Factors Affecting Performance of DNA Methylation as a Potential Biomarker in Ascites for Peritonitis and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

Background And Aims: Despite limited sensitivity, the gold standard for the diagnosis of malignant cells in ascites is still cytology. The aim of this prospective proof-of-principle study was to evaluate DNA methylation as a molecular tool for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.

Methods: A cohort of 79 patients with malignant and non-malignant ascites was prospectively enrolled.