Mike Birrer

Upfront treatment of ovarian cancer with a combination of surgical resection of the tumor and chemotherapy is highly effective in reducing the production of malignant ascites.

Historically, recurrent ascites has been treated with paracentesis and the insertion of a catheter, which gives the patient great relief from their symptoms.

Recently, a new targeted therapy called bevacizumab (trade name: Avastin) has been shown to have good efficacy in the management of malignant ascities. 

Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).