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What is PIPAC (Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy)?

Posted on: October 12, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

PIPAC, which stands for Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy
October 12, 2023

PIPAC is a novel approach to delivering chemotherapy to patients with cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, such as peritoneal mesothelioma.

Here’s a in-depth look at how PIPAC treats mesothelioma:

  1. Minimally Invasive Delivery: PIPAC is a minimally invasive procedure. Surgeons typically make a few small incisions in the abdomen and insert trocars (special tubes) to access the peritoneal cavity. Through these trocars, the chemotherapy solution is introduced as a fine mist.
  2. Aerosolized Chemotherapy: The chemotherapy drug is aerosolized into tiny droplets and introduced into the peritoneal cavity under pressure. This is different from traditional hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which introduces chemotherapy as a liquid solution.
  3. Higher Concentration with Lower Systemic Absorption: Because the chemotherapy is introduced directly into the peritoneal cavity, it can be delivered at a higher concentration than systemic chemotherapy. Moreover, due to the aerosolized nature of the drug delivery in PIPAC, there’s believed to be less systemic absorption, which might lead to fewer side effects.
  4. Repeated Treatments: PIPAC can be repeated several times for a patient. This is beneficial, as it allows for multiple treatments over time, potentially leading to better outcomes.
  5. Potential Benefits: As mentioned earlier, the benefits of PIPAC include more even distribution of chemotherapy, deeper penetration into tumor tissue, and possibly fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy delivery methods.
  6. Studies and Efficacy: While early results from studies on PIPAC have been promising, it’s essential to note that more comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy, best practices, and potential side effects. Some patients have seen improvement in symptoms and quality of life after undergoing PIPAC, but individual results can vary.

In conclusion, PIPAC represents a promising advancement in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma and other peritoneal cancers. However, as with any medical treatment, it’s essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional specializing in this field.