Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (HITHOC)

HITHOC stands for Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy. It is a breakthrough therapy that delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the thorax during surgery. HITHOC is a unique treatment to kill microscopic cancer cells. It is generally more effective with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapies.

The physicians leading the program at Stanford are the most experienced HITHOC team in Northern California.

Heat and chemotherapy work together to damage cancer cells’ DNA—offering significantly better outcomes in combination than either therapy alone.

Localized treatment in the abdomen limits medication’s absorption in the blood stream, which means HITHOC can use higher chemotherapy doses and remain generally easier to tolerate than conventional chemotherapies.

Anyone with cancer spread to the thoracic cavity should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team experienced in the management of carcinomatosis. HITHOC may be life-prolonging or even lifesaving for these patients.

We offer HITHOC as treatment for cancers of the lung and thymoma, which have pleural involvement. We are conducting clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of HITHOC on still more forms of cancer.

A benefit of HITHOC therapy is that it focuses high-dose chemotherapy to areas affected by the cancer itself. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, HITHOC minimizes medication exposure to the rest of the body. That means the common side effects of chemotherapy—like hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, and changes to the skin or nails—may be avoided.

• Nationally recognized expertise to diagnose and treat every stage and subtype of lung and thoracic cancer.

• Genetic counseling services to assess your patients’ genetic risk for lung and thoracic cancer and to develop a plan for your patients and their families.

• Comprehensive support services that address your patients’ unique needs during cancer diagnosis and care.

• Clinical trials to provide early access to promising therapies only available at Stanford or select medical centers.

We believe the best and most effective patient care comes through collaboration. Our comprehensive care model includes a Cancer Care Services program that connects your patients and their caregivers with personalized support to help make the challenges of cancer treatment more manageable.