Contemporary Management of Malignant Ascites

Abstract

Introduction

Malignant ascites (MA) develops when malignant disease of the peritoneum causes excess fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity. It portends a poor prognosis and is associated with debilitating symptoms. While several palliative therapies exist, none have proven curative or free from side effects and complications. This review article describes experimental therapies on the horizon and the contemporary management of MA.

Materials and methods

A literature review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, in which studies of emerging or experimental therapies under investigation for the management of MA were reviewed. Current therapies were also reviewed to provide important context. Data, including study design, sample size, primary and secondary outcomes, and side effects were recorded and described. Studies were then categorized into distinct sections and subsections, with tables corresponding to each section.

Results

Five current therapies, including paracentesis, diuretics, peritoneovenous shunting, permanent catheters, and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, are described. Their limitations in effectively managing MA are highlighted. The “Experimental therapies” section is subsectioned into several categories, with the major studies corresponding to each section thoroughly described regarding methods, results, and validity. A final section describes treatments for mucinous ascites, which has distinct characteristics.

Conclusions

While each of the experimental therapies described offers unique benefits and has demonstrated some promise in managing MA, they all have limitations that have thus far prevented any one of them from being routinely used in practice. MA remains a challenging condition to treat, warranting further research into novel therapies.