What Is PIPAC for Peritoneal Metastasis?

What happens when cancer continues to spread inside the abdomen despite chemotherapy? Dr. Praveen Kammar explains peritoneal metastasis and introduces PIPAC, a specialised treatment approach that may be considered for selected patients whose disease progresses despite systemic treatment.

Understanding Peritoneal Metastasis

Peritoneal metastasis occurs when cancer spreads to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It can affect treatment options and may cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or fluid accumulation.

How Does PIPAC Work?

PIPAC stands for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy. Using laparoscopy, chemotherapy is delivered into the abdominal cavity as a pressurised aerosol for selected patients with peritoneal metastasis.

• Assessment: evaluates disease extent and patient fitness.
• Delivery: administers chemotherapy as a pressurised aerosol.
• Monitoring: assesses treatment response and ongoing suitability.

PIPAC may be an option for selected patients when peritoneal cancer progresses despite conventional chemotherapy.

When Should PIPAC Be Considered?

PIPAC may be considered when peritoneal metastasis progresses despite systemic treatment and other options are unsuitable. Eligibility, treatment frequency and expected benefits depend on the cancer type, disease extent and overall health.