Malignancy-related ascites in palliative care units: prognostic factor analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Prognostic Factor Research

Background:

• Malignancy-related ascites (MA) is common in advanced cancer.
• Prognostic factors for MA are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic impact of MA on overall survival (OS) in terminally ill cancer patients.
• To identify prognostic factors in patients with MA.

Main Methods:

• Post hoc analysis of a multicentre, prospective cohort study.
• Inclusion of 1896 advanced cancer patients admitted to palliative care units.
• Multivariate analysis to determine prognostic factors for MA.

Main Results:

• MA was present in 30% of patients (568/1896).
• Patients with MA had significantly shorter OS (14 vs. 22 days).
• Poor prognostic factors for MA included liver metastasis, reduced oral intake, delirium, edema, gastric cancer, high creatinine, high CRP, high bilirubin, dyspnea, and fatigue. Good prognostic factors included female sex, good performance status, high albumin, and colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

• MA negatively impacts survival in terminally ill cancer patients.
• Identified several key prognostic factors for patients with MA, aiding in risk stratification and care planning.