Semmelweis University has reached a major milestone by completing its 100th HIPEC procedure, a specialized treatment for abdominal cancers that combines surgery with heated chemotherapy. To celebrate, the university hosted a scientific meeting on June 30 where doctors and patients shared experiences and highlighted the program’s achievements.
HIPEC—short for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy—is primarily used for advanced ovarian cancer but is also proving effective for certain appendix and colon cancers. Dr. Szabolcs Máté, Head Physician at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, stressed that the day was not only about numbers, but also about recognizing the teamwork behind these complex cases, which often require surgeries lasting up to eight hours.
Presentations covered the technical and medical background of the procedure, with Dr. Gergely Huszty explaining how HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity, achieving higher drug concentrations and improving survival by an average of 12 months over standard treatment.
The event also showcased how Semmelweis has invested in new monitoring and surgical equipment alongside developing HIPEC, helping the university’s clinics earn European accreditation as a center for ovarian cancer surgery.
Looking ahead, Dr. Máté said plans include publishing treatment outcomes and further improving surgical preparation. He thanked the full team—surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and administrative staff—who have made the program possible.
Source: Semmelweis University & Boglárka Zellei
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