Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a specialized treatment approach used in the management of certain cancers, particularly malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The indications for HITHOC include:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: HITHOC is commonly considered for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and is caused by asbestos exposure.
Limited tumor spread: HITHOC is typically considered when the spread of the mesothelioma is confined to the chest cavity and not distant organs. This is because HITHOC is normally performed after cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors within the chest.
Optimal candidate selection: Patients selected for HITHOC are carefully evaluated based on factors such as their overall health, stage of mesothelioma, and response to prior treatments. The goal is to identify individuals who are likely to benefit from the procedure.
Multimodal treatment plan: HITHOC is often included as part of a multimodal treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. The combination of these treatments aims to maximize the chances of controlling or eliminating the cancer.