Two cases of refractory ascites in childhood cancer patients undergoing cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy modified by Keisuke Matsusaki (KM-CART)

Abstract

There is currently a lack of an effective treatment for refractory ascites, other than general treatments such as restriction of water and salt and the use of diuretics. We report two childhood cancer patients with refractory ascites who received KM-CART that resulted in alleviation of their symptoms and improvement of their quality of life (QOL). Case 1: a 13-year-old male with desmoplastic small round cell tumor was unable to continue anti-tumor therapy due to refractory ascites. After a one-time use of KM-CART, the ascites disappeared and anti-tumor treatment was able to resume. Case 2: a 3-year-old boy with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma was receiving palliative care, but his quality of life was significantly impaired from various symptoms caused by refractory ascites. He was provided with KM-CART four times every 2 weeks, and the symptoms were alleviated. For children that suffer from refractory ascites, this method is one of the significant options that should be considered.