Maryland’s Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2016 - 9

that is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity followdevice, called a perfusion machine, bathes the entire abdominal WHAT IS HIPEC? cavity for 90 minutes, with the chemotherapy drug heated HIPEC, which stands for hyperthermic intraperi- to 42 degrees Celsius. The high temperature increases the toneal chemotherapy, treats several cancers that chemotherapy's effectiveness." have spread to the lining of the abdomen such as ing surgery to kill tumor cells that may remain. A pumping cancers of the appendix, colon, rectum, stomach, MULTIDISCIPLINARY PLAN TO CUSTOMIZE CARE ovaries and uterus, and mesothelioma. Performed in the operating room in combination with surgery, From the very beginning of her cancer care at the UM SJMC this technique involves using a heated chemothera- Cancer Institute, Hamilton was being followed by a multidis- py solution in the abdominal cavity. ciplinary team of caregivers who were planning and refining Following surgery to remove all visible tumors, the very best customized care, every step of the way. This catheters are placed inside the patient's abdomen included a discussion about post-surgical chemotherapy, and connected to a pumping device that bathes recommended by board-certified medical oncologist Richard the entire abdominal cavity for approximately 90 Schraeder, MD, at UM SJMC. minutes with heated chemotherapy drugs to treat After the 12-week chemotherapy regimen and the surgery, the physicians could find no sign of cancer, but they tumor cells that may remain after surgery. The high temperature increases the drug's thera- decided that Hamilton should undergo another six-session peutic effect. Both heat and direct contact with round of chemo because of the aggressive nature of her chemotherapy drugs kill the cancer cells. original diagnosis. Her continued chemotherapy is done on an outpatient basis BENEFITS OF HIPEC in the beautiful Cancer Institute atrium on the UM SJMC Cam- According to clinical studies, CRS (cytoreductive sur- pus, which features garden views and comfortable treatment gery) and HIPEC, as part of a multidisciplinary treat- chairs custom-designed to resemble first-class airline seats ment plan, can be significantly more effective than with Wi-Fi and other amenities. Hamilton stays for a couple of chemotherapy alone for cancers that have spread to hours, carefully tended to by the loving, compassionate nurses the abdomen. Combined with tumor removal, HIPEC of the Cancer Institute. Then she goes home with a portable can improve survival and quality of life for patients. IV pack, returning 72 hours later to have the pack detached. NO COLOSTOMY, NORMAL FUNCTION EXPERTISE The multidisciplinary teams of cancer physician Remarkably, thanks to the expert technical skills of both experts at the UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Dr. Berg and Dr. Hanna, Hamilton did not need a colostomy. Cancer Center and the Cancer Institute at the Uni- "We were able to perform surgery that preserved the conti- versity of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center work nuity of her colon," Dr. Hanna says. together closely to provide: "I have a strong faith in God and in my doctors," says ■ Immediate access to consultations and second Hamilton, who feels confident that she is beating this disease. opinions for newly diagnosed and recurrent/ "We are giving her the best possible chance for long-term metastatic cancer survivorship," Dr. Berg says. Hamilton says now she has much to look forward to. Her son and his wife are expecting a baby, and the entire family is planning to resume their traditional summer beach vacation ■ Prompt, comprehensive evaluation ■ Access to national clinical trials ■ Chemotherapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy and targeted agents for early, recurrent and advanced malignancies next year. ■ Local targeted therapy for liver tumors, including CONTACT THE CANCER INSTITUTE To find out more and for new patient referrals, call 800-4417562 (441-SJMC) or visit stjosephtowson.com/cancer. ablative techniques, chemoembolization and radioembolization ■ Complex cancer surgeries stjosephtowson.com | Fall 2016 9 http://www.stjosephtowson.com/cancer http://www.stjosephtowson.com

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