CD44-MODULATING COMPOSITIONS FOR METHODS FOR TREATING CANCERS AND ASCITES

Methods and CD44-modulating peptide compositions for treating or ameliorating ascites, for treating or ameliorating a tumor or cancer, wherein the compositions feature binding moieties such as monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof specific for CD44 that inhibit CD44 activity, or CD44-modulating peptides that bind to and modulate activity of CD44, optionally featuring a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The binding moieties herein may be used with a secondary therapy. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof binds to at least a portion of the cryptic region of CD44.