Dr. Delia Cortés Guiral, Director of IVOQA at the Hospital Universitario Viamed Santa Elena, participated as a speaker in the 1st National Multidisciplinary Meeting “Outpatient Management of Recurrent Ascites,” held as part of the Summit Madrid BD-SHMG on May 7th.
Impact and Management of Recurrent Malignant Ascites in Cancer Patients
During her presentation, titled “Recurrent Malignant Ascites: Management in Oncological Patients,” the specialist analyzed the significant impact that ascites has on the quality of life of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, particularly due to symptoms such as abdominal distension, dyspnea, pain, anorexia, and fatigue.
Dr. Cortés also explained the biological mechanisms involved in the formation of malignant ascites, highlighting the role of the peritoneal tumor microenvironment as an active setting that promotes tumor progression and influences response to treatments.
Advanced Intraperitoneal Therapies: Innovation with PIPAC and ePIPAC
One of the main pillars of the presentation was the evolution of advanced intraperitoneal therapies in managing these patients. In this regard, she highlighted the role of techniques like PIPAC (pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy) and ePIPAC. These are minimally invasive approaches that allow chemotherapy to be administered directly onto the peritoneum, achieving greater local penetration and lower systemic toxicity.
Additionally, the session addressed new strategies to optimize the control of recurrent ascites, ranging from the use of tunneled catheters to interventional radiology-guided procedures and intraperitoneal therapies combined with systemic treatment.
The specialist also emphasized the need to individualize the approach based on the tumor origin—gastric, ovarian, or colorectal—and the patient’s clinical status, advocating for multidisciplinary treatment models that improve quality of life and expand therapeutic options in advanced peritoneal disease.
With its participation in this national meeting, IVOQA reinforces its position as a leading reference center in peritoneal oncology and advanced intraperitoneal therapies.
