Implantable depots for localized, sustained, controlled release of therapeutic agents to treat cancer and related conditions

A method of treating malignant ascites in a peritoneal cavity of a patient, wherein the patient is experiencing one or more symptoms associated with the malignant ascites, the method comprising:

• placing an implantable depot in the patient's peritoneal cavity, the depot comprising a therapeutic region and a control region covering at least a portion of a surface of the therapeutic region, wherein the therapeutic region includes a chemotherapeutic agent;
• via the implanted depot, providing a sustained release of the chemotherapeutic agent directly to the peritoneal cavity;
• administering one or more treatments to the patient, the one or more treatments comprising surgery, radiation, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and/or systemic drug therapy;
• and
• relieving the one or more symptoms of the patient to a greater extent as compared to a patient who receives the one or more treatments but does not receive the implantable depot, wherein the one or more symptoms comprises anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, abdominal distension, and/or dyspnea.