Cancer treatment with hyperthermic thoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC)

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a new technique for treating malignant neoplasms of the pleura, including aggressive types such as mesothelioma or carcinomatosis. As a rule, the therapy complements surgical intervention and is carried out in two stages. First, surgeons remove all visible cancer foci under general anesthesia. Immediately after that, the chest cavity is washed with a solution of chemotherapy drugs heated to a specific temperature (usually up to 42°C) to destroy the remaining cancer cells. The treatment method is less toxic than traditional chemotherapy. Since the chemo drug is only in the chest cavity and almost does not penetrate the bloodstream, oncologists can significantly increase the dose without fear of severe side effects. And the high temperature helps the medications to penetrate the tumor foci better and destroy the remaining cancer cells. As a result, it reduces the risk of cancer relapse. In addition, therapy is well combined with other techniques, complementing and enhancing their effectiveness. Sometimes, the so-called "bedside" HITHOC can be carried out. Then, doctors carry out the treatment using local anesthesia and puncture technology.