Malignant ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of patients with intraperitoneal cancer dissemination. This clinical condition could represent the terminal evolution of a lethal disease and could influence the prognosis, severely impairing the patients' quality of life. Treatment options include a multitude of different procedures with limited efficacy and some degree of risk; diuretics, paracentesis, peritoneo-venous shunts and intraperitoneal biologic agents like anti-VEGF molecules, metalloproteinase inhibitors and immunomodulators are included. None of these approaches have been established as a standard of care because of their low efficacy or severe side effects. The last two decades saw the emergence of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a viable therapeutic approach resulting in an effective cure against refractory malignant ascites. The following describes our experiences with 3 cases together with a literature review.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as palliative treatment for malignant ascites. A single center experience and review of the literature
MARINO, ELISABETTA;Rebonato, Alberto;DONINI, Annibale
2016
Abstract
Malignant ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of patients with intraperitoneal cancer dissemination. This clinical condition could represent the terminal evolution of a lethal disease and could influence the prognosis, severely impairing the patients' quality of life. Treatment options include a multitude of different procedures with limited efficacy and some degree of risk; diuretics, paracentesis, peritoneo-venous shunts and intraperitoneal biologic agents like anti-VEGF molecules, metalloproteinase inhibitors and immunomodulators are included. None of these approaches have been established as a standard of care because of their low efficacy or severe side effects. The last two decades saw the emergence of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a viable therapeutic approach resulting in an effective cure against refractory malignant ascites. The following describes our experiences with 3 cases together with a literature review.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.