Increased ascites was accompanied by a paradoxical increase in NF-κB activity in tumors and macrophages, increased M2 macrophages, elevated expression of pro-tumorigenic soluble factors such as VEGF, IL-10 and MCP-1 in ascites fluid, and increased infiltration of pro-tumor M2 macrophages into tumors. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is neoplasm.