title: Palliative chemotherapy for malignant ascites secondary to ovarian cancer.
abstract: Although research has shown that palliative chemotherapy is beneficial compared to lack of treatment (Schorge JO, Schaffer JI, Halvorson LM, et al. ed. Williams Gynecology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008.), other studies show aggressive end-of-life treatment adversely affects quality of life and shortens life span (Arriba L, Fader A, Frasure H, von Gruenigen V. A review of issues surrounding quality of life among women with ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2010;119(2):390-396.). Without a consensus on palliative chemotherapy, underutilization during end of life prevails, and likely will continue without additional research (Barbera L, Elit L, Krzyzanowska M, et al. End of life care for women with gynecologic cancers. Gynecol Oncol. 2010;118(2):196-201.). This article aims to evaluate and examine existing chemotherapy for palliation of malignant ascites secondary to ovarian cancer and compare commonly used regimens. Agents will be evaluated by their modes of administration. Oral agents include cyclophosphamide and thalidomide, and intraperitoneal vehicles include taxane-based agents, platinum-based agents, antibiotics, and biologic agents. In addition, cost, ethics, and quality of life discussions factor into this review. Palliative care's goal is to find a balance between life expectancy and symptom relief with minimal adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA. ymalayev@gmail.com
authors.forename: Yuliya
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Malayev
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Levene
authors.forename: Faustino
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents