Efficacy and Safety of Indwelling Catheter for Malignant Pleural Effusions Related to Timing of Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review

IntroductionTo compare the efficacy and safety of indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) in relation with the timing of systemic cancer therapy (SCT) (i.e., before, during, or after SCT) in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE).MethodsSystematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts, and case series of over 20 patients, in which the timing of IPC insertion in relation to that of SCT was provided. Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to January 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tool for RCTs and the ROB in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-randomized designs.ResultsTen studies (n = 2907 patients; 3066 IPCs) were included. Using SCT while the IPC was in situ decreased overall mortality, increased survival time, and improved quality-adjusted survival. Timing of SCT had no effect on the risk of IPC-related infections (2.85% overall), even in immunocompromised patients with moderate or severe neutropenia (relative risk 0.98 [95%CI: 0.93–1.03] for patients treated with the combination of IPC and SCT). The inconsistency of the results or the lack of analysis of all outcome measures in relation to the SCT/IPC timing precluded drawing solid conclusions about time to IPC removal or need of re-interventions.ConclusionsBased on observational evidence, the efficacy and safety of IPC for MPE does not seem to vary depending on the IPC insertion timing (before, during, or after SCT). The data most likely support early IPC insertion.     

Management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions with a tunneled indwelling pleural catheter

In this review, we report on the use of indwelling pleural catheters in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions. We describe the most commonly used catheter. Also, treatment with indwelling pleural catheters as compared to talc pleurodesis is reviewed. A comparison of efficacy, costs, effects on quality of life, and complications is made. Only one randomized controlled trial comparing the two is available up to date, but several are underway. We conclude that treatment for malignant pleural effusions with indwelling pleural catheters is a save, cost-effective, and patient-friendly method, with low complication rates.     

我院八年间恶性胸腔积液胸膜固定术治疗体会

目的探索恶性胸腔积液的治疗方法疗效。方法1993、1～2001、5年间住本院接受胸膜固定术治疗的352例恶性胸腔积液患者，分析其方法、治疗药物及术后反应，以期找到较为适宜的治病方案。结果胸腔镜或剖胸治疗效果最佳．闭式引流次之．胸穿最差。药物以胞必佳等免疫制剂为优，浓糖、榄香烯等次之．化疗药物最差。结论恶性胸腔积液的治疗以胸腔镜或剖胸治疗疗效最佳，若条件不允许则应闭式引流后子胸腔内注入胸必佳等生物调节剂。     

经皮穿刺心包置管引流治疗心包渗液54例疗效观察

目的 :探讨经皮穿刺置入导管引流心包渗液的疗效及安全性。方法 :5 4例中量至大量心包渗液的患者在超声引导下置管行心包闭式引流。结果 :5 4例患者均置管成功 ,置管时间平均 10d( 5～ 2 0 )d ,均无脏器、组织损伤或感染等。 2例发生导管堵塞 ,经肝素盐水冲洗后再度通畅 ;1例有症状性低血压 ;1例发展为缩窄性心包炎。结论 :经皮穿刺置入导管行心包引流是一种安全、有效的治疗心包渗液的方法     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pleurectomy: a suitable alternative for treating malignant pleural effusions

BackgroundMalignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common manifestations of metastatic cancers and are associated with a dismal prognosis. Talc pleurodesis has been proven to be effective in the management of MPEs, however, class-action lawsuits linking talc to ovarian adenocarcinoma have rendered it unavailable at many institutions. As a result, surgeons have resorted to less effective chemical pleurodesis as an alternative to indwelling pleural drainage catheters. Given the absence of talc, we explored the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) partial pleurectomy (VPP) for treating MPEs.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients with MPEs managed after talc became unavailable at our institution. Between 2016 and 2018, we identified five patients who refused pleural drainage catheters and underwent VPP. Symptoms at presentation included fatigue, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. All had unilateral MPEs (left n=3, right n=2). VPP included removal of parietal surfaces of the pleura other than the pleura overlying the subclavian vessels, the mediastinum, and the lung viscera.ResultsThere were no significant perioperative adverse events and post-operative pain was well controlled. Chest tubes were removed between post-operative day (POD) 3 and 7. Follow-up time ranged from four to 36 weeks. All patients had symptomatic relief and radiographic evidence of improved MPEs. No patients required re-interventions. One patient expired six months after surgery while the remaining four were alive at last follow-up.ConclusionsVPP offers an effective alternative to chemical pleurodesis for managing MPEs in patients who prefer to avoid pleural drainage catheters.     

Increased Pleural Fluid Adenosine Deaminase Levels in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions: A Potential Predictor of Talc Pleurodesis Outcome

Chemical pleurodesis using various sclerosing agents is accepted palliative therapy for patients with recurrent, symptomatic, malignant pleural effusions (MPE). However, the utility of various clinical and biochemical parameters in predicting pleurodesis outcome is still controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (Pf-ADA) levels and talc pleurodesis outcomes, and to compare Pf-ADA levels to various other biochemical variables with respect to predicting talc pleurodesis outcome in patients with MPE. In this prospective trial, 60 consecutive patients with MPE were enrolled; 35 had malignant mesothelioma (MM) and 25 had metastatic pleural carcinoma (MPC). A complete response was achieved in 49 of 60 MPE patients (81.7%). The Pf-ADA, pH, and albumin levels in patients with successful pleurodesis were significantly higher than in those with unsuccessful pleurodesis (p values < 0.001, 0.036, 0.027, respectively). ROC curve analysis revealed that optimal differentiation between successful and unsuccessful pleurodesis could be achieved with cutoff points of 17.5 U/L for Pf-ADA (area under the curve = 0.873; sensitivity = 77.6%; specificity = 90.9%); >2.5 g/dl for albumin (area under the curve = 0.715; sensitivity = 85.4%; specificity = 54.5%); and >7.26 for pleural fluid pH (area under the curve = 0.703; sensitivity = 83.7%; specificity = 54.5%). In analysis of the subgroup, Pf-ADA were found to be a good marker for discrimination between successful and unsuccessful pleurodesis in patients with MM (p < 0.001) but not in the MPC group (p = 0.068). These results indicate that Pf-ADA levels could be considered predictors of the outcome of pleurodesis, especially in patient with MM. Furthermore, the present study also demonstrated that Pf-ADA level is a superior test to predict the outcome of pleurodesis compared to pleural fluid pH and albumin level.     

Effectiveness of tunneled pleural catheter placement in patients with malignant pleural effusions

Pleural effusions (PE) occur frequently among patients with various types of advanced malignancies, resulting in remarkably decreased quality of life. Treatment of malignant PE includes placement of a chest tube with subsequent placement of a tunneled pleural catheter. We reviewed our experience with tunneled pleural catheter use to assess outcomes and resource utilization of this intervention. A retrospective study of consecutive patients (n = 163, including 41 outpatients) who were treated between July 2001 and April 2008 with tunneled pleural catheters was performed to evaluate operative and discharge outcomes. The average age of the patients was 59.32 years (range: 24 to 89). Lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer were common primary diseases in this patient population. The mean hospital stay after tunneled pleural catheter placement was 3.19 days (range: 0 to 56), with 41 patients treated as outpatients. Thirteen inpatient deaths were related to the patients'' primary diseases, but no deaths were due to drain placement itself. Eight patients (4.91%) required reoperation to replace a nonfunctioning drain or to add an additional drain, and six patients underwent a second procedure to place a contralateral drain. One hundred twenty-six patients (77.30%) were discharged home following the procedure and hospital stay. Fifty-five people achieved spontaneous pleurodesis. Tunneled pleural catheter placement is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of PE. The advantages of tunneled pleural catheter placement include symptomatic relief and improved quality of life. This method allows patients to spend time at home with their family and avoid prolonged hospitalization.     

Pleural Effusion as an Unusual Initial Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Pleural effusions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can have wide differential diagnosis, however AML presenting as pleural effusion with leukemic infiltration is rarely documented. A 22 year old male presented with pleural effusion for 3 months and subsequently diagnosed as AML M2, which prompted us for this communication.     

甘露聚糖肽联合卡铂胸腔内灌注治疗恶性胸腔积液疗效观察

目的观察甘露聚糖肽联合卡铂胸腔内灌注治疗恶性胸腔积液的疗效,安全性和耐受性。方法 29例恶性胸腔积液患者随机分为两组,A组16例和B组13例。A组于胸腔内灌注卡铂,400 mg,每周1次。B组同时灌注卡铂和甘露聚糖肽,卡铂的剂量同A组,甘露聚糖肽的剂量为60 mg,每周1次。结果 A组CR 2例（12.5%）,PR 4例（25%）,有效率为37.5%。B组CR 5例（38.5%）,PR 6例（46.2%）,有效率（RR）为84.7%。B组有效率高于A组,差异有统计学意义。全组患者生活质量改善20例,KPS评分改善率达69%。所有患者耐受性好,无治疗相关死亡,主要的毒性反应为胃肠道反应和骨髓抑制。结论甘露聚糖肽联合卡铂胸腔内灌注治疗恶性胸腔积液疗效肯定,临床安全性好,不良反应发生低,能改善生活质量,值得临床推广。     

碘伏对恶性胸腔积液的硬化治疗效果观察

目的恶性胸腔积液是癌症晚期的一种表现,硬化治疗是此阶段最好的处理方式,本研究评价使用碘伏作为硬化剂对胸腔积液患者的疗效和安全性。方法分析10年间共52例恶性胸腔积液患者在胸腔注入碘伏硬化治疗后的临床资料,总结碘伏对恶性胸腔积液患者的疗效和安全性。结果 52例患者共完成112次硬化治疗,无一例因置管相关的死亡发生,最常见的副作用是41例（78.8%）患者发生轻度即刻胸膜疼痛。总的成功率达100%。结论本研究提示,碘伏对恶性胸腔积液的治疗安全有效,只有轻微的副作用,可能是目前较为理想的胸腔积液硬化剂。     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) pleurodesis for malignant effusion: an Australian teaching hospital's experience

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is commonly employed to achieve pleurodesis in patients suffering malignant pleural effusion (MPE). AIMS.: To evaluate the utility and outcome of VATS pleurodesis in management of MPE. METHODS: Two hundred and two consecutive VATS pleurodesis for MPE were evaluated. Data was derived from a prospectively maintained database and hospital records. Pleurodesis was deemed unsuccessful if a significant effusion occurred within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: VATS pleurodesis was successful in 88% of patients (failure 12%) while recurrence of effusion occurred in 18%. Post-operative air space, air leak, empyema and prolonged intercostal catheter drainage (>14 days) were all significantly associated with a failed procedure. Mean length of stay was 10.4 days and 42% of patients were discharged within 7 days of surgery. Morbidity was 20% with no operative deaths and median survival was 94 days. Inpatient mortality was 5%. High ASA (>or=4) was significantly associated with increased risk of inpatient death (p<0.001) and poorer long-term survival (43 days versus 133 days, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VATS pleurodesis offers reasonable palliation of MPE with low morbidity and rapid recovery. Patients with an ASA score of >or=4 have a poor overall outcome and warrant less invasive palliative measures.