Marshfield Medical Center first in state to perform new cutting-edge cancer treatment
Marshfield Medical Center recently performed Wisconsin’s first pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedure, marking a significant advancement in Marshfield Clinic’s commitment to innovative cancer treatment.
PIPAC is a cutting-edge technique for treating peritoneal surface malignancies, or cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, like colorectal, appendiceal and peritoneal mesothelioma. These cancers are notoriously difficult to treat, and traditional options have been limited.
Unlike conventional intravenous chemotherapy, PIPAC delivers chemotherapy as a fine aerosol under pressure directly into the peritoneal cavity. This allows for more uniform drug distribution and potentially higher concentrations at tumor sites, while reducing systemic side effects.
“The introduction of PIPAC significantly enhances our established Peritoneal Surface Malignancy program,” said Dr. Rohit Sharma, surgical oncologist and the procedure’s lead physician. “It provides an additional therapeutic option for patients who may have exhausted other treatments or for whom traditional systemic chemotherapy is not well-tolerated.”
This minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used as a palliative treatment to control disease progression, alleviate symptoms like ascites and potentially improve the quality of life for patients. In some cases, it also can be combined with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. “This achievement underscores the power of collaborative spirit and the dedication of our teams. As the initiating physician for this innovative procedure, I am immensely proud of the collective effort that has positioned us as a leader in the region for treating complex peritoneal cancers,” said Dr. Sharma. “This first PIPAC procedure is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, patient- centered care, and the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when we work together.”
Marshfield Clinic Health System, now Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health, is an integrated health system whose mission is to enrich lives through accessible, affordable compassionate health care. The health system serves Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with more than 1,400 providers comprising 170 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. Primary operations include more than 60 Marshfield Clinic locations, 11 hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation.
Sanford Health serves patients and communities across the upper Midwest, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. The organization includes nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,500 providers, two fully integrated health plans, specialty pharmacies and nationally recognized research institutions. Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan will serve more than 425,000 members.
