HIPEC vs PIPAC: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?
Medicine Made Simple Summary
HIPEC and PIPAC are two advanced treatments used for cancers that spread inside the abdomen. Both deliver chemotherapy directly to the peritoneal cavity but in very different ways. HIPEC is used during major surgery, while PIPAC is a minimally invasive, repeatable procedure using aerosolized chemotherapy. Many patients and families feel confused when doctors mention these procedures. This guide explains both treatments in simple language, compares their uses, benefits and limitations, and helps patients understand which option may be best for their situation.
HIPEC is a major surgery with heated chemotherapy used once for patients who can undergo tumor removal.
PIPAC is a minimally invasive, repeatable procedure for patients who cannot undergo major surgery or need additional disease control.
Why Patients Are Confused Between HIPEC and PIPAC
When cancer spreads inside the abdomen, traditional chemotherapy often has limited effect because drug penetration into the peritoneal surfaces is poor. Doctors may recommend HIPEC or PIPAC to deliver chemotherapy directly where it is needed.
Patients often ask:
- What is the difference between HIPEC and PIPAC?
- Which one works better?
- Are they used for the same cancers?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- Can someone receive both treatments?
This article breaks everything down clearly.
What Is HIPEC? A Simple Explanation
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
It is performed during a major abdominal surgery called cytoreductive surgery (CRS), where the surgeon removes all visible tumors.
After tumor removal:
- The abdomen is filled with heated chemotherapy
- The solution circulates for 60–90 minutes
- Heat increases the drug’s effectiveness
- The abdomen is then drained and closed
HIPEC is a one-time treatment done during surgery.
HIPEC works best when:
- Most or all visible tumors can be removed
- Cancer is limited to the abdomen
- The patient is strong enough for long surgery
Cancers commonly treated with HIPEC include:
- Appendix cancer
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer (selected cases)
- Colorectal cancer with peritoneal spread
- Gastric cancer (selected cases)
What Is PIPAC? A Simple Explanation
PIPAC stands for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy.
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed using laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
During PIPAC:
- Two or three small cuts are made
- A device sprays chemotherapy as a fine mist
- Pressure helps the drug penetrate tumor tissues
- The procedure takes about 60–90 minutes
- Patients usually go home within 1–2 days
Unlike HIPEC, PIPAC is not a one-time treatment.
It is typically done every 6–8 weeks and repeated 2–3 times or more, depending on response.
PIPAC works best when:
- Surgery is not possible
- Tumor burden is too high for CRS and HIPEC
- The patient is too weak for major surgery
- Chemotherapy is no longer effective on its own
- Disease is progressing despite systemic therapy
HIPEC vs PIPAC: The Core Differences in Simple Terms
- Type of Treatment
- HIPEC – Major open surgery + heated chemotherapy
- PIPAC – Minimally invasive procedure + aerosol chemotherapy
- Purpose
- HIPEC – Used with curative intent in selected patients
- PIPAC – Mainly palliative or disease-control treatment
- Frequency
- HIPEC – One-time treatment
- PIPAC – Repeated every 6–8 weeks
- Chemotherapy Delivery
- HIPEC – Liquid chemotherapy, heated, circulated
- PIPAC – Chemotherapy in aerosol form, pressurized
- Hospital Stay
- HIPEC – 7–14 days
- PIPAC – 1–2 days
- Ideal Candidates
- HIPEC – Patients fit for major surgery with removable tumors
- PIPAC – Patients not suitable for major surgery or with extensive spread
- Side Effects
- HIPEC – Recovery is long because of surgery
- PIPAC – Faster recovery, fewer side effects
- Goals
- HIPEC – Long-term control, sometimes curative
- PIPAC – Slowing disease, reducing symptoms, improving quality of life
When Doctors Recommend HIPEC Instead of PIPAC
HIPEC aims to be more aggressive because it is used when cure or long-term remission is possible.
Doctors recommend HIPEC when:
- The cancer is operable
- Tumor removal is achievable
- PCI score is low or moderate
- Cancer is slow-growing
- Patient is physically strong
- The goal is long-term survival
HIPEC is not performed when cancer is too widespread or when surgery is unsafe.
When Doctors Recommend PIPAC Instead of HIPEC
PIPAC is chosen when HIPEC is not possible or when cancer continues to grow despite other treatments.
Doctors recommend PIPAC when:
- Tumor burden is too high for surgery
- PCI score is very high
- Cancer is aggressive
- The patient is too weak for major surgery
- Systemic chemotherapy has failed
- There is ascites (fluid buildup)
- Goal is controlling symptoms or slowing spread
PIPAC improves quality of life and helps many patients live longer without intense side effects.
How Effective Is HIPEC Compared to PIPAC?
HIPEC Effectiveness
HIPEC is highly effective for selected cancers:
- Appendix cancer
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer (selected cases)
- Some colorectal cancers
Many HIPEC patients achieve long-term remission.
In some cancers, HIPEC can be curative.
PIPAC Effectiveness
PIPAC is effective for disease control:
- Reduces symptoms
- Slows cancer progression
- Shrinks tumors in some patients
- Helps reduce ascites
- Improves response to future treatments
However, PIPAC is rarely considered curative.
Can a Patient Receive Both HIPEC and PIPAC?
Yes. Some patients receive both treatments at different stages.
Possible treatment sequence:
- PIPAC first to shrink or control disease
- Surgery + HIPEC later if tumors become operable
Or the reverse:
- HIPEC first
- PIPAC later if cancer returns but surgery is no longer possible
Combination therapy is becoming more common in major cancer centers.
Recovery After HIPEC vs PIPAC
Recovery After HIPEC
- Slow and gradual
- Hospital stay: 7–14 days
- Full recovery: 6–12 weeks
- Fatigue, digestive issues and weakness are common
HIPEC recovery requires strong family support.
Recovery After PIPAC
- Short hospital stay
- Many patients go home the next day
- Very quick return to daily activities
- Less pain and fewer complications
PIPAC is easier physically.
Risks of HIPEC vs PIPAC
HIPEC Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Organ injury
- Slow bowel recovery
- Kidney strain
- Long recovery
- ICU stay sometimes required
PIPAC Risks
- Temporary pain at incision site
- Mild nausea
- Low risk of infection
- Rare risk of chemical irritation in the abdomen
PIPAC is considered very safe.
Which Treatment Is Right for You? Key Factors
- Cancer Type
- HIPEC is preferred for appendix cancer and PMP
- PIPAC is useful for gastric cancer or widespread disease
- Spread Level (PCI Score)
- HIPEC – Low to moderate PCI
- PIPAC – High PCI
- Patient Strength
- HIPEC – Requires strong overall health
- PIPAC – Suitable even for frail patients
- Treatment Goal
- HIPEC – Cure or long-term control
- PIPAC – Symptom relief and slowing spread
- Surgeon’s Recommendation
Decision should be based on evaluation by a HIPEC specialist.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Choosing
- Which treatment is better for my cancer type?
- What is my PCI score?
- Can my tumors be removed completely?
- Am I strong enough for major surgery?
- What are the risks in my specific case?
- What outcomes do you expect with HIPEC?
- What outcomes do you expect with PIPAC?
- Is it possible to receive both treatments?
Clear answers help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
If you are unsure whether HIPEC or PIPAC is right for you, schedule a consultation with a specialist who performs both. Ask about your PCI score, operability, cancer type and expected outcomes. A personalized evaluation is the only way to understand which treatment will provide the most benefit. Discuss your goals openly and involve your family in the decision-making process.
