Effective Treatment for Malignant Pleural Effusion and Ascites with Combined Therapy of Bevacizumab and Cisplatin

Objective: To record the efficacy and toxicity of combining bevacizumab with cisplatin in treating malignant pleural effusion and ascites through intrapleural and intraperitoneal infusion.

Patients and methods: Forty-three patients were admitted to the Oncology Department of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital with confirmed malignant effusion since January, 2011. Twenty of them received intrapleural and intraperitoneal perfusion of 200 mg bevacizumab plus 60 mg cisplatin every three weeks, and 23 patients received 60 mg cisplatin alone after draining effusion as much as possible. Reduction of effusion was determined by type-B ultrasonography.

Results: The complete remission rate and effective rate of bevacizumab group was superior to that of the cisplatin group. The quality of life recovery rate of bevacizumab group was superior to that of the cisplatin group. The anhelation and abdominal distention of bevacizumab group was significantly improved. There was no significant difference in level III/IV toxicities and adverse effects between two groups.

Conclusion: Bevacizumab significantly improved the objective response rate and quality of life of patients with malignant pleural effusion and ascites, while not causing notable adverse events.