Past, Present, and Future of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), along with optimal cytoreductive surgery, has been debated to be a viable option for the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. HIPEC is associated with a direct and improved penetration of chemotherapy drugs into the affected tissue and is associated with fewer systemic side effects. There is no standard protocol for the use of HIPEC in advanced ovarian cancer. Hence, there is controversy over the timing, dose, duration, and efficacy of HIPEC. In this review, the history, technique, current evidence, recommendations, and future directions of HIPEC are discussed.