Peritoneal Surface Malignancy (PSM) Program

Innovative HIPEC Treatment: A Game Changer

One of the main reasons our program stands out is our expertise in cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC. Cytoreductive surgery (sometimes called “debulking” surgery) involves meticulously removing all visible tumors from the abdomen, even tumors spread across organ surfaces. This can be an extensive procedure — our surgeons may remove tumor growths from the peritoneum and, if necessary, affected portions of organs like the colon, ovaries, or liver to achieve the goal of leaving no visible cancer behind. Immediately after this tumor-removing surgery, we perform HIPEC, which stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. In a HIPEC procedure, we deliver a heated chemotherapy solution directly into the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) before completing the surgery. The warm chemotherapy bath is circulated throughout the belly for about 90 minutes, allowing the medication to penetrate and kill any microscopic cancer cells that might remain. Heating the chemo enhances its cancer-killing power, and because it’s applied locally inside the abdomen, we can use a higher concentration than standard IV chemotherapy – attacking the cancer more aggressively while sparing the rest of your body many side effects.

The combination of surgery + HIPEC has proven to be the most effective treatment for many peritoneal malignancies. This two-step approach offers patients a chance at outcomes that were not possible with chemotherapy alone. What does this mean for you? It means that even if cancer has spread widely in the abdomen, we have a tool to fight it head-on. Compared to traditional chemotherapy, HIPEC can deliver medicine directly where the cancer is, with greater intensity and often fewer systemic side effects (since the chemo mainly stays in the abdomen). For example, medical studies have shown that with HIPEC, up to 25–30% of patients with certain peritoneal cancers achieve a complete cure or long-term remission – a vast improvement over chemotherapy alone. This approach is giving patients genuine hope for longer survival and even cure in situations that used to be considered nearly hopeless. We’ve had patients who, after undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC at our center, hear the words “cancer-free” for the first time since their diagnosis.

Equally important, our team takes great care to support you through this aggressive treatment. We utilize advanced surgical techniques (sometimes even minimally invasive laparoscopic methods for select early cases) to perform HIPEC as safely as possible. Our anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, and nurses all have experience in managing the needs of HIPEC patients, ensuring you receive excellent care during surgery and recovery. While the surgery and heated chemo is a complex process, patients often say that the chance it gives them is well worth the effort. HIPEC truly can be a game-changer – turning a corner in the fight against peritoneal cancer and offering hope where there was little before.

Meet Our Specialist: Dr. Chukwuemeka Ihemelandu

One of the greatest assets of our program is our lead surgeon, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ihemelandu. Dr. Ihemelandu (pronounced ee-hem-eh-LAN-doo) is a board-certified surgical oncologist with extensive expertise in treating peritoneal surface malignancies. He has dedicated his career to caring for patients with advanced abdominal cancers and is one of the nation’s leading experts in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. In fact, MedStar Washington Hospital Center (where our program is based) is the only center in Washington, D.C., and one of just a few in the entire region, that offers this complex treatment for peritoneal cancer. Dr. Ihemelandu’s specialized skills have drawn patients from across the region and beyond, and he has successfully performed hundreds of these procedures, improving quality of life and survival for many people who once had few options.

What truly sets Dr. Ihemelandu apart, however, is his compassionate approach to patient care. “I treat them as a whole person – emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” Dr. Ihemelandu says of his patients. “I take the time to listen to my patients and understand what they are going through. What gives me the greatest joy is when I’m able to help my patients achieve even the smallest of victories.” Patients often comment on how approachable and caring he is, making them feel like family. He personally guides each patient through the treatment process, ensuring all their questions are answered and that they feel comfortable every step of the way.

In addition to his bedside manner, Dr. Ihemelandu is also at the forefront of surgical innovation. He is a Professor of Surgical Oncology at Georgetown University and actively involved in research to advance peritoneal cancer treatment. For example, he is spearheading the use of special near-infrared fluorescence imaging during surgery to detect microscopic cancer cells that can’t be seen with the naked eye. By using this technology, he aims to make surgeries even more thorough, increasing the chances of removing every bit of cancer. He’s also leading studies on tumor genetics and biomarkers to personalize therapy for each patient. Under Dr. Ihemelandu’s expertise, our program not only uses the best available treatments today but is also helping to develop the future of peritoneal cancer care.

When you choose our program, you’re not just getting a surgeon – you’re getting a compassionate advocate and a true leader in the field. Dr. Ihemelandu and the entire team stay up-to-date on the latest advances and are often involved in clinical trials and national conferences to ensure we offer world-class care to our patients.

Why Choose Our Peritoneal Malignancy Program?

We understand that patients and families have options when seeking care. Here are a few reasons so many people trust us for peritoneal cancer treatment.