A new review published in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology found hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) to be a safe and effective treatment for mesothelioma.
More specifically, researchers concluded that patients who underwent the HITHOC procedure after surgery lived longer than those who only received surgery.
During HITHOC, doctors deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the chest cavity immediately after tumor-removing surgery. The high temperature enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, helping to destroy microscopic cancer cells and prevent the cancer from coming back. The procedure typically lasts 60–90 minutes and is performed while the patient is still under anesthesia.
By combining surgery with HITHOC, patients battling mesothelioma may have a better chance of long-term survival.
What Did the HITHOC Researchers Look At?
The research team examined data from six previously published studies involving HITHOC treatment for pleural mesothelioma, a specific type of this cancer that develops in the lung lining.
They looked at patients who had surgery with or without HITHOC. Most had pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), a lung-sparing surgery. Only a few had extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a more invasive procedure that removes an entire lung.
Key variables across the HITHOC mesothelioma studies included:
- Duration and temperature of the HITHOC treatment
- Types and doses of chemotherapy drugs used
- Timing of chemotherapy in relation to surgery
Despite differences in treatment details, most studies showed improved survival rates in the patients who received HITHOC.
Not every patient qualifies for HITHOC. It’s generally recommended for those healthy enough to undergo surgery and whose cancer is confined to the chest cavity. Your care team will determine if this treatment is right for you.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for essential information on top treatments, doctors, and how to pay for your medical care.
Key Findings on HITHOC Treatment for Pleural Mesothelioma
Results showed that adding HITHOC after surgery may significantly improve life expectancy in patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Here’s what the review found:
- Patients who had surgery plus HITHOC lived between 13 and 35 months, compared to 11 to 22.8 months for those who had surgery alone.
- In several studies, patients who received HITHOC had more time before their cancer returned (progression-free survival).
- One study found that patients treated with EPP and radiation therapy lived longer (29 months) than those treated with HITHOC (11 months), suggesting that HITHOC may not be superior in every case.
The researchers emphasized the need for more clinical trials to better understand how HITHOC compares with other mesothelioma treatments and who may benefit most.
Our oncology nurse navigator Liz Logan can help match you or a loved one with the right clinical trial. Call (866) 608-8933 today to get started.
What the HITHOC Review Means for Mesothelioma Patients
For patients who can get surgery, adding HITHOC may help them live months or even years longer compared to surgery alone.
Standard treatment for pleural mesothelioma typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. HITHOC is considered an emerging therapy. However, this research supports it as a promising follow-up therapy to improve survival and quality of life.
Mesothelioma patients often face limited treatment options, so this approach may offer a stronger and more effective starting point for care.
HITHOC is currently available at select cancer centers and often as part of clinical trials. A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if you qualify.
Get Free Help Fighting Mesothelioma
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team of Patient Advocates can connect you with top doctors, treatment centers, and clinical trials — all at no cost to you.
We can also send you a Free Mesothelioma Guide with information on:
- Treatment options like HITHOC
- Options for financial compensation
- How to access specialized care
Contact us today to learn more about your options and get the support you deserve.
