FORTIS HOSPITAL MULUND MARKS A MILESTONE IN THE TREATMENT OF PERITONEAL CANCERS WITH PIPAC PROCEDURE

FORTIS HOSPITAL MULUND MARKS A MILESTONE IN THE TREATMENT OF PERITONEAL CANCERS WITH PIPAC PROCEDURE 

~ PIPAC provides an additional treatment approach to help control advanced peritoneal cancers while improving quality of life ~ 

 Fortis Hospital Mulund has marked a significant milestone in the treatment of advanced peritoneal cancers by performing Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC), a minimally invasive procedure that offers an additional treatment option for patients with cancers that have spread extensively within the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). 

 PIPAC delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity as a fine aerosol (mist) through keyhole surgery. Unlike conventional intravenous chemotherapy, the aerosolized drug is dispersed under pressure, enabling it to reach cancer deposits spread across the peritoneum more effectively. 

 Explaining the concept, Dr. Vivekanand Sharma, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai said, "Imagine spraying perfume in one corner of a room. While the spray starts at one point, the tiny particles disperse throughout the room and reach areas that may otherwise be difficult to access. PIPAC enables chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the peritoneal surface in a highly targeted manner; this can improve drug distribution while reducing the side effects often seen with conventional chemotherapy”.   

PIPAC is primarily indicated for patients with advanced abdominal cancers where the disease is too extensive to be completely removed through surgery. The treatment is intended to control disease progression, improve quality of life, reduce the risk of complications such as intestinal obstruction, and allow patients to continue receiving systemic chemotherapy where appropriate. As a minimally invasive procedure, patients generally recover quickly and can often return home within two to three days.  

The procedure was recently performed on a 53-year-old woman from Bangladesh who was diagnosed with metastatic rectal cancer and had already undergone an extensive course of chemotherapy and radiation. The disease had subsequently spread to the peritoneal cavity, significantly affecting her overall health and everyday life. Having received most of her cancer treatment in Bangladesh, she travelled to Fortis Hospital Mulund for further management. She underwent PIPAC and recovered well, with no post-operative complications, and was fit for discharge within two days. She continued her stay at the hospital to receive further chemotherapy.   

While PIPAC is currently used mainly in the palliative setting, ongoing clinical trials are evaluating its potential to reduce tumour burden sufficiently for select patients to become eligible for more definitive, curative treatment. At present, evidence on its impact on overall survival remains limited. 

 Dr Avanish Saklani, Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Mulund, Mumbai mentioned, "PIPAC is not a last-resort treatment. It is one of several treatment options available for patients with peritoneal cancers. The decision to offer PIPAC depends on factors such as the type of cancer, the extent of disease, the patient's overall health, and the anticipated clinical benefit. Every treatment plan is individualized to ensure the most appropriate care for each patient."  

Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai said, "At Fortis Hospital Mulund, we are committed to making advanced, evidence-based cancer therapies accessible to patients closer to home. The introduction of PIPAC reflects our continued focus on bringing cutting-edge treatment modalities supported by multidisciplinary expertise, enabling us to offer comprehensive and personalized care for patients with complex cancers while continually strengthening our oncology capabilities."