Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies on the application of recombinant human endostatin (RH-endostatin) intraperitoneal perfusion in gastric cancer (GC) with malignant ascites are limited. AIM: To explore the effectiveness, prognosis, and safety of intraperitoneal RH-endostatin perfusion in treating patients with GC and malignant ascites. METHODS: Patients with GC and malignant ascites were divided into the cisplatin intraperitoneal perfusion (control group) group and the cisplatin combined with RH-endostatin intraperitoneal perfusion group (RH-endostatin group). Efficient ascites control, overall survival (OS), quality of life, and adverse events were observed, and possible influencing factors on prognosis outcomes analyzed. RESULTS: We identified no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the control and RH-endostatin groups. The latter group had higher ascites control rates than the control group. Treatment methods were identified as an independent OS factor. Clinically, RH-endostatin-treated patients had significantly improved OS rates when compared with control patients, particularly in those with small and moderate ascites volumes. Quality of life improvements in control patients were significantly lower when compared with RH-endostatin patients. Adverse events were balanced between the groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, intraperitoneal RH-endostatin improved treatment efficacy and prolonged prognosis in patients with GC and malignant ascites. This approach may benefit further clinical applications for treating GC.