Intraperitoneal bevacizumab for the palliation of malignant ascites in refractory ovarian cancer

Gynecol Oncol. 2008 Dec;111(3):530-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2008.04.028. Epub 2008 Jun 18.

Abstract

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.

Case: 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.

Conclusion: Intraperitoneal bevacizumab may be a useful tool in the palliation of malignant ascites and is worthy of further study.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Ascites / drug therapy
  • Ascites / pathology
  • Ascites / surgery
  • Bevacizumab
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Paracentesis

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab