Doctors at the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi have introduced a new technology for treating cancers affecting the abdominal lining, for example colon cancer or colorectal cancer. It involves administering heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdomen during surgery.

The technology known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used on experimental basis in western countries for nearly two decades. But in India, it has gained ground only recently.

Some private hospitals in India also offer HIPEC but it is expensive. AIIMS offers it for free or at subsidised rates.

According to the doctors, the technology cannot be used for all cancer patients, only those with cancer affecting abdominal lining. Also, it has to be conducted at a centre with high skilled and experienced professionals given that any variation of drug dosage or temperature control can be fatal. AIIMS recently held a workshop at the institute to train young surgeons on HIPEC.