Cancer Treatments
Advanced Technology
Jupiter Medical Center offers a multidisciplinary team of experts who are
highly skilled in using the most advanced imaging technology to diagnose
and treat gastrointestinal cancers. We also offer the latest clinical trials,
chemotherapy, immunotherapies and targeted treatments.
Our team includes surgeons are skilled in treating gastrointestinal cancer
utilizing the most advances procedures in our region – including
hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), the Whipple procedure,
microwave and radiofrequency ablation, and minimally invasive laparoscopic
and robotic surgery.
Advanced radiation treatments include the use of image-guided radiation
therapy (IGRT), one of the most cutting-edge innovations available and
CyberKnife® M6™ radiosurgery, a highly precise form of non-surgical
radiation therapy that delivers precisely targeted radiation at very high
doses so patients only need a few treatments.
Our doctors and nurses specialize in pre- and post-surgical ostomy care
and education, and are available to help people who have issues related
to ostomy, including wounds or rashes.
Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
An increasing amount of cancer surgery can also be carried out safely,
quickly, and efficiently through a number of small incisions known as
minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We apply these cutting edge techniques while never compromising the principles
of cancer surgery.
We offer minimally invasive surgery for cancer of the
esophagus,
stomach,
liver,
pancreas,
colon and rectum, and
peritoneal malignancies. The common feature shared by all of these procedures is that laparoscopic
surgery allows for less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay,
and minimal scarring.
Every patient is evaluated in consultation if they are a candidate of MIS.
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
HIPEC is an innovative method designed to effectively treat primary and
metastatic cancers in the abdomen. At the endo of the surgery to remove
the tumor, the patient’s abdominal cavity is bathed in a heated,
highly concentrated chemotherapy solution to eliminate any residual cancer.
Jupiter Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Florida that offer
HIPEC for adult patients.
How Does HIPEC Work?
HIPEC, also known as hot chemotherapy, is used to treat cancers that spread
through the abdominal cavity. The procedure first involves surgically
removing all visible cancer tumors within a patient’s abdomen and
then circulating heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during
surgery. Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) is a complex procedure that involves
the removal of the majority of tumors or affected organs in preparation
for HIPEC.
The 108-degree chemo bath circulates throughout the abdominal area, also
called the peritoneal cavity, delivering highly concentrated doses of
hot chemotherapy. That allows doctors to intensify the drugs’ cancer-fighting
abilities while directly targeting cancerous cells. After 60 to 90 minutes
of the infusion, the chemo is washed out and incisions are closed.
HIPEC is used in conjunction with CRS to treat cancer that originates in the:
- Colon
- Appendix
- Stomach
- Ovaries
- Sarcoma
- Mesothelioma, which is cancer that originates in the abdominal lining,
can be treated with HIPEC if the cancer has not spread beyond the abdomen.
What are the Benefits of HIPEC?
Patients should consider HIPEC because it has:
- Fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy because the cancer-fighting
agents don’t circulate throughout the whole body;
- Deeper penetration of the medicine, thanks to high temperatures that cause
blood vessels to expand;
- Greater effectiveness at killing cancer cells in the abdomen
For some patients, HIPEC will achieve a long-term cure for their abdominal
cancers. In other cases, HIPEC allows doctors to treat incurable cancers
more like a chronic disease and less like a terminal illness.
Extent of Recovery
Depending on the extent of resection, the patient’s age and whether
the patient has other medical problems, the typical length of stay in
the hospital has been one to two weeks, on average. Patients typically
are discharged from the hospital with the ability to tolerate a regular
diet, walk with little or no assistance, and take oral medications to
control any pain they may experience.
Insurance
HIPEC is not experimental. Clinical research has verified its effectiveness
and safety in a number of different cancers. The procedure is covered
by insurance, and our experienced staff will help obtain insurance coverage
for patients both in Florida and from out of state.