Landmark Cancer Treatment: First CRS with HIPEC Success in Kolkata

KOLKATA, India, July 28, 2025 — In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with advanced primary peritoneal carcinomatosis underwent a successful Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria. The pioneering procedure, which lasted 12 hours, marks a critical milestone in the management of complex malignancies and showcases the hospital's commitment to advancing cancer care in India.

The patient, initially misdiagnosed with chronic liver failure and ascites at another facility, was admitted to Manipal Hospital due to respiratory distress. Upon her arrival, the medical team promptly drained the fluid from her lungs and commenced a chemotherapy regimen. As her condition improved, the frequency of chemotherapy treatments was adjusted from weekly to once every three weeks, leading to a successful transition to the general ward.

Dr. Ashutosh Daga, a Medical Oncologist at Manipal Hospital, expressed pride in the successful completion of this first CRS with HIPEC at their facility. "Although we have previously performed numerous CRS procedures alongside our medical oncologists, this was our first case incorporating HIPEC, paving the way for complex procedures for cancer patients at our hospital," he stated. This combination therapy leverages the precision of surgical resection with the targeted efficacy of heated chemotherapy, particularly effective for select gynecological and gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Sagnik Ray, a Surgical Oncologist involved in the procedure, elaborated on the process: “After five months of chemotherapy, the patient underwent optimal cytoreduction followed by the intraoperative delivery of heated chemotherapy using a dedicated HIPEC machine. She responded positively to the treatment, leading to an excellent recovery and stable discharge on the ninth day post-surgery.”

CRS with HIPEC is a sophisticated treatment requiring meticulous coordination among various medical departments, including Anesthesiology, Critical Care, Physical Medicine, and Transfusion Medicine. The successful completion of this procedure highlights the multidisciplinary approach essential for managing advanced cancer cases.

Manipal Hospitals, a leading healthcare provider in India, serves over 7 million patients annually and has expanded its network through recent acquisitions, enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive cancer care. With 37 hospitals across 19 cities, the organization employs over 18,600 healthcare professionals and is committed to maintaining high-quality standards, evidenced by its NABH and AAHRPP accreditations.

The implications of this successful procedure extend beyond the individual patient, as it represents a significant step forward in the evolving landscape of cancer treatment options available in India. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace innovative technologies and methodologies, the potential for improved patient outcomes remains promising.

The development of advanced treatments like CRS with HIPEC not only enhances the quality of care for patients with complex malignancies but also positions India as a growing hub for cutting-edge medical procedures, attracting patients from around the globe seeking state-of-the-art cancer treatment.