Prognostic Significance of New Onset Ascites in Pancreatic Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Zervos Emmanuel E, Osborne Dana, Boe Brian A, Luzardo German, Goldin Steven B, Rosemurgy Alexander S
Primary Institution: University of South Florida
Hypothesis
New onset ascites in patients with pancreatic cancer would be associated with those factors commonly attributed to the final stages of the disease and that death would soon follow its manifestation.
Conclusion
Once diagnosed, ascites in pancreatic cancer patients heralds imminent death.
Supporting Evidence
- Ascites manifests in only 20% of pancreatic cancer patients.
- Patients with ascites lived about 7 weeks longer than those who developed ascites after surgery.
- Overall survival after ascites developed was slightly over 2 months.
Takeaway
If a patient with pancreatic cancer develops fluid in their belly, it usually means they don't have long to live.
Methodology
A prospective database was queried to identify patients with pancreatic cancer who developed ascites, analyzing factors such as tumor size, stage, and treatment received.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of data collection and the specific patient population.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to a single institution.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 60 years, with 87% male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.06
Statistical Significance
p = 0.06
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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