The evolution of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the setting of advanced ovarian cancer

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the second most common, and first most lethal gynecological cancer. It will affect one in seventy-eight women, and is commonly diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. The majority of the cancer’s lifespan is spent within the peritoneal cavity. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an innovative new treatment that has been proven as an effective treatment in other peritoneal cancers. There is strong scientific evidence to support HIPEC as an ideal treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of studies focused on the efficacy of HIPEC with regards to advanced ovarian cancer. These studies have shown great promise, with two very recent phase III studies showing resounding results. It is also clear that there is a need for standardization throughout these scientific studies in order to reasonably introduce HIPEC as a standard of treatment.