Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (KM-CART) for malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of alleviating signs/symptoms of malignant ascites by a renovated CART (cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy) system, called KM-CART, was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 4781 KM-CART procedures was performed in 2109 patients. All patients were accepted unless hemodynamically unstable or consciousness impaired. The ascites were processed and drip-infused into the patient. RESULTS: There were no major complications or deaths. The mean drainage volume was 6.2 L (maximum: 27.7L), patient symptoms (numerical scale system) were significantly alleviated (45.1 +/- 19.0 reduced to 21.2 +/- 14.2, P<0.001), and patient leg circumference significantly decreased (33.3 +/- 4.4 cm reduced to 30.5 +/- 4.4 cm, P<0.001) without exacerbation of renal function. Collected cancer cells could be utilized for immune therapy. CONCLUSIONS: KM-CART is capable of improving the "quality of best supportive care" and can be beneficial in conjunction with medication for malignant pain.