Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment option for patients with advanced abdominal cancers, such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and appendix cancer. It involves administering high doses of chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity after surgery. The aim is to kill any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from recurring. The chemotherapy drugs most commonly used in HIPEC are cisplatin and pemetrexed.
While HIPEC can be an effective treatment, it also has potential side effects, some of which can be severe. The side effects of HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the dose of chemotherapy drugs used, and the duration of the treatment.
The most common side effects of HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed are similar to those of other chemotherapy treatments. These include:
Nausea and vomiting: Both cisplatin and pemetrexed can cause nausea and vomiting. This side effect can be managed with anti-nausea medications.
Diarrhea and constipation: Chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in bowel movements, leading to diarrhea or constipation.
Fatigue: Patients may experience fatigue during and after HIPEC treatment. This can be managed with rest and adequate hydration.
Hair loss: Cisplatin and pemetrexed can cause hair loss, although this is less common with HIPEC than with other chemotherapy treatments.
Decreased appetite: Patients may experience a decrease in appetite during and after HIPEC treatment. This can be managed with small, frequent meals and nutritional supplements.
In addition to these common side effects, there are some potential side effects that are specific to HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed:
Kidney damage: Cisplatin can cause damage to the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. Patients receiving HIPEC with cisplatin will need to be closely monitored for signs of kidney damage.
Bone marrow suppression: Pemetrexed can cause bone marrow suppression, which can lead to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can increase the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding. Patients receiving HIPEC with pemetrexed will need to be closely monitored for signs of bone marrow suppression.
Electrolyte imbalances: HIPEC with cisplatin can cause changes in electrolyte levels, particularly potassium and magnesium. This can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities and muscle weakness. Patients receiving HIPEC with cisplatin will need to be closely monitored for electrolyte imbalances.
Infection: HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed can increase the risk of infection, particularly in the abdominal cavity. Patients will need to be closely monitored for signs of infection, such as fever, pain, and drainage from the surgical incision.
Delayed wound healing: HIPEC can delay wound healing after surgery. This is because the chemotherapy drugs can interfere with the body’s ability to repair tissues. Patients will need to be careful with wound care and follow their doctor’s instructions closely.
Bowel obstruction: HIPEC can cause scarring or adhesions in the abdominal cavity, which can lead to bowel obstruction. Patients will need to be closely monitored for signs of bowel obstruction, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to cisplatin or pemetrexed. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It’s important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and some may experience different or more severe side effects. Patients should talk to their doctor about the potential side effects of HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed and how to manage them.
In conclusion, HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed can be an effective treatment for advanced abdominal cancers, but it also has potential side effects. Patients receiving HIPEC with cisplatin and pemetrexed will need to be closely monitored for signs of kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, electrolyte imbalances, infection, delayed wound healing, bowel obstruction, and allergic reactions. Patients should talk to their doctor about the potential side effects of HIPEC and how to manage them.
