Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Should we look closer at the microenvironment?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Research
• Tumor Microenvironment

Background:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is increasingly understood as a complex interaction between cancer cells and healthy bystander cells.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions are under active investigation.
• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment modality with established use, but its efficacy in EOC requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of HIPEC on the tumor microenvironment in epithelial ovarian cancer.
• To investigate the reciprocal influence between HIPEC and the tumor microenvironment.
• To identify potential resistance mechanisms contributing to HIPEC's suboptimal efficacy in EOC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HIPEC modalities and their application in epithelial ovarian cancer.
• Analysis of HIPEC's effects on individual components of the tumor microenvironment.
• Examination of the tumor microenvironment's influence on HIPEC effectiveness.

Main Results:

• HIPEC's interaction with the tumor microenvironment is complex and multifaceted.
• Various elements within the tumor environment may contribute to resistance against HIPEC.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving HIPEC's therapeutic performance.

Conclusions:

• The efficacy of HIPEC in epithelial ovarian cancer is limited, suggesting a need to optimize treatment strategies.
• Investigating the interplay between HIPEC and the tumor microenvironment is key to overcoming resistance.
• Further research into modulating the tumor microenvironment could enhance HIPEC's clinical outcomes in EOC.