Chemotherapy is most often administered through an IV drip. But for cancers that have spread within the lining of the abdomen, it can also be delivered directly into the abdominal cavity—heated to about 42°C and circulated in a carefully controlled procedure.
Forty-six-year-old Saheda Akter from Bangladesh underwent this advanced treatment at HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata, after being diagnosed with high-grade ovarian cancer with spread to the peritoneum. She initially presented with abdominal fluid accumulation and received chemotherapy, following which scans showed a significant response, including resolution of the ascites.
She then underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC—Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy—under Dr Karan Sehgal, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon. In cytoreductive surgery, all visible tumour deposits are removed. HIPEC is then used to target any microscopic cancer cells that may remain.
“HIPEC is not a standalone treatment. Its benefit depends on achieving complete removal of the visible disease first,” said Dr Sehgal. “In Saheda’s case, we were able to achieve complete cytoreduction, following which heated chemotherapy was circulated in the abdomen for 90 minutes.”
The procedure requires close coordination among surgical oncology, anaesthesia and critical-care teams. Saheda recovered well after surgery and was discharged in stable condition.
Dr Rupali Basu, Regional Business Head – East and AP, HCG Cancer Hospitals, said, “Advanced procedures such as cytoreduction with HIPEC reflect the importance of combining clinical expertise, specialised technology and coordinated post-operative care. They offer appropriately selected patients access to comprehensive treatment closer to home.”