Advanced Ovarian Cancer Meets Its Match: How HIPEC And Surgery Saved A 68 Year Old

Friday, October 25, 2024, 11:18

You know at times there are those subtle aches and random bouts of bloating which you feel is nothing much to fret about and it's easy to brush off? We all have them now and then, and usually, it's nothing. But sometimes, these little signals can mean something more. And it did for a 68-year-old woman, who, after some routine medical tests, discovered that her discomfort was a warning sign of something far more serious.

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Life-Altering News for the 68 year old

A 68-year-old post-menopausal woman, who had experienced abdominal discomfort and heaviness, was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer after undergoing medical tests. Doctors discovered a large tumour on one of her ovaries, and further examination revealed that the cancer had spread to the abdominal lining, causing fluid buildup known as malignant ascites, a severe condition signalling the presence of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity. A PET-CT scan confirmed the cancer was at Stage 3c.

Battling Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Nisha Buchade (MBBS, MS Fellowship in gynae oncology, Fellowship in Advanced infertility, Vasavi Hospitals), explained, "Upon testing the abdominal fluid, we found cancer cells, prompting us to initiate chemotherapy using a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel before considering surgery." After three cycles of chemotherapy, a follow-up PET-CT scan showed significant improvement, with the cancer reduced in the ovaries and abdomen. This progress made the patient eligible for cytoreductive surgery-a procedure to remove cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity-combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), a treatment used for advanced abdominal cancers.

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Revolutionary Combo : HIPEC treatment & Cytoreductive Surgery

During the operation, surgeons removed the tumour, affected abdominal lining, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part of the omentum, along with lymph nodes to check for residual cancer. The HIPEC treatment, where heated chemotherapy drugs are applied directly to the abdominal cavity at 42°C, was then administered to eliminate remaining cancer cells while minimising side effects.

Following surgery, the patient recovered well and was discharged after 17 days. She completed three additional rounds of chemotherapy, and subsequent tests, including a CT scan and CA-125 blood test, showed normal results, indicating a positive response to the treatment.

All's Well That Ends Well

Dr. Nisha Buchade emphasised the advantages of combining HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer patients, noting that this approach allows for targeted chemotherapy delivery, which enhances effectiveness while reducing severe side effects. The heat during HIPEC further improves drug efficiency, offering a promising treatment for advanced cases like hers.

In conclusion, the combination of HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery marks a promising leap forward in the fight against advanced ovarian cancer, especially for patients over 65. As Dr. Nisha Buchade emphasises, this approach allows for targeted chemotherapy delivery, enhancing effectiveness while minimising severe side effects.

For this 68-year-old survivor, it offers renewed hope and demonstrates that age need not be a barrier for effective treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.