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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.