Evaluation of the Efficacy of Diuretics for Symptomatic Malignant Ascites Episodes in Advanced Stage of Cancer (DIASC)
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2018-12-24
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
While some authors recommend diuretics as the first treatment to initiate for symptoms caused
by malignant ascites (MA), their prescription is variable. No randomized, controlled study
has assessed their benefit in this context. According to literature, diuretics may bring
relief in about 40% of cases, regardless of primary tumor.
The purpose of our study is to assess the effectiveness of diuretic treatment according to
Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) measured before treatment. Judgment criteria is the
time elapsed between recurrent MA that requires paracentesis. The investigators will also
examine whether SAAG and serum levels of renin and aldosterone can predict symptom response
to diuretics.