The role of angiogenesis in the accumulation of peritoneal fluid in benignconditions and the development of malignant ascites in the female

Our objective was to present current data pertaining to the role of angioge nesis in the accumulation of peritoneal fluid in both benign conditions and in the development of malignant ascites in the female. To this goal, we co nducted a computerized search to identify all relevant studies published in the English literature. MEDLINE, Current Contents and Index Medicus were s earched utilizing the terms: angiogenesis, peritoneal fluid, ascites, vascu lar endothelial growth factor (VEGF), therapy and carcinoma through May 200 0. Review of the literature supports that angiogenesis promoted by VEGF is associated with fluid accumulation in animal and human tumor effusions. Ben ign conditions involving accumulation of peritoneal fluid and associated an giogenesis in the female include ovulation, endometriosis and severe ovaria n hyperstimulation syndrome. Malignant intra-abdominal conditions associate d with increased VEGF activity include primary epithelial ovarian, gastric and colon carcinomas, omental and hepatic metastatic disease. initial trial s with antiangiogenic (angioinhibitor) therapy such as anti-VEGF antibodies , anti-VEGF receptor antibodies, tumor necrosis factor, and metalloproteina se inhibitors have been reported and antitumor activity observed in a limit ed number of patients with advanced (inoperable or metastatic) disease. Cop yright (C) 2000 S. Karger. AG, Basel.