Can a ‘hot chemo bath’ keep rare cancer at bay?

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide resulting in approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. Treatment for cancer is among the most curious subjects of science till date as nearly one in six deaths is caused by this fatal disease.

Globally, the prevalence of cancer is expected to reach almost 30 million new cases per year by 2024 from just under 20 million new cases per year in 2022.

There are more than 100 types of cancer that are broadly classified on the basis of the cell where they originate from and the organ they affect. Among these types, there is another rare and complex form of cancer known as Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

In simple terms, appendix cancer begins in the appendix and spreads within the abdominal cavity. Despite surgery, about 40% of patients experience a return of the disease.

A groundbreaking study conducted by Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital which is a leading name in PMP treatment over the past three decades is underway to improve the understanding of this rare and complex form of cancer with the aim to significantly delay its recurrence.

The clinical trial involving up to 200 patients is conducted under this study. The trial will compare two different chemotherapy approaches after surgery including a “hot wash” of heated chemotherapy applied directly inside the abdomen.

The 46-year-old participant of the study while talking to BBC described the procedure as “They put the chemo liquid inside and that stays in for about an hour to an hour and a half, then they take that out and sew you back up.”

While she described feeling intense pain and fatigue after the procedure but noted a strong recovery saying: “I’ve recovered really well... I literally had no symptoms from the chemo.”

The research was conducted within the time-span of five years with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit. The study not only aimed to assess chemotherapy effectiveness but also explore the genetic basis of PMP. This could lead to more targeted therapies in the future.

While describing the significance of this study, Consultant Surgeon Faheez Mohamed stated: “This pioneering work will deepen our understanding and drive innovation in treatment, improving long-term outcomes for patients.”

The findings could have a global impact offering hope to the patients of this rare and challenging cancer.