The successful application of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) illustrates its antitumor activity against primary malignances and peritoneal metastases. Although the specific underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, increasing evidence suggest that HIPEC directly and indirectly inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs overall survival in both hyperthermic and chemotherapeutic manners. To demonstrate the superiority and limitations of such a therapeutic regimen, the present review focuses on the biological and immunological anticancer mechanisms of HIPEC. In addition, the potential combination of HIPEC with other therapies is discussed, as well as its potential to prolong the overall survival time of patients with peritoneal malignancies.
Keywords: hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy; DNA damage; heat shock proteins; cGAS‑STING pathway.