The use of bevacizumab to palliate symptomatic ascites in patients with refractory ovarian carcinoma

Objective To evaluate our experience with the use of bevacizumab in patients with heavily pretreated recurrent ovarian carcinoma who have symptomatic ascites. Methods Four patients were identified who were previously heavily pretreated for recurrent ovarian carcinoma. Each had symptomatic ascites and required frequent therapeutic paracenteses. Each was treated with bevacizumab with the intent to palliate symptomatic ascites. Clinical data including demographic data and clinicopathologic variables was abstracted. Results The four patients demonstrated symptomatic relief of ascites. Toxicity was manageable in all patients with no grade 3/4 toxicity observed. In addition to symptomatic relief of ascites, no therapeutic paracenteses were required after initiation of therapy with bevacizumab. Conclusions Bevacizumab may be a viable palliative option in patients with end stage ovarian carcinoma who have symptomatic ascites.