ABSTRACT
Peritoneal malignancies represent a unique group of cancers that are spread over large internal convoluted surfaces in close proximity to vital abdominal organs. Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is advocated by numerous experienced mesothelioma specialists as part of the standard of care for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM). Heat demonstrates cytotoxic capabilities in vitro, independent of its known synergism with certain cytotoxic drugs. Hyperthermia allows greater penetration of chemotherapy into the tissues of the peritoneum. The growing understanding of cancer genetics has led to the rise of better targeted therapies, improving the quality of life for patients suffering from metastases. Cisplatin is platinum based chemotherapeutic drug which works by cross-linking deoxybonucleic acid (DNA) inter-strands, thereby inhibiting DNA duplication, essential for cell division (mitosis). Doxorubicin, also hydroxyldaunorubicin, is a DNA-interacting drug widely used in chemotherapy. It is an anthracycline antibiotic which is structurally similar to daunomycin, both of which intercalate DNA. Melphalan is an alkylating agent that contains: phenylalanine and N-Lost moiety.
