TACTIC

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Randomised Thoracoscopic Talc Poudrage and Indwelling Pleural Catheters versus Thoracoscopic Talc Poudrage only in Malignant Pleural Effusion trial.

  • IRAS ID

    289120

  • Contact name

    Nick Maskell

  • Contact email

    nick.maskell@bristol.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    North Bristol NHS Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 3 days

  • Research summary

    Patients with cancer can develop fluid around the lung as part of their illness. This is called a malignant pleural effusion. The pleura are thin layers which cover the outside surface of the lung. Fluid build-up between these layers can compress the lung and cause breathlessness. The TACTIC randomized controlled trial will compare one way of managing malignant pleural effusions (MPE) with another.

    A current method for managing fluid build-up is a procedure called a thoracoscopy to drain the fluid away, with talc pleurodesis to ‘dry up’ or stop the fluid from returning.

    However, even despite talc pleurodesis, pleural effusions may reaccumulate causing recurrent breathlessness in up to 25% of patients. A second procedure, to insert an Indwelling Pleural Catheter (IPC), is often required. IPCs are flexible chest tubes, which can remain in place long term to allow drainage of the pleural effusion at home.

    This study combines a thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis with an IPC insertion in the same procedure. We want to know whether this is better for patients in terms of their breathing control and the overall time they spend in hospital.

    We aim to recruit 124 participants from around the UK with symptomatic MPE to assess the effect of combined procedures. The trial will have the potential to influence the care of patients with MPE both nationally and internationally.

  • REC name

    London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/LO/0495

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Sep 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion