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

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.