Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

HIPEC is a regional method of chemotherapy. In HIPEC, a surgeon first removes visible tumors, usually in the abdomen. Then, heated chemotherapy is circulated to kill any cancer cells the surgery didn't remove. Heat improves the ability of organs to absorb the chemotherapy. At Vanderbilt-Ingram, we use HIPEC to treat colorectal and appendiceal cancers, some ovarian tumors, and mesothelioma.