Malignant ascites: review of the literature, and an update on monoclonal antibody-targeted therapy.

Malignant ascites presents a difficult clinical problem, causing discomfort and distress to patients in the later stages of disease. Repeated attempts at palliation are often unsuccessful. In this article, conventional forms of therapy for malignant ascites are reviewed and their limitations outlined. Furthermore, we present data on a new form of therapy: antibody guided irradiation. Pilot studies have produced encouraging results in the management of malignant serous effusions, and further randomised studies are currently in progress.