Emerging Treatment Options for Management of Malignant Ascites in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Overview

Journal Int J Womens Health

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2012 Aug 29

PMID 22927770

Citations 13

Authors

Ramez N Eskander

Krishnansu S Tewari

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Malignant ascites affects approximately 10% of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer and is associated with troublesome symptoms, including abdominal pressure and distension, dyspnea, bloating, pelvic pain, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. To date, no effective therapy has been identified for the treatment of malignant ascites in patients with recurrent, advanced ovarian cancer. In this article, we discuss currently existing options for the treatment of ascites associated with ovarian cancer, and review the literature as it pertains to novel, targeted therapies. Specifically, preclinical and clinical trials exploring the use of the antiangiogenic agents, bevacizumab and vascular endothelial growth factor-trap, as well as the nonangiogenic agent, catumaxomab, will be reviewed. Despite current limitations in treatment, knowledge regarding management options in the palliation of ascites is critical to practicing physicians. Ultimately, as with all novel therapies, symptom relief and treatment goals must be weighed against patient discomfort and potentially significant adverse events.

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