Use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer: A multidisciplinary review

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a technique for delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity.As peritoneal carcinomatosis is a hallmark of ovarian cancer, intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivery has long been explored as a strategy to maximize local cytotoxicity through enhanced tissue penetration while limiting systemic toxicity.HIPEC, administered as a single hyperthermic infusion at time of cytoreductive surgery, was developed to optimize drug delivery while avoiding the challenges and toxicities associated with multiple cycles of postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.This review synthesizes recent clinical trials evaluating HIPEC in epithelial ovarian cancer, with a focus on defining the optimal disease setting for its use.We also outline perioperative and multidisciplinary considerations for the safe and successful implementation of HIPEC programs and highlight ongoing areas of controversy and future research needed to clarify its role in gynecologic cancers.