Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a minimally invasive method for administering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity as a pressurized aerosol. It is mainly regarded for patients with peritoneal metastases or peritoneal carcinomatosis, especially when standard treatment options like cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC may not be appropriate.
The aerosol under pressure aims to deliver a more consistent spread of chemotherapy throughout the peritoneal cavity and enhance the tumor deposits' exposure to the treatment. PIPAC can be applied multiple times and is frequently regarded in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy within a comprehensive cancer treatment approach.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is used to treat cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), particularly when the disease is difficult to control with conventional chemotherapy.
PIPAC is used because it can:
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is primarily used for peritoneal metastases—when cancer has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity. It is not a treatment for every stage or type of cancer.
The cancers most commonly treated or investigated with PIPAC include:
PIPAC is typically recommended for specific patients with peritoneal metastases, especially when the disease cannot be completely excised surgically or when standard systemic chemotherapy has minimal impact. Patient selection depends on factors such as the primary cancer, extent of peritoneal disease, overall condition and previous treatments.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a minimally invasive procedure used to deliver chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity, particularly for cancers that have spread to the peritoneum.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is generally considered a feasible and relatively well-tolerated treatment for selected patients with peritoneal metastases. However, like any surgical procedure and chemotherapy treatment, it can cause side effects and complications. The type and severity of side effects may vary depending on the patient's overall health, cancer type, chemotherapy drugs used, and number of PIPAC cycles.
Yes. PIPAC is a method of delivering chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity as a pressurized aerosol rather than giving chemotherapy only through a vein.
PIPAC is generally performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques and does not involve removal of all visible tumour deposits. This makes it different from extensive cytoreductive surgery.
The total operating-room time varies according to the patient and treatment protocol. The chemotherapy exposure itself is commonly maintained for approximately 30 minutes in established protocols.
There is no single schedule for every patient. PIPAC may be repeated at intervals depending on tumour response, tolerance, cancer type and the treatment protocol used by the oncology team.
PIPAC should not be presented as a guaranteed cure. It is primarily used to control or treat peritoneal disease in selected patients, and research is continuing to establish its role in different cancers. In some treatment strategies, tumour response may potentially allow subsequent surgical treatment in selected patients.
Yes. PIPAC can be incorporated into multimodal treatment and may be administered alongside systemic chemotherapy when considered appropriate by the treating team.
No. Eligibility depends on the primary cancer, extent of peritoneal disease, previous treatment, general health, organ function, ascites, ability to undergo anaesthesia and laparoscopic access, among other factors.
Usually, no. PIPAC is generally performed through laparoscopic access using small abdominal incisions.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel the procedure itself. Some abdominal pain or discomfort can occur during the recovery period.
PIPAC is an established treatment technique in specialist centers but its precise role varies by cancer type and clinical setting. Evidence remains heterogeneous, and further prospective research is needed to establish which patients benefit most.
Sanjivani Cancer Centre provides advanced oncological care with a focus on complex cancer surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and personalized treatment. Its services specifically include HIPEC/PIPAC, while PIPAC is a specialized intraperitoneal chemotherapy technique that should be considered after evaluation by an appropriate oncology team.
At Sanjivani Cancer Centre, patients with selected peritoneal cancers can benefit from a specialized, multidisciplinary approach to advanced cancer care. With expertise in complex oncological surgery, minimally invasive procedures and intraperitoneal cancer treatments, our team focuses on developing personalized treatment plans based on each patient's cancer condition and treatment history. Our goal is to combine advanced medical techniques with compassionate, patient-focused care throughout the cancer journey.
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