Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

When it comes to ovarian cancer, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (or “belly bath” chemo) can allow for a higher dose of chemotherapy. However, this type of chemo is difficult to administer — and it may not be offered at all cancer centers.

Belly-bath (IP) chemo is done by inserting a catheter into the patients’ belly to deliver chemotherapy. The treatment, done post-operatively (meaning after someone’s ovarian cancer surgery), also includes some chemo being delivered through an IV. Because of its higher dose, IP chemo can allow more cancer cells to be killed.

This type of chemo, according to Dr. Scott Rushing of Compass Oncology, women who tend to respond best to IP chemo include:

• Women who have undergone a successful optimal debulking surgery (ideally, the tumors left behind after surgery are no larger than one centimeter in diameter)
• Women who have not undergone extensive bowel resections (IP chemo can increase the risk of bowel complications) directly in contact with the bowel

The IP method, it’s worth noting, is also known to have significant side effects, which can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Electrolyte imbalance

It’s a more difficult approach to get through as well as more difficult to administer. Accordingly, not every oncologist will be able to offer it to their patients. Some oncologists point to studies showing similar results with chemo that is administered the standard way (through an IV).

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