Rapid Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions: a pilot study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Rapid Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions: a pilot study

• IRAS ID

  26641

• Sponsor organisation

  The Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Eudract number

  2010-019003-29

• ISRCTN Number

  terminated

• Research summary

  Malignant pleural effusions are one of the leading causes of recurrent effusions worldwide. Approximately half of all patients with metastatic cancer develop a malignant pleural effusion which is likely to lead to a significant reduction in quality of life secondary to symptoms such as dyspnoea and cough. The aim of pleurodesis in these patients is to prevent re-accumulation of the effusion and thereby of symptoms, and avoid the need for repeated hospitalization for thoracocentesis. Pleurodesis using talc is the simplest and cheapest method. The procedure involves fluid being drained via a chest drain and then a pharmaceutical grade talc mixture instilled into the chest via the drain. This acts like a glue, sticking the lung to the inside of the chest wall and hopefully preventing re-accumulation of a pleural effusion in the future. Previous studies quote a success rate of approximately 70% at 2 to 4 weeks (ie little or no fluid reaccumulation after 2-4 weeks). Current national guidelines recommend removing the chest drain between 12 and 72 hours after the talc has been instilled. There have been recent studies showing that the chest drain can be removed much earlier (e.g 2 hours later) whilst still achieving a positive result. The aim of this study is to establish if immediate removal of the chest drain demonstrates a similar outcome of a pleurodesis at one month (no evidence of pleural effusion), improves patient experience and requires a shorter inpatient stay. We will recruit participants over a period of one year with up to 10 months follow up. Most adults with proven malignant pleural effusions will be eligible to take part. This pilot study will be conducted at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to test the feasibility of undertaking a further multi-centre study in the future.

• REC name

  East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  10/H0301/12

• Date of REC Opinion

  19 Jul 2010

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion