Background: Malignancy-related ascites (MRA) is one of the symptoms causing discomfort in advanced cancer patients. Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is one of the palliative treatments widely conducted in Japan only.
Methods: A systematic review following a meta-analysis of CART was performed. The efficiency and adverse events were evaluated.
Results: A total of 2567 patients and 6013 procedures of CART were identified in this study. The mean volume of MRA collected was 4.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.47-5.11) L, and the volume reinfused after concentrating was 0.49 (95% CI 0.39-0.60) L. A total of 86.1 (95% CI 77.1-95.2) g protein and 42.9 (95% CI 36.0-50.0) g albumin was reinfused. The mean time to the next paracentesis was 20.7 (95% CI 15.6-25.8) days. The body weight was reduced by 3.38 (95% CI 1.90-4.86; p < 0.01) kg, and abdominal circumference was reduced by 7.86 (95% CI 6.58-9.14; p < 0.001) cm. Serum albumin increased an average of 0.14 (95% CI -0.01-0.28; p = 0.07) mg/dL the day after CART. Abdominal distension, dyspnea, and fatigue were alleviated by 6.0 (95% CI 5.59-6.51), 2.66 (95% CI 2.05-3.28), and 2.64 (95% CI 1.86-3.42) points using a numerical rating scale system ranging from 0 to 10. Overall, 17% (95% CI 0.03-0.31%) of patients had improved performance status after CART. Significant body temperature elevation was observed, at an average of 0.4 °C (95% CI 0.18-0.62 °C).
Conclusions: CART might be a safe and effective palliative therapy in MRA and further clinical trials are necessary.
Keywords: cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy; chemotherapy; malignant-related ascites.