IPkemoterapia

IPkemoterapia refers to a specific regimen used in chemotherapy treatment. The acronym IP stands for Intraperitoneal, indicating that the chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that contains organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver. This method contrasts with intravenous chemotherapy, where drugs are administered into a vein.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is often employed for cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, such as ovarian cancer or peritoneal carcinomatosis from other primary sites. The rationale behind IP administration is to achieve higher concentrations of the chemotherapy drug directly at the tumor site while minimizing systemic toxicity. The drugs remain in the abdominal cavity for a period, allowing them to interact with cancer cells more effectively.

The procedure typically involves surgically placing a catheter into the peritoneal cavity. Chemotherapy is then infused through this catheter. After a dwell time, the fluid is drained from the abdomen. This regimen can be delivered either during surgery or as an outpatient procedure. While IPkemoterapia can offer benefits in terms of drug concentration and reduced systemic side effects, it may also be associated with its own set of complications, including abdominal pain, nausea, catheter-related issues, and changes in bowel function. The suitability of IPkemoterapia depends on the specific cancer type, stage, and the patient's overall health.