Center for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (CPM)
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In 2009, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center launched its revolutionary Center for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (CPM). Dr. Charles Komen Brown, National Director of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy & Medical Director of Surgery, leads the program. It offers patients who have advanced abdominal cancer, including peritoneal surface malignancies, access to cutting-edge treatment.
What Are Peritoneal Surface Malignancies?
The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen. Peritoneal surface malignancies refer to a variety of tumors that include extensive peritoneal involvement and may or may not also involve solid organs, such as the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. These tumors originate from the appendix, rectum, colon, stomach, ovaries, and other organs and then spread to the peritoneal surface of the abdominal cavity and other organs.
Experience Matters
A highly skilled, board-certified surgical oncologist, Dr. Brown has more than a decade of experience in performing complex and advanced surgical procedures. Dr. Brown’s multispecialty team includes surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, and radiologists, who work closely together to offer each patient a comprehensive cancer treatment plan tailored to his or her needs. Patients' care teams also include nutritionists, naturopathic clinicians, pain management clinicians, mind-body therapists, physical therapists, and spiritual counselors to help manage side effects and improve quality of life.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
HIPEC is a heated, sterilized chemotherapy solution which is delivered directly to the abdomen. It is administered immediately following surgery to remove visible tumors within the abdomen. The goal is to penetrate and destroy cancer cells that remain in the abdomen after surgery.
HIPEC is a treatment option for people who have advanced surface spread of cancer within the abdomen, without disease involvement outside of the abdomen. It may be used to treat some cases of:
- Primary peritoneal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Appendiceal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
There are numerous benefits of HIPEC. In comparison to traditional chemotherapy delivery, HIPEC allows for higher doses of chemotherapy treatment. Heating the solution (i.e., hyperthermia) also enhances the power of the chemotherapy, improving absorption by tumors and susceptibility of tumor cells to chemotherapy. And, because the chemotherapy is kept within the abdomen, it minimizes the rest of the body’s exposure to the treatment. This helps reduce some chemotherapy side effects.
