Innovative Care Through the ProMedica Cancer Institute
At ProMedica Cancer Institute, we've diagnosed and treated more patients than any other cancer care group in the region. Our comprehensive team is here to connect you to innovative treatments and support services, so you can achieve what you want most: Life.
We take a coordinated approach to cancer care that incorporates multidisciplinary teams, specialized services and groundbreaking treatments. Discover innovative treatment options, below.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
HIPEC is one of the most innovative cancer treatments available and can offer a greater chance for hope and survival for certain diagnoses. HIPEC treats metastatic (stage IV) cancers by combining surgery and heated chemotherapy.
At ProMedica, our specialists use HIPEC to treat certain types of gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers – especially those that are advanced or late-stage.
How HIPEC Works
Abdominal or pelvic cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or surfaces of other organs beyond the originating organ are not completely addressed with traditional chemotherapy. HIPEC provides a more effective treatment option.
A surgeon first removes the visible tumors. Then, heated chemotherapy is placed directly into the affected area to help kill any remaining, unseen tumors and cancer cells. Within a couple of hours, the surgical team will remove the solution and close the incision (cut).
The heated chemotherapy and tumor removal are combined as one procedure, and the patient is asleep for the whole operation. The procedure usually requires a one- to two-week stay in the hospital to fully support recovery.
Benefits of HIPEC
HIPEC has fewer side effects than regular chemotherapy and gets a more effective, higher concentration of chemotherapy into the cancerous region. This procedure also kills small, unseen cancer cells, which stops them from becoming new tumors.
Not all patients with metastatic cancer are candidates for HIPEC. Talk to your oncologist to see if HIPEC might be right for you.
What To Expect with Traditional Chemotherapy
Treatment plans including chemotherapy are individualized and look a little different for every patient. Learn about common dosage methods and possible schedules to prepare for chemotherapy treatment.
How Chemotherapy is Given
Chemotherapy may be administered in a doctor’s office, a clinic in the hospital, or at home. Some common methods include:
- Intravenous (through your veins).
- Oral (by mouth).
- Intramuscular (injected deep into the muscle).
- Intrathecal (injected into the spinal canal).
Sometimes, a more permanent catheter type is recommended to avoid repeated painful needle sticks. These permanent catheters are called “central venous catheters” and are placed under the skin’s surface. Chemotherapy, blood and IV fluids can be given through this catheter, and blood for lab tests can be drawn from this site.
An implantable port can also be used to deliver chemotherapy. The round port is usually surgically inserted under the skin’s surface on the chest wall between the neck and shoulder. To use the port, the nurse will insert a needle through the skin surface to access it.
How Long Chemotherapy Lasts
Each person’s dosage schedule is individualized to their treatment plan. This may last a few weeks, up to a year, or longer with varying cycle frequency. Treatments can be once a week, once a month or at other intervals. Treatments are followed by rest cycles to give the body time to build healthy new cells and regain strength.
Managing Side Effects and Additional Support
Potential side effects depend on the drugs and dosages used to treat the cancer. Recommended ways to cope and manage these side effects include:
- Nutrition for managing fatigue and nausea.
- Emotional support.
- Opportunities to discuss your unique experience and explore complementary therapies.
- Resources for and information about hair loss.
- Infection control and education.
ProMedica patients also have access to our Healing Care Program. This program helps you on your journey to health during and after cancer treatment.
Scalp Cooling Therapy
ProMedica Cancer Institute offers scalp cooling therapy to help cancer patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Scalp cooling can help reduce hair loss in selected patients by lowering the temperature of the scalp. It works by causing blood vessels to constrict or close up, which then lessens the amount of chemotherapy that gets to the scalp and hair follicles. This cooling therapy is distributed through a coolant machine that continuously circulates a coolant through a cap worn by the patient.
Scalp cooling is started 30 minutes before a chemotherapy session begins, and continues throughout the chemotherapy session and after the chemotherapy session ends. The time after each treatment varies depending on the chemotherapy combination, but ranges from one to three hours.
While there's no guarantee of no hair loss, there is research supporting that it's safe and effective for reducing hair loss for some patients. This therapy is offered at ProMedica Hickman Cancer Center in Sylvania and ProMedica Cancer Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.
Featured Locations
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ProMedica Monroe Cancer Center
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ProMedica Hematology-Oncology Associates - Toledo
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ProMedica Flower Hospital
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ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
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ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital
Learn more about ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. Explore services, get directions and more.
ProMedica Hickman Cancer Center - Adrian
Welcome to ProMedica Hickman Cancer Center Adrian, Michigan. Get driving directions, hours of operation, learn about treatment and therapies and more.
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