Innovative Training Sessions Tout Importance of Team-Based Approach to Intraperitoneal Cancer Therapies
Doctors Georgios Georgakis, MD, PhD, FACS, and co-host Sherif Abdel-Misih, MD, FACS, of the Stony Brook Department of Surgery, led the Third Northeastern PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) Workshop at Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) this past December. The two-day event welcomed a distinguished group of surgeons and related medical professionals from across the United States and the globe including attendees from New Zealand, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and New Jersey.
PIPAC, which has a growing role as a transformative therapy for patients with advanced peritoneal disease, offers improved drug distribution, enhanced tissue penetration and reduced systemic toxicity. SBUH and Dr. Georgakis first hosted a PIPAC workshop in September of 2023 with the goal of spreading awareness of this innovative cancer treatment.
Using the latest advancements in PIPAC via a curriculum that blended didactic sessions, hands-on simulations and live case observations, the Third PIPAC Workshop's aim was to inform and inspire attendees to implement or expand PIPAC programs at their respective institutions. Similar to the first two workshops, key highlights included:
- Simulation Lab: A hands-on session where participants practiced PIPAC procedures under expert supervision of Drs. Georgakis and Abdel-Misih.
- Live Case Observations: Real-time demonstrations of PIPAC in clinical cases, illustrating procedural techniques and patient care pathways.
- Lectures and Discussions: Topics included PIPAC technology, preclinical data, occupational safety and tips for successful implementation.
A highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technologists, and perfusionists from Stony Brook University Hospital was assembled by Dr. Georgakis to serve as faculty for the workshop. Each Stony Brook team member shared their expertise, and growing experience in performing and supporting PIPAC procedures, offering practical insights and lessons learned from real-world cases. This collaborative teaching approach ensured that the workshop’s diverse attendees (including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and technologists) gained a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of the procedural, technical and safety aspects of PIPAC.
The interactive workshop emphasized the importance of a team-based approach to intraperitoneal cancer therapies. The attendees appreciated how seamless coordination between surgical and anesthesia teams, nursing staff and technologists is essential for the successful implementation and delivery of PIPAC. This multidisciplinary collaboration fostered dynamic discussions and deeper engagement, providing attendees with a clearer understanding of how PIPAC can be integrated into clinical practice and its transformative potential to improve patient care. Through collaborative training and proctoring discussions, attendees left equipped with the knowledge and skills to expand PIPAC programs in their respective institutions.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the attendees completed an evaluation form. They unanimously praised the workshop’s relevance and execution; highlighting the interactive and immersive nature of the sessions. Responses included:
- “Great workshop! Even though we have done some PIPACs [at their institution], I learned so much.”
- “Very informative and minimized apprehension for our team!”
- “Outstanding course—10/10.”
The attendees emphasized the global need for accessible PIPAC training and expressed strong interest in incorporating PIPAC into their oncology programs. One-hundred percent of survey respondents reported they would recommend the workshop to colleagues.
Dr. Georgakis underscored the PIPAC workshops as representative of Stony Brook's commitment to advancing innovation and fostering an international community of clinicians dedicated to improving patient outcomes. The success of the Third Northeastern PIPAC Workshop highlighted Stony Brook University Hospital’s leadership in pioneering innovative therapies and global surgical education.
For more information about future workshops and training opportunities, please contact Luis Ehrman Jr.
IMAGE CAPTIONS
- Third PIPAC Workshop attendees.
- Attendees at PIPAC lecture.
- Attendees in the operating room.
- PIPAC being demonstrated in a patient in the operating room.
- Attendees posing for a photo outside of the operating room.
- Doctor Georgakis (right) with Benjamin J. Golas, M.D., FACS, a Chief of Surgical Oncology at Hackensack Meridian Health.