Evaluation of Intrapleural Chemotherapy with Cisplatin in Iranian Cancer Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion

Background: Malignant pleural effusion is a common problem in patients with advanced malignancies and compromised the short-lived survival of these patients. These effusions can be resistant to the treatment such as systemic chemotherapy, pleurodesis with sclerosant agents and recurrent drainage. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intrapleural chemotherapy with Cisplatin for the management of MPE in lung, breast and mesothelioma cancers. Materials and methods: Twenty-one cancer patients with MPE were enrolled in this study. Cisplatin was injected through a catheter at a dose of 30mg /m2, and this procedure was performed 3 times at intervals of two weeks. Patients were evaluated for side effects and responses to the treatment every two weeks and one month after the last treatment. Results: Among the assessable 18 patients, complete response and partial response were 9 (50%) and 4 (22.2%) patients, respectively (overall response rate 72.2%). Dyspnea was improved in 13 (72.2%) patients and had no change in 5 (27.8%) patients. One patient did not refer after the first intrapleural injection. Also, two patients died during the study. None of the patients had side effects of grade 3 and 4. Conclusion: The results of this trial study showed that using Intrapleural Chemotherapy with cisplatin in the management of patients with MPE in lung, breast and mesothelioma cancers is effective and safe.

Keywords:

Malignant pleural effusion , Intrapleural chemotherapy , Cisplatin ,