer centres in India.
- Our Advanced Technology: We offer both HIPEC and PIPAC, as well as robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery, with the best possible outcomes.
- Individualised Care: We support each cancer patient individually and develop a special treatment plan adapted to your body and emotions.
- Full-Service: Breast, ovarian, and stomach cancers, lung, prostate, and so many more- our specialists are experienced in treating a broad scope of cancers.
We also ensure easy access to expert care through walk-in consultations (Mon to Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM) and video consultations on weekends.
A Journey of Hope
The fight against cancer is not only science, it is also kindness, Compassion, and optimism. At Surgical Oncology Solutions, we do not just treat cancer; we support each patient through the healing process.
PIPAC extends new hope to many patients with advanced cancer. It does not necessarily cure everyone but in many cases it may help regulate the ill, decrease symptoms and enhance life.
