Intraperitoneal bevacizumab for the palliation of malignant ascites in refractory ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND
Malignant ascites often has a profound impact on the quality of life of patients with refractory ovarian cancer. Current treatments, including dietary, medical, and procedural are often temporary and unsatisfactory options in patients approaching the end of life.


METHODS
We present a case of an 88 year-old receiving home hospice care with refractory ovarian cancer and severe symptomatic ascites. We performed a paracentesis and treated her with intraperitoneal bevacizumab with dramatic improvement in her ascites and the quality of her final weeks of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraperitoneal bevacizumab may be a useful tool in the palliation of malignant ascites and is worthy of further study.
Hamilton
Chad A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA. chad.hamilton@comcast.net
Maxwell
G Larry
GL
Chernofsky
Mildred R
MR
Bernstein
Sarah A
SA
Farley
John H
JH
Rose
G Scott
GS
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D019152:Paracentesis
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab