Pancreatic cancer associated ascites: Risk factors, outcomes, and management.

Abstract

e16305 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality as most patients present with advanced disease. The development of ascites has been associated with poor outcomes and further characterization and contemporary management strategies are needed. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of PDAC patients with ascites, including clinical and biological data, to describe its incidence, associated clinical factors, and outcomes. Methods: Patients were prospectively consented and enrolled the Gastrointestinal Biobank (“GI-Bank”) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which collected patient specimens, associated clinical data, and self-reported questionnaires. Data was consolidated using a standard software tool (Redcap). Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel and using Datatab.net software tools. Results: Of the 437 patients with PDAC, 182 (41.6%) developed ascites. Overall survival (OS) between ascites and non-ascites groups were significantly different by log-rank test (p = 0.001), and estimated median OS was 473 days (95% CI [407, 537]) in ascites patients versus 554 days [467, 678] in non-ascites patients. In Cox proportional hazards model analysis, ascites status, but not sex or race, was associated with decreased survival (HR 1.49, [1.18, 1.87]). Ascitic fluid data was obtained in 77 patients; 62 (80.5%) had SAAG > 1.1; 14(22.6%) of SAAG > 1.1 patients also had positive cytology. The estimated median OS from the diagnosis of ascites was 100 days [76, 128] and median time to puncture was 4 days. Estimated median time from first tap to death was 56 days [42, 95]. 90 (49.5%) were treated with diuretics and 41 (22.5%) were treated with PleurX catheter. Patients with ascites had a worse survival and were more likely to receive greater than one chemotherapy regimen. There was no relationship between ascites and receipt of surgery or radiation. Conclusions: The development of ascites in patients with pancreatic cancer is common and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. The use of diuretics is lower than would be expected for patients with elevated SAAG. Prospective evaluation of management strategies is needed to improve this important clinical conundrum.