
Researchers in the U.K. have published a
systemic review analyzing 598 pleural mesothelioma patients that have undergone hyperthermic
intrathoracic chemotherapy (“HITHOC”) immediately following
surgery in the hopes of eradicating microscopic tumor cells throughout
the chest cavity. Unlike
HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy), which is an established treatment
protocol for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, HITHOC is still deemed
experimental and rarely administered to patients.
The study found that “surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy
was associated with a median overall survival and disease-free interval
ranging from 11 to 75 months and 7.2 to 57 months, respectively.”
The results yielded promising data compared to patients not receiving
HITHOC and suggested even better stats the higher the dose given. Although
more clinical trials need to be done, HITHOC is an emerging and encouraging
addition to multimodal treatment options.