Over the past two decades, cancer treatment has made significant advances, with HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) emerging as a powerful alternative for some abdominal tumors. This guide is designed for Indian patients and their caretakers, to guide you through which malignancies HIPEC treats, who qualify, which Indian centres provide this therapy, and what to expect at each stage.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC is a targeted therapy delivered during surgery after the visible tumors from the abdominal cavity are removed (a process called cytoreductive surgery). It involves circulating heated chemotherapy medication in the abdomen to destroy remaining microscopic cancer cells. This approach increases cancer cell destruction at the source, simultaneously reducing side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.
Which Cancers Can Be Treated with HIPEC?
1. Ovarian Cancer
- HIPEC is often used for advanced-stage ovarian cancers, mainly those spreading within the abdominal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis).
- After surgical removal of tumors, HIPEC may improve survival rates and reduce recurrence.
2. Colorectal Cancer
- Certain advanced colon and rectal cancers, when they spread to the peritoneal lining, may be treated with HIPEC for aggressive local control.
- It is mainly useful for patients with isolated peritoneal metastasis without spread to other organs.
3. Primary Peritoneal Cancer
- Cancers in the peritoneum.
- HIPEC is often the treatment of choice when the disease is confined to the abdomen.
4. Appendiceal Cancer (Including Pseudomyxoma Peritonei)
- Rare tumors like appendiceal neoplasms that cause jelly-like deposits in the abdomen (pseudomyxoma peritonei) respond well to HIPEC.
5. Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
- Advanced stomach cancers with peritoneal involvement are selectively treated with HIPEC, especially when traditional systemic treatments are less effective.
6. Certain Rare Tumors
- Mesothelioma (peritoneal type).
- Select pancreatic cancers with limited peritoneal spread.
7. Selected Other Abdominal Cancers
- Some rare uterine or small bowel cancers, provided they have spread only within the abdominal cavity and not elsewhere.
Who is Eligible for HIPEC?
Not all patients with abdominal cancer are eligible for HIPEC. The typical criteria include:
- Cancer must be limited to the peritoneal cavity (abdominal lining), without distant organ metastases (e.g., to the lungs or liver).
- The condition should allow for near-full or total surgical tumor excision.
- The patient should be medically fit for major surgery and the HIPEC treatment.
- Each case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team comprising surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and anesthetists.
HIPEC Hospitals in India
India offers HIPEC at many topcancer hospitals in India with advanced surgical and medical oncology teams. Some widely recognised hospitals include:
| Hospital Name | City | Notable Features |
| Indraprastha Apollo Hospital | New Delhi | International expertise, top surgical team |
| HCG Cancer Hospital | Bengaluru, Kolkata | Latest technology, experienced oncologists |
| Fortis Hospital | Multiple cities (Delhi, Noida, Kolkata, Mumbai) | Multidisciplinary team, advanced OT suites |
| Tata Memorial Hospital | Mumbai | Premier research and high-volume HIPEC centre |
| Artemis Hospital | Gurgaon, Delhi-NCR | State-of-the-art facility, proven outcomes |
| Global Health City | Chennai | Comprehensive abdominal oncology services |
| BLK Super Speciality Hospital | New Delhi | Modern infrastructure, experienced HIPEC surgeons |
| Vydehi Cancer Centre | Bangalore | Robust perioperative care |
The HIPEC Procedure: What to Expect
Extensive Assessment
Imaging studies, blood tests, and sometimes a diagnostic laparoscopy to identify the spread and suitability.
Cytoreductive Surgery
Surgeons remove all visible tumor deposits from the abdomen and pelvis.
Administration of HIPEC
A heated chemotherapeutic solution passes through the abdominal cavity for 60–120 minutes at 41–43°C.
Postoperative Recovery
A hospital stay of 10-14 days is common in India. Early movement, nutrition, and wound care are critical for recovery.
Outcomes and Success Rates
- HIPEC has led to significant improvements in survival rates in appropriately selected patients for example, with advanced ovarian and appendiceal cancers.
- Side effects are generally lower than with systemic chemotherapy, but recovery requires careful follow-up.
- Patients may experience fatigue, delayed bowel function, or other complications in the recovery window. Indian hospitals have well-developed post-HIPEC care protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is HIPEC Expensive in India?
In India, HIPEC is less expensive than in Western nations. The cost of HIPEC in India varies depending on the hospital, surgeon’s skill, duration of stay, and other health-related considerations, ranging from ₹10,17,615 to ₹13,92,935.
Q. Is it possible for foreign patients to access HIPEC in India?
Indeed, advanced centres provide services for patients from across the world, such as inclusive packages, video consultations, and second views.
Q. How Can I Choose a Centre?
Look for a facility with strong critical care, a supportive perioperative environment, and an expert interdisciplinary HIPEC team..
Conclusion
For Indian patients with some difficult-to-treat abdominal malignancies, HIPEC has improved results, mainly when it is carried out at facilities that provide holistic care with best quality surgery. More patients than ever before have access to this life-extending treatment because of India’s rapid advancements in the technological & medical fields. Talking to your oncologist about HIPEC might lead to opportunities for long-term survival and a cure for having abdominal cancer.