Palliation and Pleurodesis in Malignant Pleural Effusion: The Role for Tunneled Pleural Catheters

American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Essential Knowledge in Interventional Pulmonology Series: Selected Topics in Malignant Pleural Disease

The goal of the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Essential Knowledge in Interventional Pulmonology Series is to provide clinicians with concise, up-to-date reviews of important topics in the field of interventional pulmonology. This 3-year alternating rotation of primary topics will start with a focus on selected topics in malignant pleural disease. In this article, we update the reader on malignant pleural effusion in 3 parts: part 1-diagnosis, focusing on imaging and fluid biomarkers; part 2-management, with review of multimodal approaches, cost considerations, and evolving targeted therapies; and part 3-pleural mesothelioma. These reviews complement the Essential Knowledge in Interventional Pulmonology Lecture Series presented at the 2023 AABIP Annual Conference, available for viewing on the AABIP website (https://aabip.memberclicks.net/essential-knowledge-in-interventional-pulmonology-series).

Immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) combined with chemotherapy are efficacious for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the effectiveness of this approach in the malignant pleural effusion (MPE) population is unclear. This study evaluated ICI plus chemotherapy in NSCLC patients with MPE.

METHODS

Patients from 3 centers in China with NSCLC and MPE who received ICI plus chemotherapy (ICI Plus Chemo) or chemotherapy alone (Chemo) between December 2014 and June 2023 were enrolled. Clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were compared.

RESULTS

Of 155 eligible patients, the median age was 61.0 years old. Males and never-smokers accounted for 73.5% and 39.4%, respectively. Fifty-seven and 98 patients received ICI Plus Chemo or Chemo, respectively. With a median study follow-up of 10.8 months, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer with ICI Plus Chemo than with Chemo (median PFS: 7.4 versus 5.7 months; HR = 0.594 [95% CI: 0.403-0.874], P = 0.008). Median overall survival (OS) did not differ between groups (ICI Plus Chemo: 34.2 versus Chemo: 28.3 months; HR = 0.746 [95% CI: 0.420-1.325], P = 0.317). The most common grade 3 or worse AEs included decreased neutrophil count (3 [5.3%] patients in the ICI Plus Chemo group vs. 5 [5.1%] patients in the Chemo group) and decreased hemoglobin (3 [5.3%] versus 10 [10.2%]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with untreated NSCLC with MPE, ICI plus chemotherapy resulted in significantly longer PFS than chemotherapy and had a manageable tolerability profile, but the effect on OS may be limited.

Efficacy of bevacizumab through an indwelling pleural catheter in non-small cell lung cancer patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

Several studies have indicated that intrapleural infusion of bevacizumab is an effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, the impact of bevacizumab administered through an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) on the prognosis of these patients is unknown.

METHODS

Consecutive advanced NSCLC patients with symptomatic MPE receiving an IPC alone or bevacizumab through an IPC were identified in a tertiary hospital. The patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients were included, and the median age was 60.3 years. Males and nonsmokers accounted for 48.3% and 65.8%, respectively. A total of 69.8% (104/149) of patients harbored actionable mutations, including 92 EGFR-activating mutations, 11 ALK fusions, and 1 ROS1 fusion. A total of 81.9% (122/149) of patients received IPC alone, and 18.1% (27/149) received bevacizumab through an IPC. The incidence of spontaneous pleurodesis during the first 6 months was greater in the bevacizumab-treated group than in the IPC-treated group in the subgroup with actionable mutations (64.3% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.28). The median overall survival (OS) in patients with actionable mutations treated with bevacizumab through an IPC was 42.2 months, which was significantly longer than the 26.7 months in patients who received an IPC alone (P = 0.045). However, the median OS did not differ between the two arms in the subgroup without actionable mutations (10.8 vs. 41.0 months, P = 0.24). No significant difference between the bevacizumab through an IPC group and the IPC group was detected in the number of participants who had adverse events, either in patients with actionable mutations (14.3% vs. 8.4%; P = 0.42) or in patients without actionable mutations (16.7% vs. 12.8%; P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab through an IPC resulted in a significantly improved prognosis for NSCLC patients with MPE and actionable mutations. However, patients without actionable mutations do not benefit from bevacizumab through IPC.

Correlative analysis from a phase I clinical trial of intrapleural administration of oncolytic vaccinia virus (Olvi-vec) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma

Background

The attenuated, genetically engineered vaccinia virus has been shown to be a promising oncolytic virus for the treatment of patients with solid tumors, through both direct cytotoxic and immune-activating effects. Whereas systemically administered oncolytic viruses can be neutralized by pre-existing antibodies, locoregionally administered viruses can infect tumor cells and generate immune responses. We conducted a phase I clinical trial to investigate the safety, feasibility and immune activating effects of intrapleural administration of oncolytic vaccinia virus (NCT01766739).

Methods

Eighteen patients with malignant pleural effusion due to either malignant pleural mesothelioma or metastatic disease (non-small cell lung cancer or breast cancer) underwent intrapleural administration of the oncolytic vaccinia virus using a dose-escalating method, following drainage of malignant pleural effusion. The primary objective of this trial was to determine a recommended dose of attenuated vaccinia virus. The secondary objectives were to assess feasibility, safety and tolerability; evaluate viral presence in the tumor and serum as well as viral shedding in pleural fluid, sputum, and urine; and evaluate anti-vaccinia virus immune response. Correlative analyses were performed on body fluids, peripheral blood, and tumor specimens obtained from pre- and post-treatment timepoints.

Results

Treatment with attenuated vaccinia virus at the dose of 1.00E+07 plaque-forming units (PFU) to 6.00E+09 PFU was feasible and safe, with no treatment-associated mortalities or dose-limiting toxicities. Vaccinia virus was detectable in tumor cells 2-5 days post-treatment, and treatment was associated with a decrease in tumor cell density and an increase in immune cell density as assessed by a pathologist blinded to the clinical observations. An increase in both effector (CD8+, NK, cytotoxic cells) and suppressor (Tregs) immune cell populations was observed following treatment. Dendritic cell and neutrophil populations were also increased, and immune effector and immune checkpoint proteins (granzyme B, perforin, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2) and cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGFβ1 and RANTES) were upregulated.

Conclusion

The intrapleural administration of oncolytic vaccinia viral therapy is safe and feasible and generates regional immune response without overt systemic symptoms.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01766739, identifier NCT01766739.

Incidence of complications from indwelling pleural catheter for pleural effusion: A meta-analysis

Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is widely used in patients with pleural effusion (PE). This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively summarize the clinical complication from IPC. We searched four large electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) for potentially relevant studies and assessed the included studies' quality using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies' criteria. Extracted data were used to pool rates, and to conduct subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Forty-one studies involving a cumulative 4983 patients with 5650 IPCs were included in this meta-analysis. The overall incidence of IPC complications was 20.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0-26.3). The top four complications were: overall infection incidence 5.7% (95% CI: 0.7-2.4); overall catheter abnormality incidence 4.4% (95% CI: 2.8-6.3); pain incidence 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-2.4); and overall loculation incidence 0.9% (95% CI: 0.1-2.1). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses for overall complications and infections by country, PE site, and PE type demonstrated these factors did not contribute significantly to heterogeneity. Further subgroup analyses for infection of benign PE showed that the overall infection incidence (12.6% [95% CI: 8.1-17.8] vs 0.7% [95% CI: 0.0-4.5]) and empyema incidence (9.1% [95% CI: 5.3-13.8] vs 0.0% [95% CI: 0.0-2.3]) of patients with liver-related PE were significantly higher than that of patients with heart-related PE. Our meta-analysis showed reliable pooled incidences of IPC-related complications, with infection being the most common. These results serve to remind clinicians about the incidence of IPC-related complications and emphasize the importance of taking corresponding preventive and therapeutic steps.

Locoregional delivery of CAR-T cells in the clinic

Cellular therapies utilizing T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have garnered significant interest due to their clinical success in hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, this success has not been replicated in solid tumors, with only a small fraction of patients achieving complete responses. A number of obstacles to effective CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors have been identified including tumor antigen heterogeneity, poor T cell fitness and persistence, inefficient trafficking and inability to penetrate into the tumor, immune-related adverse events due to on-target/off-tumor toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Many preclinical studies have focused on improvements to CAR design to try to overcome some of these hurdles. However, a growing body of work has also focused on the use of local and/or regional delivery of CAR-T cells as a means to overcome poor T cell trafficking and inefficient T cell penetration into tumors. Most trials that incorporate locoregional delivery of CAR-T cells have targeted tumors of the central nervous system - repurposing an Ommaya/Rickham reservoir for repeated delivery of cells directly to the tumor cavity or ventricles. Hepatic artery infusion is another technique used for locoregional delivery to hepatic tumors. Locoregional delivery theoretically permits increased numbers of CAR-T cells within the tumor while reducing the risk of immune-related systemic toxicity. Studies to date have been almost exclusively phase I. The growing body of evidence indicates that locoregional delivery of CAR-T cells is both safe and feasible. This review focuses specifically on the use of locoregional delivery of CAR-T cells in clinical trials.

The Frequency, Risk Factors and Management of Complications from Pleural Procedures

Pleural disease is a common presentation and spans a heterogenous population across broad disease entities but a common feature is the requirement for interventional procedures. Despite the frequency of such procedures, there is little consensus on rates of complications and risk factors associated with such complications. Here follows a narrative review based on a structured search of the literature. Searches were limited to 2010 onwards, in recognition of the sea-change in procedural complications following the mainstream use of thoracic ultrasound (US). Procedures of interest were limited to thoracocentesis, intercostal drains (ICD), indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) and local anaesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT). 4308 studies were screened, to identify 48 studies for inclusion. Iatrogenic pneumothorax (PTX) remains the commonest complication following thoracocentesis: 3.3% (95% CI, 3.2-3.4), though PTX requiring intervention was rare: 0.3% (95% CI, 0.2-0.4) when the procedure was US guided. Drain blockage and displacement are the commonest complications following ICD insertion (6.3%, and 6.8%, respectively). IPC related infections can be a significant problem: 5.8% (95% CI, 5.1-6.7), however most cases can be managed without removal of the IPC. LAT has an overall mortality of 0.1% (95% CI, 0.03-0.3). Data on safety and complication rates in procedural interventions are limited by methodological problems and novel methods to study this topic bears consideration. Whilst complications remain rare events, once encountered, they have the potential to rapidly escalate. It is of paramount importance for operators to prepare and have in place plans for such events, to ensure high quality and above all, safe care.

Malignant Pleural Effusions

Malignant pleural effusions have a significant burden on patients and the health care system. Diagnosis is typically via thoracentesis, although other times more invasive procedures are required. Management centers around relief of dyspnea and patient quality of life and can be done via serial thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheter, or pleurodesis. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusion.

[Five Years PLEURATUMOR Register of the German Society of Thoracic Surgery]

BACKGROUND

Since 01.01.2015, the nationwide "PLEURATUMOR Register of the German Society of Thoracic Surgery (DGT)" has documented the most relevant parameters of patients with primary and secondary malignant pleural diseases receiving thoracic surgery in Germany. This online database is intended to record both primary and recurrent diseases. In particular, the registry focuses on the documentation of patients with pleural carcinosis, malignant pleural mesothelioma and tumours of the thymus with pleural dissemination.

METHODS

A structured evaluation of all patients documented up to and including December 2019 was carried out.

RESULTS

At this time, 33 departments participated in the PLEURATUMOR Register and 670 patients have been recorded. Of these patients, 522 data sets were complete and 516 patients received surgical treatment. Most patients were documented in 2017 (n = 135; 26.2%), and in 2019 (n = 72; 14%). With 317 listed patients (61.4%), pleural carcinosis was the most frequently reported pleural tumour, followed by malignant pleural mesothelioma (n = 175; 33.9%) and thymoma/thymic carcinoma with pleural metastases (n = 11; 2.1%). The majority of patients (n = 499; 96.7%) were treated because of an initial manifestation. The most frequently documented procedure was VATS-talcum pleurodesis (n = 204; 39.5%). In 69 patients (13.4%) hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy was performed after cytoreductive surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 107 patients (20.7%); in 35 cases (6.8%) surgical revision was necessary. The overall 30-day mortality was 8.3% (n = 43).

CONCLUSION

Due to the consistent data entry of the participating clinics, a representative dataset of pleural tumour diseases could be recorded. In the future, we hope for consistent continuation of data entry and the initiation of register-based studies.

Multimodal approach to the management of malignant pleural effusions: role of thoracoscopy with pleurodesis and tunneled indwelling pleural catheters

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is associated with a median survival of 3–6 months and causes significant symptoms affecting the overall quality of life in patients with advanced malignancies. Despite the high incidence of recurrent MPE, less than 25% of patients undergo a definitive pleural intervention as recommended by guidelines. In this review, we summarize the latest guidelines for management of MPE by various societies and discuss a multimodal approach in these patients using thoracoscopy with pleurodesis using talc insufflation and placement of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters (TIPC). We also address the role of diagnostic thoracoscopy for histologic and molecular diagnosis and outline our approach to patients with known or suspected MPE.

Intrathoracic aerosol chemotherapy via spray-catheter

Pressurized intrathoracic aerosol chemotherapy (PITAC) has been introduced to the clinical setting as a novel treatment option for pleural metastasis (PM). For decades the therapeutic application of aerosols was limited to intrabronchial delivery. However, present studies suggest performing PITAC on patients with PM and malignant pleural effusion. Using an established ex vivo swine model, the present study aimed to introduce a facilitated intrathoracic chemoaerosol application via spray-catheter. Using an ex-vivo model of 3 postmortem swine, the feasibility of intrathoracic aerosol chemotherapy (ITC) with doxorubicin using a spray-catheter was evaluated in a normal pressure environment. Following thoracotomy, the spray-catheter was inserted via trocar. Tissue samples were retrieved and further analyzed by fluorescence microscopy to detect doxorubicin contact. Our data demonstrated that the application of ITC was technically feasible and did not exhibit any significant obstacles. By making a minimally invasive thoracotomy incision it was possible to create an adequate pneumothorax without the need of a double-lumen tube or intubation. ITC did not require the creation of a pressurized environment. Tissue samples revealed doxorubicin contact within the pleura. In conclusion, ITC is a fast and feasible procedure that could possibly be administered via bedside application, therefore eliminating the need of an operating room and surgical staff. However, further studies are required to evaluate the safety of patients and physicians regarding this novel applicational modality. Nevertheless, the present study demonstrated that ITC may potentially be applied at bedside, an option that is particularly important for patients who do not qualify for PITAC procedures.

Indwelling pleural catheters for malignancy-associated pleural effusion: report on a single centre's ten years of experience

Introduction

Recurrent pleural effusion is a common cause of dyspnoea, cough and chest pain during the course of malignant diseases. Chemical pleurodesis had been the only definitive treatment option until two decades ago. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) emerged as an alternative, not only assuring immediate symptom relief but also potentially leading to pleurodesis in the absence of sclerosing agents.

Methods

In this single-centre retrospective observational study patient characteristics, procedural variables and outcome in a large population of patients with IPC in malignancy were evaluated and prognostic factors for pleurodesis were identified.

Results

From 2006 to 2016, 395 patients received 448 IPC, of whom 121 (30.6%) had ovarian, 91 (23.0%) lung and 45 (11.4%) breast cancer. The median length of IPC remaining in place was 1.2 months (IQR, 0.5–2.6), the median survival time after insertion 2.0 months (IQR, 0.6–6.4). An adequate symptom relief was achieved in 94.9% of all patients, with no need for subsequent interventions until last visit or death. In patients surviving ≥30 days after IPC insertion, pleurodesis was observed in 44.5% and was more common in patients < 60 years (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05–2.78; p = 0.03). The use of an additional talc slurry via the IPC was highly predictive for pleurodesis (HR 6.68; 95% CI, 1.44–31.08; p = 0.02). Complications occurred in 13.4% of all procedures (n = 60), 41.8% concerning infections (local infections at the tunnel/exit site (n = 14) and empyema (n = 11)), and 98.3% being low or mild grade (n = 59). Complication rates were higher in men than women (18.6 vs. 12.4%, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

High efficacy in symptom relief and a favourable safety profile confirm IPC as suitable first line option in most malignant pleural effusions. The study presents the largest dataset on IPC in gynaecologic cancer to date. Gender-specific differences in complication rates warrant further study.

Secretome of pleural effusions associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant mesothelioma: therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

We compared the secretome of metastatic (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)) and primary (mesothelioma) malignant pleural effusions, benign effusions and the published plasma profile of patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), to determine factors unique to neoplasia in pleural effusion (PE) and those accompanying an efficacious peripheral anti-tumor immune response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cryopreserved cell-free PE fluid from 101 NSCLC patients, 8 mesothelioma and 13 with benign PE was assayed for a panel of 40 cytokines/chemokines using the Luminex system.

RESULTS

Profiles of benign and malignant PE were dominated by high concentrations of sIL-6Rα, CCL2/MCP1, CXCL10/IP10, IL-6, TGFβ1, CCL22/MDC, CXCL8/IL-8 and IL-10. Malignant PE contained significantly higher (p < 0.01, Bonferroni-corrected) concentrations of MIP1β, CCL22/MDC, CX3CL1/fractalkine, IFNα2, IFNγ, VEGF, IL-1α and FGF2. When grouped by function, mesothelioma PE had lower effector cytokines than NSCLC PE. Comparing NSCLC PE and published plasma levels of CAR-T recipients, both were dominated by sIL-6Rα and IL-6 but NSCLC PE had more VEGF, FGF2 and TNFα, and less IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, IL-15, MIP1α and IFNγ.

CONCLUSIONS

An immunosuppressive, wound-healing environment characterizes both benign and malignant PE. A dampened effector response (IFNα2, IFNγ, MIP1α, TNFα and TNFβ) was detected in NSCLC PE, but not mesothelioma or benign PE. The data indicate that immune effectors are present in NSCLC PE and suggest that the IL-6/sIL-6Rα axis is a central driver of the immunosuppressive, tumor-supportive pleural environment. A combination localized antibody-based immunotherapy with or without cellular therapy may be justified in this uniformly fatal condition.

Image-Guided Palliative Interventions

This article reviews a few surgical palliative care procedures that can be performed by surgeons and interventional radiologists using image-guided techniques. Treatment of recurrent pleural effusions, gastrostomy feeding tube maintenance, percutaneous cholecystostomy, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) with embolotherapy of bleeding stomal varices is discussed.

Interventional Pulmonology: A Focused Review for Primary Care Physicians

Interventional pulmonology (IP) has evolved in recent decades, and recent advances have greatly expanded the services offered by IP physicians. IP is best defined as the use of advanced techniques for the evaluation and treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary disorders. The field has further advanced with the recent establishment of a board certification via the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and the release in 2017 of accreditation standards for specialized fellowship training. This article provides a broad overview of the field to serve as a resource for primary care physicians.

Pleural effusions in hematologic malignancies and their management with indwelling pleural catheters

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pleural effusions in patients with hematologic malignancy may represent malignant pleural effusion (MPE) or occur secondary to infection, treatment effects, and other common causes. The impact of MPE on prognosis in this cohort remains unclear. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are routinely placed for palliation of recurrent symptomatic MPEs, but perceived concerns over infection and bleeding may limit their use in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, recent evidence suggests IPCs are both well tolerated and effective in this cohort. In this review, the evaluation of pleural effusions in hematologic malignancies and their management with an IPC are outlined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two retrospective studies have been published regarding the use of IPCs in hematologic malignancies. Lymphomatous effusions are the most common cause of MPE in this cohort. The rates of complications and pleurodesis with IPC in hematologic malignancies are similar to those with solid organ tumors.

SUMMARY

Pleural effusions in patients with hematologic malignancies may be managed safely with an IPC. Sterile technique, barrier protection, standardized algorithms for placement and removal, and quality assurance initiatives are crucial to centers that place IPCs for all patients. The safety of IPC in hematologic malignancies warrants a paradigm shift in the management of pleural disease for this cohort.

Hepatic hydrothorax: indwelling catheter-related Acinetobacter radioresistens infection

Hepatic hydrothorax, a rare and debilitating complication of cirrhosis, carries high morbidity and mortality. First-line treatment consists of dietary sodium restriction and diuretic therapy. Some patients, mainly those who are refractory to medical management, will require invasive pleural drainage. The authors report the case of a 76-year-old man in a late cirrhotic stage of alcoholic chronic liver disease, presenting with recurrent right-sided hepatic hydrothorax, portal hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopaenia. After recurrent admissions and complications, the potential for adjusting diuretic therapy was limited. After unsuccessful talc pleurodesis, an indwelling tunnelled pleural catheter was placed with effective symptomatic control. One month later, the patient was readmitted with empyema due to Acinetobacter radioresistens Despite optimised medical and surgical treatment, the patient died 4 weeks later.

Recent developments in pleurodesis for malignant pleural disease

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic pleural effusion (MPE) is one of the most frequent causes of pleural effusion. The aims of the therapeutic management are palliation of symptoms and improvement in patient's quality of life. The first step is a therapeutic thoracentesis. In case of a recurrent MPE, pleural maneuvers can be used to manage symptoms based on either ambulatory pleural drainage or pleurodesis to prevent fluid accumulation. The aim of this review is to describe recent advances, according to the best available evidence, in the field of pleurodesis for the management of MPE.

DATA SOURCE AND STUDY SELECTION

Three different searches of the most clinically relevant articles and up-to-date results in the field of pleurodesis for the management of MPE were performed using PubMed. Different indexing terms and time restriction were chosen. From these PubMed searches, 322 articles were respectively found. After cross-checking these three lists and the selection of articles published after January 2010 specially dedicated to the management of MPE by pleurodesis, the abstracts of 106 articles were extracted to feed the corpus of this review.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Treatment approaches of recurrent MPE should take into account multiple factors in particular patient's life expectancy and preference. If talc is the best sclerosing agent alone or in combination with indwelling pleural catheter which is a promising strategy, the pathophysiology of MPE has to be revisited in order to propose a personalized management targeting intrapleural key molecules involved in the genesis of malignant process.

Indwelling Pleural Catheters in Hepatic Hydrothorax: A Single-Center Series of Outcomes and Complications

BACKGROUND

Treatment of hepatic hydrothorax (HH) generally involves sodium restriction, diuretics, and serial thoracentesis. In more advanced cases, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and liver transplantation may be required. Previously, indwelling tube drainage has been avoided due to concerns regarding high complication rates and overall poor outcomes. Recently, indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) have been proposed as a novel treatment option for HH.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of patients who had undergone IPC placement for HH over a 10-year period at a large liver transplant referral center. We tracked outcomes, including complication rates and liver transplantation, as well as biomarkers of nutritional status.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients underwent IPC placement between 2007 and 2017, with 33 IPCs (53%) placed as a bridge to liver transplantation. Complications were recorded in 22 patients (36%); empyema was the most common, diagnosed in 10 patients (16.1%). Ten patients evaluated for liver transplantation underwent successful transplantation following IPC placement. There were statistically significant decreases in both BMI and serum albumin levels following IPC placement.

CONCLUSIONS

IPCs represent a potential treatment for refractory HH and should be used with caution in patients eligible for liver transplantation. Ideally, IPC use for these patients would be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. IPC use may lead to small decreases in BMI and serum albumin levels in patients over time.

Indwelling Pleural Catheters for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies. A 14-Year, Single-Center Experience

RATIONALE

Placement of an indwelling pleural catheter is an established modality for symptom relief and pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. Concerns remain regarding possible infectious complications, risk of hemorrhage, and the rate of pleurodesis with the use of pleural catheters in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

OBJECTIVES

The goals of our study were: (1) to evaluate the safety and cumulative incidence of pleurodesis with indwelling pleural catheters for patients with hematologic malignancies, and (2) to evaluate overall survival of this cohort of patients with pleural effusions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 172 patients with a hematologic malignancy who underwent placement of an indwelling pleural catheter between September 1997 and August 2011 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. A competing risk model analysis was used for complications and pleurodesis. Analysis was based on each patient's first intrapleural catheter.

RESULTS

There were 172 patients with lymphoma (58%), acute (16%) or chronic leukemia (16%), or multiple myeloma (10%). The effusions were characterized as malignant (85.5%), infectious (4.1%), volume overload (4.7%), or therapy-related (4.7%). Chylothorax was found in 20.1%. Pleural biopsies were obtained from 13 patients. The cumulative incidence of all complications was 13.6%, and the cumulative incidence of all significant catheter-related complications was 9.5%. The incidence of empyema was 2.9%, and major bleeding (requiring transfusion or intervention) was 1.7%. Thirty-day procedure-associated mortality was 0.6%. The cumulative incidence of pleurodesis at 180 days was 50%, with a median time to pleurodesis of 81 days for the entire cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Indwelling pleural catheters appear to be safe for patients with hematologic malignancies. Complications and the cumulative incidence of pleurodesis are comparable to those reported for patients with solid organ malignancies.

Open window thoracostomy as an alternative approach to secondarily infected malignant pleural effusion and failure of intrapleural catheter drainage: a case report

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common and complex manifestation of advanced stage cancer. Treatment options have trended towards less invasive approaches such as intrapleural catheter drainage, however this technique is not without morbidity and not suitable for every patient. A troublesome scenario arises when an MPE is secondarily infected in the setting of an indwelling catheter, given both the high frequency of recurrence of such fluid and the presence of a foreign body. Further, quality literature surrounding this specific management issue is sparse and thus practice is heterogeneous. Herein we presented a case report of a 74-year-old gentleman with secondarily infected MPE and subsequent failure of indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) drainage. Given multiple failures of his catheter, we performed an open window thoracostomy (OWT) to provide a durable method of draining the pleural space and concomitantly achieving source control. OWT represents an infrequently described but invaluable alternative measure the surgeon may take when faced with failure of intrapleural catheter drainage and trapped lung.

Success rate of medical thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Malignant pleurisy is associated with advanced oncological disease and dyspnoea is the most common presenting symptom. Pleurodesis is the preferred palliative and supportive treatment option, targeting symptom relief. The identification of clinical and endoscopic features that determine the success of talc pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy could guide clinical decision-making.

METHODS

All symptomatic patients with malignant pleurisy subjected to talc pleurodesis through medical thoracoscopy between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with successful pleurodesis.

RESULTS

Of the 155 patients, 122 (78%) were classified as having a successful pleurodesis based on clinical and radiological criteria. Factors associated with unsuccessful pleurodesis (univariate analysis) were the presence of pleural adhesions (odds ratio (OR): 0.43 (95% CI: 0.19-0.96); P = 0.04), extensive spread of pleural lesions (OR: 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05-0.59); P = 0.001), the use of systemic corticosteroids (OR: 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10-0.83); P = 0.02) and a prolonged time period between the clinical diagnosis of the pleural effusion and the moment of pleurodesis (OR: 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06-0.32); P < 0.0001). The latter being associated with failure of pleurodesis in a multivariate analysis (OR: 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01-0.25); P < 0.0001). Chest ultrasound prior to pleurodesis showed a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 88% in predicting the success of pleurodesis.

CONCLUSION

The success rate of pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy could potentially be enhanced by correct patient selection and early referral for pleurodesis. Ultrasonic assessment of pleural adhesions and potential lung expansion prior to pleurodesis is useful in clinical decision-making.

Indwelling Tunneled Pleural Catheters for the Management of Hepatic Hydrothorax. A Pilot Study

RATIONALE

Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of cirrhosis in which hydrostatic imbalances result in fluid accumulation within the pleural space. Although uncommon, this may cause significant morbidity, resulting in dyspnea requiring repeated pleural drainage procedures. Liver transplantation is curative, but it is rarely immediately available to qualified patients, presenting the clinical challenge of managing recurrent pleural effusions. Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters (ITPCs) have been used successfully to palliate dyspnea associated with recurrent malignant pleural effusions.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using ITPCs for the management of hepatic hydrothorax.

METHODS

A single-center prospective feasibility study was performed to evaluate the use of ITPCs for the management of recurrent hepatic hydrothorax in patients who were eligible for liver transplant evaluation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-five ITPCs were placed in 24 patients. The mean number of pleural drainage procedures before ITPC placement was 1.9, with no further pleural drainages required in any patient after ITPC placement. Spontaneous pleurodesis occurred in 8 of 24 patients (33%). All eight catheters were successfully removed without pleural fluid reaccumulation. Mean time to pleurodesis was 131.8 days. Pleural fluid infection occurred in 4 of 24 patients (16.7%), requiring catheter removal in 3 of the 4 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ITPCs may be successfully and safely used to control symptoms associated with hepatic hydrothorax. The rate of spontaneous pleurodesis that occurs is similar to that observed with ITPCs placed for malignant pleural effusion, although the infection rate may be higher. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02595567).

Symptomatic Fluid Drainage: Tunneled Peritoneal and Pleural Catheters

Malignant ascites and pleural effusion are significant contributors to patient symptoms such as shortness of breath, abdominal distension, and nausea in the setting of cancer. There are numerous methods employed to control such symptoms such as serial drainages, pleurodesis, and tunneled drainage catheters. Tunneled drainage catheters are a safe, effective, and a minimally invasive procedure to palliate the symptoms of malignant ascites and pleural effusion.

Diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions: state of the art in 2017

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a known complication of both thoracic and extra thoracic malignancies. The presence of MPE regardless of the primary site translates into advanced stage disease. Diagnosis and management of MPE with the goals of palliation and improving quality of life poses a challenge for chest physicians. Recently, multiple studies have made attempts to answer questions regarding optimal management in various clinical scenarios. We will review the current evidence and available options for the management of MPE.

Use of Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Recurrent Pleural Effusion Due to Postpericardiotomy Syndrome: A Case Report

Pleural effusion secondary to postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) is a relatively common complication after cardiac surgery. These effusions and syndrome complex usually respond well to anti-inflammatory agents. The use of indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) for nonmalignant recurrent pleural effusions is growing. We report the use of IPC for a case of recurrent pleural effusion due to PPS in a gentleman that could not tolerate anti-inflammatory medications. To our knowledge, there has been no other report of the use of IPC due to recurrent pleural effusion from PPS.

Use of indwelling pleural catheters for the definitive treatment of malignant pleural effusion

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

Methods:

We prospectively collected data from patients with MPE undergoing IPC placement between January of 2014 and July of 2015. All patients submitted to IPC placement had a life expectancy > 30 days, in accordance with the MPE treatment guidelines established by the British Thoracic Society. The data collected included gender, age, body mass index, primary cancer site, duration of IPC drainage, IPC-related complications, length of hospital stay, pleural effusion recurrence, and occurrence of spontaneous pleurodesis.

Results:

A total of 19 patients underwent IPC placement during the study period. Median overall survival after IPC insertion was 145 days. The median follow-up among the surviving patients was 125 days (range, 53-485 days), and the median time between catheter insertion and removal was 31 days (range, 2-126 days). There were IPC-related complications in 5 patients (26.2%), and spontaneous pleurodesis was achieved in 8 (42.0%). Among those 8 patients, the IPC was removed between days 30 and 126 in 4, and spontaneous pleurodesis occurred within the first 30 days in 4.

Conclusions:

The use of IPCs seems to be feasible and safe in patients with MPE.

Survival Difference in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions Treated with Pleural Catheter or Talc Pleurodesis

Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are commonly managed with either pleural catheter (PC) or talc pleurodesis (TP). The aim of this study was to compare survival in MPE patients treated with either PC or TP. A retrospective review of our cancer center database was performed. Patients with metastatic cancer and MPE were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were tabulated and compared. A total of 238 patients with MPE treated by either PC or TP were included. Of these, 79 patients comprised the PC group and 159 the TP group. PC had a higher incidence of advanced disease (stage III or IV) at initial diagnosis compared with TP (70.9% vs 57.2%, P = 0.05). TP had a longer postprocedure length of stay compared with PC (7.1 vs 5.0 days, P = 0.02); however, overall length of stay was similar (9.7 vs 11.1 days, P = 0.34). Read-missions were significantly lower in TP (11.9% vs 22.8%, P = 0.04). Mean survival was higher in TP compared with PC (18.7 vs 4.1 months, P < 0.001). Patients with metastatic cancer and MPE treated with TP had significantly higher survival compared with PC. This is likely related to a greater disease burden in PC, as 70 per cent of patients in this group had stage III or IV disease on initial presentation.

Experience with indwelling pleural catheters in the treatment of recurrent pleural effusions

Recurrent pleural effusions are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Whether malignant or nonmalignant, they often pose a challenge to the practicing clinician. When they recur, despite optimum medical therapy of the underlying condition and repeated thoracenteses, more invasive definitive approaches are usually required. Since its introduction in 1997, the PleurX catheter became the preferred method to treat recurrent malignant pleural effusions. Since then, a number of publications have documented its utility in managing recurrent nonmalignant pleural effusions. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of the PleurX catheter in recurrent pleural effusions.

Management of malignant pleural mesothelioma-part 2: therapeutic approaches : Consensus of the Austrian Mesothelioma Interest Group (AMIG)

Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) depends on performance status of the patient, tumor stage, and histological differentiation. Chemotherapy (CHT) can be administered as first- and second-line treatment in unresectable MPM or as neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment before or after surgery. A combination of an antifolate and platinum-based CHT is the only approved standard of care. Several targeted and immunotherapies are in evaluation and further studies are warranted to determine the therapeutic value of these new treatment options. Radiotherapy (RT) can be considered either as adjuvant treatment after surgery or for palliation of pain-related tumor growth. Recent data support the use of RT in a neoadjuvant setting. Macroscopic complete resection by pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is indicated in selected patients with good performance status. Surgery should only be applied as part of a multimodality treatment (MMT) in combination with chemo- and/or radiotherapy. In a large number of cases, palliative attempts are needed to improve quality of life and to achieve symptom control.

Advanced medical interventions in pleural disease

The burden of a number of pleural diseases continues to increase internationally. Although many pleural procedures have historically been the domain of interventional radiologists or thoracic surgeons, in recent years, there has been a marked expansion in the techniques available to the pulmonologist. This has been due in part to both technological advancements and a greater recognition that pleural disease is an important subspecialty of respiratory medicine. This article summarises the important literature relating to a number of advanced pleural interventions, including medical thoracoscopy, the insertion and use of indwelling pleural catheters, pleural manometry, point-of-care thoracic ultrasound, and image-guided closed pleural biopsy. We also aim to inform the reader regarding the latest updates to more established procedures such as chemical pleurodesis, thoracentesis and the management of chest drains, drawing on contemporary data from recent randomised trials. Finally, we shall look to explore the challenges faced by those practicing pleural medicine, especially relating to training, as well as possible future directions for the use and expansion of advanced medical interventions in pleural disease.

Management of malignant pleural effusions in patients with trapped lung with indwelling pleural catheter: how to do it

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a well-known sign of an end-stage cancer and affects the quality of life of these patients. The primary goal in the management of MPE should be a soothing treatment with the palliation of symptoms. Pleurodesis may be accomplished with chemical irritation of the pleura and represents the commonest treatment of MPE with palliative intent. Pleurodesis may be achieved through a chest drainage placement or a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedure. The uniportal VATS talc poudrage is considered the gold standard of care for fit patients, while talc slurry (through the chest drainage) is reserved to those patients with important comorbidities not tolerating a surgical procedure. However, if the lung remains trapped after fluid evacuation or if the daily fluid output after chest tube insertion is major than 300 mL/day, the talc pleurodesis is likely to fail. Therefore, in those patients who are unfit for pleurodesis (low performance status or comorbidity), or with a recurrent MPE after chemical pleurodesis, or with trapped lung, the outpatient intermittent drainage through a subcutaneous tunnelled indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) effectively relieved dyspnoea without complications. The treatment of recurrent MPE with an IPC reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with end-stage cancers. The complication rate is low; therefore, the IPC can be easily managed at home. The IPC is safe, easy to place and effective for the palliation of MPE. It could help the clinical need of the thoracic surgeons and the other members of a multidisciplinary cancer team.

The past, current and future of diagnosis and management of pleural disease

Pleural disease is frequently encountered by the chest physician. Pleural effusions arise as the sequelae of underlying disease processes including pressure/volume imbalances, infection and malignancy. In addition to pleural effusions, persistent air leaks after surgery and bronchopleural fistulae remain a challenge. Our understanding of pleural disease including its diagnosis and management, have made tremendous strides. The introduction of the molecular detection of organism specific infection, risk stratification and improvements in the non-surgical treatment of patients with pleural infection are all within reach and may be the standard of care in the very near future. Malignant pleural effusion management continues to evolve with the introduction of tunneled pleural catheters and procedures combining that and chemical pleurodesis. These advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of pleural disease as well as what seems to be an increasing multidisciplinary interest in the space foretell a bright future.

New directions in mesothelioma treatment

For most patients with mesothelioma, symptom control and palliative chemotherapy are mainstays of care. First-line cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy has demonstrated survival and quality-of-life benefits. A randomized controlled trial adding bevacizumab to cisplatin and pemetrexed recently reported improved survival and time to progression, and may constitute a new standard of care where economically viable. Immunotherapy is under active investigation and positive results have been reported from single-arm studies of the anti-CTLA4 antibody tremelimumab; the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab; and mesothelin-targeting strategies. Symptom control remains critical for patient well-being, and includes management of pleural effusion, analgesia, treatment of symptomatic masses and management of systemic symptoms. There is increasing evidence that tunneled pleural catheters are preferred over talc pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusion.

Regional delivery of mesothelin-targeted CAR T cell therapy generates potent and long-lasting CD4-dependent tumor immunity

Translating the recent success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for hematological malignancies to solid tumors will necessitate overcoming several obstacles, including inefficient T cell tumor infiltration and insufficient functional persistence. Taking advantage of an orthotopic model that faithfully mimics human pleural malignancy, we evaluated two routes of administration of mesothelin-targeted T cells using the M28z CAR. We found that intrapleurally administered CAR T cells vastly outperformed systemically infused T cells, requiring 30-fold fewer M28z T cells to induce long-term complete remissions. After intrapleural T cell administration, prompt in vivo antigen-induced T cell activation allowed robust CAR T cell expansion and effector differentiation, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy and functional T cell persistence for 200 days. Regional T cell administration also promoted efficient elimination of extrathoracic tumor sites. This therapeutic efficacy was dependent on early CD4(+) T cell activation associated with a higher intratumoral CD4/CD8 cell ratios and CD28-dependent CD4(+) T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, intravenously delivered CAR T cells, even when accumulated at equivalent numbers in the pleural tumor, did not achieve comparable activation, tumor eradication, or persistence. The ability of intrapleurally administered T cells to circulate and persist supports the concept of delivering optimal CAR T cell therapy through "regional distribution centers." On the basis of these results, we are opening a phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety of intrapleural administration of mesothelin-targeted CAR T cells in patients with primary or secondary pleural malignancies.

Pleural controversies: indwelling pleural catheter vs. pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions

Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are frequent consequences of malignant disease and significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients. There are two main options for the palliation of MPE-related symptoms: obliterating the pleural space by pleurodesis to prevent further fluid reaccumulation, or chronically draining the pleural fluid with an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). There is controversy as to which approach is superior each having advantages and drawbacks. Pleurodesis offers a higher chance of rapid resolution of the pleural effusion with an intervention that is time limited but at the expense of a more invasive procedure, the need for a hospital stay and a higher need for repeat procedures. IPC offers an outpatient solution which is less invasive but at the cost of prolonged catheter drainages and care in a significant portion of patients who will not achieve pleurodesis. Impact on QoL, symptom relief and costs do not appear to be significantly different between the two options. Treatment of MPE should be tailored to the patient's functional status, comorbidities, prognosis and personal preferences as well as local expertise. Hybrid approaches using pleurodesis techniques and IPC concomitantly may come into play in the near future to further improve patient care.

Interventional pulmonologist perspective: treatment of malignant pleural effusion

OPINION STATEMENT

The management of known malignant pleural effusions focuses around the initial thoracentesis and subsequent objective and subjective findings. A completely reexpanded lung after fluid removal and with symptomatic improvement predicts successful pleurodesis. Pleurodesis method depends on center expertise as well as patient preference. Medical thoracoscopy does not require the operating room setting and is performed on the spontaneously breathing patient with similar success rate to surgical thoracoscopy in the appropriately selected patients. However, it is not widely available. Talc insufflation is preferred for even distribution of sprayed particles to pleural surfaces. Most often, patients can be discharged home within 24 to 48 hours after continuous chest tube suction. Indwelling pleural catheter has become popular given the ease of insertion and patient centered home drainage. Coordinated care with good patient and family education and support is paramount to maximizing the beneficial potential of the catheter. Complications are minimal, and catheters are easily removed if patients can no longer benefit from drainage, or if pleurodesis has occurred. In the setting of trapped lung as a result of visceral pleura encasement from tumor, indwelling catheter can still be useful if the patient improves with thoracentesis. However, if no subjective improvement is seen after thoracentesis for trapped lung, then no procedure is recommended and other modes of palliation should be sought.

Lung cancer coexisting with ipsilateral pleural effusion

SUMMARY 

Invasion beyond the elastic layer of the visceral pleura and/or diffuse pleural metastatic spread affects negatively survival in lung cancer. Presence of pleural effusion is also associated with poor prognosis, and image techniques can be of great help for diagnosis. When pleural fluid cytology is negative, thoracoscopy is advisable before attempting tumor resection, in order to detect unsuspected pleural metastases. If widespread pleural malignancy is confirmed, chemical pleurodesis using graded talc (with particles larger than 20 µm in diameter) is the best option, unless the lung is unable to re-expand. In this case, or when a previous pleurodesis has failed, or there is a short life expectancy, placement of a indwelling pleural catheter is the treatment of choice.

Successful use of indwelling tunneled catheters for the management of effusions in children with advanced cancer

BACKGROUND

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and ascites (MA) negatively impact quality of life of palliative patients. Treatment options are limited. This study's purpose is to examine the experience with indwelling tunneled catheters (ITCs) for management of MPE/MA in children with advanced cancer.

METHODS

Children with MPE/MA who underwent ITC insertion (2007-2012) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, procedural, complication and outcome details were analyzed.

RESULTS

PleurX® ITCs (n = 12) were inserted in eight patients (5-18 years) with sarcoma (11 MPE, 1 MA), achieving symptom relief and facilitating discharge home post ITC (median 2 days). Median survival following ITC was 51 days. There were two major complications: pain (n = 1), late site infection (n = 1), and five minor complications. Drainage ceased in four patients (pleurodesis/tumor progression). At time of death, six ITCs (five patients) were still in situ.

CONCLUSIONS

ITC appears to be a safe, effective treatment for MPE/MA in advanced pediatric cancer, achieving symptomatic relief and discharge home.