For the first time in a Greek public hospital, the invasive PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) method, an innovative technique of administering intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the form of a pressurized aerosol for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, was applied.
PIPAC, applied yesterday at Metaxas Hospital, is a minimally invasive method that allows for better distribution and greater penetration of the chemotherapy drug into the peritoneum, offering a new treatment option for patients who often have limited options.
The benefits of the method:
-Better distribution and efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
– Minimally invasive, repeatable procedure.
– Applicability even to patients who cannot undergo other treatments.
-Improving the quality of life of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
According to Nikolaos Kopanakis, head of the peritoneal carcinomatosis clinic at Metaxas Hospital, the PIPAC method was applied to three patients, who suffer from extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis, which prevented them from undergoing cytoreduction and HIPEC, which has been used for many years in the hospital to treat patients with peritoneal disease.
“This alternative form of administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy fills a gap in the public health system, as it is the first time it has been implemented in a public hospital. It has specific indications and by following protocols already applied abroad, we aim to improve the quality of life, as well as longer survival, of patients with particularly extensive peritoneal disease.”
For his part, hospital administrator Sarantos Efstathopoulos referred to “another decisive step of pioneering at Metaxas Hospital”. “The oncology patient is always at the centre of our interest, which is why we constantly monitor international medical developments and make sure we apply innovative methods and modern treatments for their benefit.”
With modern techniques, scientific excellence and human care, we continue to bring innovation to the National Health System and make Metaxas Hospital great again,” added Mr. Efstathopoulos.
