Malignant ascites: Current therapy options and treatment prospects

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Malignant ascites (MA) is a common cancer complication causing significant patient morbidity and reduced survival.
• Current treatments for MA, primarily addressing the primary tumor and fluid drainage, offer limited efficacy due to incomplete pathophysiological understanding.
• Established causes include lymphatic obstruction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with emerging evidence implicating the intraperitoneal immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the pathophysiology of malignant ascites.
• To summarize existing and novel treatment strategies for MA and paramalignant ascites.
• To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions for improved MA management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on malignant ascites.
• Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms, including tumor cell involvement and immune responses.
• Evaluation of therapeutic approaches for MA and paramalignant ascites.

Main Results:

• MA is characterized by tumor cells in ascites, leading to morbidity and mortality.
• Paramalignant ascites involves fluid accumulation without detectable tumor cells.
• Novel insights into immune system roles in MA pathophysiology are emerging.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of MA pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective causative therapies.
• Further research into novel mechanisms, particularly immune system involvement, holds promise for future treatment improvements.
• Addressing knowledge gaps is essential for advancing the clinical management of malignant ascites.