Pleural effusion from malignancy

Hemorrhagic Malignant Pleural Effusion: Diagnosis, Survival Rate, and Response to Talc Pleurodesis

Hemorrhagic malignant pleural effusion (HMPE) is diagnosed in 47-50% of all malignant pleural effusions (MPE). The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical, radiological, and morphological manifestations of HMPE and results of talc pleurodesis treatment. This is a retrospective review of the medical charts of 135 MPE patients which consists of HMPE group (42 patients) and simple MPE group (63 patients) (median age 67.9 years; 43 males, 62 females). In HMPE vs. simple MPE patients, pronounced dyspnea (100% vs. 88.9%, P = 0.024), chest pain (59.5% vs. 60.3%, P = 1), general deterioration (78.6% vs. 74.6%, P = 0.411) combined with large pleural effusion (81% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.001), and thickening of parietal pleura (73.8% vs. 68.3%, P = 0.349), all were more specific for HMPE. Cytological examination of HMPE showed more malignant pleural fluid cells (81% vs. 63.5%, P = 0.043). Histological examination revealed poorly differentiated types of tumors in 69.05% of HMPE (bronchogenic 33.33%, intestinal 16.67%, breast 14.3%) vs. 7.94% of simple MPE. In 19 HMPE vs. 0 simple MPE patients, thoracoscopy showed bleeding nodules (94.7%) on thickened parietal pleura (84.2%). Pleurodesis with talc by slurry (59%) and poudrage (41%) was less effective in HMPE than in simple MPE patients after 1 month (failed response; 33.3% vs. 21.6, P = 0.019), 3 months (42.9% vs. 25.7%, P = 0.017), and 6 months (42.9% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.035). Survival in HMPE was significantly lower (3.06 months vs. 5.37 months, P = 0.0005). HMPE has more severe clinical, laboratory, radiological, and endoscopic manifestations due to a more poorly differentiated malignant process. Talc pleurodesis was less effective in HMPE, and survival was poor.

Diagnostic accuracy of E-cadherin for malignanteffusions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of malignant effusion remains a clinical challenge. We aim to summarise all relevant literature studies in order to determine the overall clinical value of E-cadherin in the diagnosis of malignant effusion by meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, the Cochrane Library Database, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG and WEIPU databases are thoroughly searched up to 15 March2018. The calculated pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR), diagnostic OR(DOR) and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were plotted.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies were included in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of E-cadherin in the diagnosis of malignant effusion were determined to be high, with a sensitivity of 0.83(95%CI0.79 to 0.87) and a specificity of 0.96(95%CI0.90 to 0.98). The positive LR was determined to be 21.10(95%CI 8.54 to 52.11), the negative LR was determined to be 0.17(95% CI 0.14 to 0.22) and the DOR was determined to be 121.34(95%CI 49.11 to 299.80). The SROC curve exhibited a high overall diagnostic, with the area under the curve measured to be 0.91(95% CI 0.89 to 0.93). Subgroup analysis showed the method (cell blocks or smears), sample size (≥100 or<100), geographical location (Asia, Europe or USA) and impact factor of each article (≥3 or<3) were not the sources of overall heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

E-cadherin exhibits very good diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis for malignant effusion; thus, it can be helpful in the process of clinical decisions.

Optimizing the Approach to Patients With Pleural Effusion and Radiologic Findings Suspect for Cancer

BACKGROUND

When patients present with pleural effusion and structural abnormalities consistent with malignancy on imaging, the traditional approach has been to perform a thoracentesis and await the results before proceeding to more invasive diagnostic procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether concurrent thoracentesis and tissue biopsy is superior to sequential sampling.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for patients who had a pleural cytology from May 2014 until January 2017. Patients without parenchymal, pleural, or mediastinal abnormalities and those with a prior primary thoracic malignancy were excluded. Patients with an effusion and additional suspect findings were grouped based upon whether initial approach was concurrent versus sequential. The following outcomes were documented: lag time to diagnosis from thoracentesis, lag time to hematology/oncology (HONC) service consult, time to molecular study results, lag time to therapy, and time to death.

RESULTS

Of 565 cases, 45 met criteria, 28 (62%) having undergone concurrent and 17 (38%) sequential sampling. The median lag time to biopsy for the concurrent group, 3 days, was significantly shorter than the 9-day lag time for the sequential group (P=0.006). Five patients in the sequential group and one in the concurrent group were lost to follow-up. Patients in the concurrent group had earlier diagnosis and oncology visits (2 d, 7 d) than those in the sequential group (6.5 d, 16 d) (P<0.001 and <0.039, respectively). Time from diagnosis to death did not differ for the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

For patients presenting with pleural effusion accompanied by additional suspect findings, concurrent tissue sampling, and thoracentesis may both reduce loss to follow up and accelerate care.

Evaluation of photoshop based image analysis in cytologic diagnosis of pleural fluid in comparison with conventional modalities

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the results of digital image analysis in pleural effusion cytology samples with conventional modalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 53 pleural fluid cytology smears from Qaem hospital pathology department, located in Mashhad, Iran were investigated. Prior to digital analysis, all specimens were evaluated by two pathologists and categorized into three groups as: benign, suspicious, and malignant. Using an Olympus microscope and Olympus DP3 digital camera, digital images from cytology slides were captured. Appropriate images (n = 130) were separately imported to Adobe Photoshop CS5 and parameters including area and perimeter, circularity, Gray Value mean, integrated density, and nucleus to cytoplasm area ratio were analyzed.

RESULTS

Gray Value mean, nucleus to cytoplasm area ratio, and circularity showed the best sensitivity and specificity rates as well as significant differences between all groups. Also, nucleus area and perimeter showed a significant relation between suspicious and malignant groups with benign group. Whereas, there was no such difference between suspicious and malignant groups.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that digital image analysis is welcomed in the field of research on pleural fluid smears as it can provide quantitative data to apply various comparisons and reduce interobserver variation which could assist pathologists to achieve a more accurate diagnosis.

Can CT and MR Shape and Textural Features Differentiate Benign Versus Malignant Pleural Lesions?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to identify a radiomic approach based on CT and or magnetic resonance (MR) features (shape and texture) that may help differentiate benign versus malignant pleural lesions, and to assess if the radiomic model may improve confidence and accuracy of radiologists with different subspecialty backgrounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with pleural lesions studied on both contrast-enhanced CT and MR imaging were reviewed retrospectively. Three texture and three shape features were extracted. Combinations of features were used to generate logistic regression models using histopathology as outcome. Two thoracic and two abdominal radiologists evaluated their degree of confidence in malignancy. Diagnostic accuracy of radiologists was determined using contingency tables. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess inter-reader agreement. Using optimal threshold criteria, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each feature and combination of features were obtained and compared to the accuracy and confidence of radiologists.

RESULTS

The CT model that best discriminated malignant from benign lesions revealed an AUC_CT = 0.92 ± 0.05 (P < 0.0001). The most discriminative MR model showed an AUC_MR = 0.87 ± 0.09 (P < 0.0001). The CT model was compared to the diagnostic confidence of all radiologists and the model outperformed both abdominal radiologists (P < 0.002), whereas the top discriminative MR model outperformed one of the abdominal radiologists (P = 0.02). The most discriminative MR model was more accurate than one abdominal (P = 0.04) and one thoracic radiologist (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative textural and shape analysis may help distinguish malignant from benign lesions. A radiomics-based approach may increase diagnostic confidence of abdominal radiologists on CT and MR and may potentially improve radiologists' accuracy in the assessment of pleural lesions characterized by MR.

Prognostic impact of minimal pleural effusion in non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Minimal (< 10 mm thick) pleural effusion (PE) may represent an early phase of malignant PE, but its clinical relevance has rarely been studied. Therefore, we examined the proportion of minimal PE in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its impact on survival. We also considered possible accumulation mechanisms in our data set.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

On the basis of PE status from chest computed tomography scans at diagnosis, 2,061 patients were classified into three groups: no PE, minimal PE, and malignant PE. Twenty-one variables associated with four factors-patient, stage migration, tumor, and treatment-were investigated for correlation with survival.

RESULTS

Minimal PE presented in 272 patients (13.2%). Of 2,061 patients, the proportion of each stage was the following: 5.2% stage I, 10.9% stage II, 13.2% stage IIIA, 23.8% stage IIIB, and 13.9% stage IV. Minimal PE correlated significantly with shorter survival time than did no PE (median survival time, 7.7 v 17.7 months; log-rank P < .001), even after full adjustment with all variables (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.62). Prognostic impact of minimal PE was higher in early versus advanced stages (Pinteraction = .001). In 237 patients (87.8%) with minimal PE, pleural invasion or attachment as a direct mechanism was observed, and it was an independent factor predicting worse survival (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Minimal PE is a commonly encountered clinical concern in staging NSCLCs. Its presence is an important prognostic factor of worse survival, especially in early-stage disease.

A prospective study of the volume of pleural fluid required for accurate diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

This is a prospective study to define the volume of pleural fluid adequate for maximal yield of cytologic analysis of pleural fluid.

METHODS

Patients undergoing diagnostic thoracentesis with malignancy in the differential diagnosis were enrolled in the study. The first 50 mL of pleural fluid were put in a specimen cup, and subsequent fluid was collected in a drainage bag. Both samples were sent for cytologic evaluation. The cytologist was blinded as to which specimen was being evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (21 men, 23 women; mean [+/- SD] age, 46 +/- 11.1 years) were enrolled in the study. The average volume of the "large-volume" specimen was 890 +/- 375 mL (range, 250 to 1,800). Although malignant pleural involvement had never been documented for any patients, 31 patients had received a diagnosis of malignancy prior to undergoing thoracentesis. Cytologic tests were positive for malignancy in 23 of the 44 patients (55%). In the group of patients with an established history of cancer, pleural fluid was positive for malignant cells in 19 of 33 samples (58%). In all 23 patients with malignant pleural effusion, both the 50-mL specimen and the large-volume specimen were cytologically identical. In all 21 patients with negative pleural cytology findings, there was again 100% concordance between the 50-mL samples and the larger samples. The minimum adequate pleural fluid volume for cytologic diagnosis has been a matter of debate. The strongest data to date came from a retrospective study in 2002.

CONCLUSIONS

Our prospective study now unequivocally supports the concept that the submission of > 50 mL of pleural fluid for cytologic analysis does not increase diagnostic yield.

Diagnostic value of eosinophils in pleural effusion: a prospective study of 26 cases

Eosinophilic pleural effusions (EPFs), defined as the presence of 10% or more eosinophils in the pleural fluid, are relatively rare. Their diagnostic and prognostic significance, however, remains controversial, as most of the studies are based almost entirely on retrospective case studies. This prospective study examines 26 eosinophilic pleural effusions from among 444 consecutive pleural effusions investigated at this tertiary health care center from October 1999 to April 2002. This study was attempted to unravel the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these eosinophilic effusions and assess their clinical implications, if any. Koss and Light's criteria were applied in the analysis, which comprised macroscopic, biochemical, cytological, and microbiological examinations. Of the 26 EPFs studied, five were associated with tuberculosis and three with metastatic disease. Nineteen patients had significant associated lymphocytosis. Twenty-four patients have been followed up and are in good health to date and have had no recurrence of effusion. Thus, EPF could be associated with inflammatory, benign, and malignant conditions. Hence, a closer search for a definite etiological agent is warranted in the setting of such an effusion, especially in populations endemic for tuberculosis, as in a developing country like India and in populations with a high prevalence of malignancy.

Volume of pleural fluid required for diagnosis of pleural malignancy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine if the diagnosis of pleural malignancy is dependent on the volume of pleural fluid sampled.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Single-center retrospective chart review.

PATIENTS

Two hundred eighty-two patients who underwent diagnostic thoracentesis between October 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999.

INTERVENTIONS

Charts were analyzed for volume of fluid, pathologic and clinical diagnoses, and demographics. Patients were classified into quartiles based on the volume of pleural fluid collected. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each quartile for diagnosis of pleural malignancy by cytology of pleural fluid. Further analyses were done regarding the effect of sex, race, age, smoking history, and personal history of malignancy on diagnosis.

RESULTS

In total, 374 samples from 282 patients were identified (140 men and 142 women). Pleural malignancy within 6 months of initial thoracentesis was diagnosed in 99 patients (35.1%). No differences were detected for sensitivity and NPV for diagnosis of pleural malignancy between any two quartiles (p > 0.05). Samples collected from women had a higher sensitivity for predicting pleural malignancy (p = 0.0011), and those collected from nonsmokers had a slightly higher but not statistically significant sensitivity for predicting pleural malignancy (p = 0.057). Samples collected from subjects with no history of malignancy had a significantly higher NPV than samples collected from subjects with a history of malignancy (p < 0.001). After adjusting for these demographic and medical history factors, the associations of the pleural fluid volume quartiles with sensitivity and NPV did not change.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity for diagnosis of pleural malignancy is not dependent on the volume of pleural fluid extracted during thoracentesis.

Malignant pleural disease

The vast majority of pleural neoplasms invade the pleura secondarily and can be seen in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, breast cancer, lymphoma, and ovarian or gastric carcinoma. Primary pleural neoplasms are less common, although they have developed notoriety since the up-surge of malignant mesothelioma and the knowledge of its connection to asbestos exposure. Other malignant primary tumors include localized fibrous tumor and pleural liposarcoma. In most patients with diffuse malignant pleural disease the chest radiograph shows pleural effusion with or without pleural thickening. Computed tomography (CT) usually provides precise localization and extent of the disease and may be of value in assessing chest wall and mediastinal involvement. In specific situations, magnetic resonance (MR) may be useful as a problem-solving tool when CT findings of chest wall or diaphragmatic invasion are equivocal or in patients with contraindication to intravenous administration of ionic contrast material.

Management of malignant pleural effusions and pneumothorax

Pneumothorax may occur spontaneously or result from underlying lung disease or as a complication of interventional thoracic procedures. Percutaneous catheter placement enables safe and effective drainage of pneumothoraces with rapid relief of symptoms and restoration of vital capacity and oxygenation.

Vincristine (Vinca-alkaloid) as a sclerosing agent for malignant pleural effusions

Vincristine, extracted from Vinca rosea Linn., is an effective antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drug used in oncology practice. This drug has never been used as a sclerosing agent for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion for reasons unknown. A study was conducted to examine the use of Vinca-Alkaloid as a sclerosing agent (pleurodesis) for the palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions. The study included 15 patients, all diagnosed to have cytology-proven malignant pleural effusions. Intercostal tube drainage followed by chemical sclerotherapy with 2 mg vincristine was performed on all patients and a high success rate was noted. Twelve procedures out of 15 (12/15) achieved complete resolution of pleural fluid with a success rate of 80%. In two procedures the pleural effusion was reduced and then recurred but did not require re-aspiration. One procedure failed and repeated pleural aspiration was required. In this study, with adequate pleural drainage and the proper technique, vincristine was found to be an effective sclerosing agent for malignant pleural effusion. Further randomized trials are necessary in order to establish the role of this drug.

Treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Malignant pleural effusions are common in cancer patients with advanced disease. These patients usually present with chest pain, cough, and progressive shortness of breath, all of which may cause significant impairment in quality of life. Therapeutic options include systemic treatment; thoracentesis; or, most commonly, tube drainage and sclerotherapy. These procedures are usually palliative and are performed depending on patients' symptoms, underlying medical conditions, extent of disease, performance status, and prognosis. This review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant pleural effusions.

The management of malignant pleural and pericardial effusions

Malignant pleural and pericardial effusions are debilitating complications of metastatic malignancy. Improper management may lead to multiple hospital admissions and loss of quality of life for patients with a short life expectancy. The majority of malignant pleural effusions are diagnosed and controlled by thoracentesis and sclerosis. Those with pericardial malignancy are best diagnosed and treated with pericardiocentesis and pericardial window. Strategies for the management of more difficult cases are also discussed in this article.

Etiology and prognostic significance of eosinophilic pleural effusions. A prospective study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of eosinophilic pleural effusions.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing thoracentesis between September 1990 and September 1995.

SETTING

A university-affiliated VA Medical Center.

PATIENTS

Four hundred seventy-six consecutive patients.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Eosinophilic pleural effusions were identified in 44 of the 476 patients (9.2%). Malignancy was diagnosed as frequently in eosinophilic as in noneosinophilic effusions (20.5% vs 20.1%). The only diagnoses that were significantly associated with eosinophilic effusions were idiopathic (25% vs 8%; p = 0.001) and postthoracic surgery (11% vs 3%; p = 0.023). Median survival was 7.7 months for those with a noneosinophilic effusion compared to 16.8 months for those with eosinophilia (p = 0.017). This difference in survival persisted after adjustment for age and diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that malignancy is as prevalent among eosinophilic as noneosinophilic pleural effusions. However, the survival of patients with pleural fluid eosinophilia may be better than that of patients with noneosinophilic effusions.

Chest tubes: indications, placement, management, and complications

Use of tube thoracostomy in intensive care units for evacuation of air or fluid from the pleural space has become commonplace. In addition to recognition of pathological states necessitating chest tube insertion, intensivists are frequently involved in placement, maintenance, troubleshooting, and discontinuation of chest tubes. Numerous advances have permitted safe use of tube thoracostomy for treatment of spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothoracies and hydrothoracies following cardiothoracic surgery or trauma, or for drainage of pus, bile, or chylous effusions. We review current indications for chest tube placement, insertion techniques, and available equipment, including drainage systems. Guidelines for maintenance and discontinuation are also discussed. As with any surgical procedure, complications may arise. Appropriate training and competence in usage may reduce the incidence of complications.

Detection of a soluble antigen defined by monoclonal antibody 83D4 in serous effusions associated with breast carcinoma

Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 83D4 was generated by immunization with cell suspensions obtained from sections of formol-fixed paraffin embedded human breast cancer. It recognized an antigen expressed in breast carcinomas but not in normal breast tissue. Pleural and ascitic fluids from 66 patients were studied by an 83D4 heterologous sandwich radioimmunoassay (SRIA) using solid-phase immobilized wheat germ agglutinin to detect the 83D4 soluble antigen. Using a cutoff level of 5 units/ml of 83D4 antigen, higher values were found in 22 of 27 breast cancer-associated effusions (mean = 10.72 +/- 6.80 units/ml). The 20 nonmalignant effusion fluids tested showed lower values (mean = 1.16 +/- 1.49 units/ml, P less than 0.001). The antigen was undetectable or present in low levels in effusions from patients with hematologic malignancies. When SRIA results were compared with conventional cytologic diagnosis in breast-cancer effusions, elevated levels of 83D4 soluble antigen were found in all patients (8 of 8) in whom malignant cells had been detected, in 4 of 8 patients with the diagnosis of "suspected malignancy," and in 10 of 11 patients with negative cytologic findings. Using an immunoglucosidase method on cell smears of various origins, MoAb 83D4 stained metastatic cells of breast and ovary carcinomas but did not reactive with mesothelial cells and other normal or malignant cell types. These results suggest that quantitation of the 83D4 soluble antigen may be used to improve the diagnosis of cancer in serous effusions.

Radical radiotherapy of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. Irradiation techniques and tumor characteristics in relation to local control and survival

The relation between tumor characteristics, irradiation technique, local tumor control and survival was retrospectively studied in 323 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who started radical radiotherapy in 1974-1981. At that time three non-randomized different fractionation schedules were used: 16 x 3.25 Gy, total dose 52 Gy, 3 fractions/week (schedule 1), 11 x 4 Gy, total dose 44 Gy, 2 fractions/week (schedule 2) and 25 x 2 Gy, total dose 50 Gy, 5 fractions/week (schedule 3). The highest survival rates were observed in the patient group treated according to schedule 2. The 2-year survival rate was 30% compared with 18% and 6% in the patients treated according to schedule 1 and 3 respectively. However, this can at least partly be explained by patient selection. A correlation between size of the tumor, target volume and survival was observed: the larger the tumor, the poorer the survival. Pleural effusion showed to be an unfavorable prognostic factor. The prognosis of inoperable lung cancer on the whole remained poor: the 1-year survival rate was 43% and 2-year survival rate 16%. Only 3% of the patients lived at least five years.

Intrapleural therapy for malignant pleural effusions. A randomized comparison of bleomycin and tetracycline

Between December 1985 and August 1988, there were 115 patients at 13 centers who were entered on a randomized comparison of tetracycline and bleomycin for treatment of malignant pleural effusions. Fifteen patients were not treated, primarily due to rapid progression of systemic cancer. Fifteen patients entered on a high-dose regimen of bleomycin (120 units) were excluded from this analysis (following early closure of that arm), leaving 85 patients randomized to low-dose bleomycin (60 units; 44 patients) or tetracycline (1 g; 41 patients). Patients were required to have a cytologically positive pleural effusion, good performance status (0, 1, or 2), lung reexpansion following tube thoracostomy with drainage rates of 100 ml/24 or less, no prior intrapleural therapy, no prior systemic bleomycin therapy, no chest irradiation, and no recent (four weeks) change in systemic therapy. A total of 11 patients (five with bleomycin and six with tetracycline) were not evaluable due to technical problems with tube drainage (one), loss to follow-up (two), sudden death due to pulmonary embolus (one), and rapid progression of systemic disease (seven). There were no clinically significant differences in demographic factors, primary site, performance status, or presence of metastases other than pleural effusion. Overall survival did not differ between the two groups. Median time to recurrence or progression of the effusion was 32 days for tetracycline-treated patients and at least 46 days for bleomycin-treated patients (p = 0.037). The recurrence rate within 30 days of instillation was 36 percent (10/28) with bleomycin and 67 percent (18/27) with tetracycline (p = 0.023) (not all patients were restudied in the first 30 days). By 90 days the corresponding recurrence rates were 30 percent (11/37) for bleomycin and 53 percent (19/36) for tetracycline (p = 0.047). Toxicity was similar between groups.

Management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion in the United Kingdom: survey of clinical practice

Malignant pleural effusions are often symptomatic and tend to recur after simple aspiration. Pleurodesis may prevent recurrence of the effusion; many agents and techniques have been described. A questionnaire was sent to 448 clinicians in the United Kingdom to determine how pleurodesis is performed in practice. There was a 56% overall response, with replies from 101 respiratory physicians, 88 general physicians, 29 thoracic surgeons, and 35 general surgeons. General surgeons saw few cases of malignant pleural effusion and rarely performed pleurodesis. A patient with recurrent malignant pleural effusion would usually be managed with pleurodesis by 76 (76%) respiratory physicians, 26 (30%) general physicians, and 23 (81%) thoracic surgeons; a further 29 (33%) general physicians would refer such patients to another specialist. Most medical pleurodesis were performed by junior staff, whereas consultant thoracic surgeons were more likely to be concerned with the procedure. All the thoracic surgeons used an intercostal tube drain, usually with suction. An intercostal tube drain was used routinely by only 54 (54%) of the respiratory physicians and 28 (32%) general physicians. Thoracic surgeons preferred talc for pleurodesis whereas physicians most commonly used tetracycline. The variety of methods in use supports the need for randomised, controlled studies to determine the most effective technique of pleurodesis.

Flow cytometric measurement of ploidy and proliferation in effusions of ovarian carcinoma and their possible prognostic significance

The cellular DNA pattern of ascites and pleural effusions from 81 patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma was prospectively studied by means of flow cytometric DNA analysis. The degree of ploidy and the proportion of S-phase values were correlated to histological differentiation, to status, and to the development of disease. According to DNA indices, the cell populations distributed in the diploid to peridiploid and in the tri-to tetraploid range. Aneuploidy was more frequently associated with poor degree of differentiation, with progressive disease, and with higher proportion of cells in S phase. Thus, although patients with stable disease had a significantly larger proportion of tumors with diploid DNA content, all except four patients were dead within a median survival period of 12 months. No correlation was observed between total survival period and ploidy; however a significantly shorter survival time was noted in patients whose ascites comprised cell populations with S-phase values exceeding 15%.

Intracavitary therapy with bleomycin for the treatment of malignant pleural effusions

This paper briefly reviews the incidence of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) and the measures that have been used to treat this condition. The role of intracavitary bleomycin in controlling MPE, the doses used, and morbidity associated with its use are reviewed in depth with reference to multicenter studies that the author has coordinated as well as the published literature. The short- and long-term results reported when bleomycin was used alone or as compared with other agents are discussed. The author concludes that intracavitary bleomycin is an effective agent comparable to, if not more effective than, most agents used to prevent the recurrence of MPE after simple drainage procedures: it is safe and convenient to use; toxicity is low with minimal side effects and no myelosuppression. It can be safely administered to immunocomprised patients and those undergoing systemic chemotherapy.

A randomized trial of intracavitary bleomycin and Corynebacterium parvum in the control of malignant pleural effusions

Fifty-eight patients with malignant pleural effusions were entered into a prospectively randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of a local instillation of bleomycin or corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) in controlling fluid reaccumulation after simple needle aspiration (thoracentesis). The response was assessed at 30 days by chest X-ray and clinical examination. There were 44 evaluable patients; 18 of 25 (72%) of those receiving bleomycin and 9/19 (47%) of those who had C. parvum gained a complete or partial response. This difference in response rate was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). The majority of patients had an effusion from a primary breast carcinoma and the response in this group was almost statistically significant (p = 0.06) with 74% of bleomycin patients and 43% of C. parvum patients responding. Fever following instillation was more common with C. parvum (53% of patients compared with 24% after bleomycin, p = 0.02), whereas nausea was more common after bleomycin (28% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.16). Local chest pain after aspiration occurred in 52% of the bleomycin group and 47% of the C. parvum subjects. There was no significant difference between the groups in age, sex, tumour type, presenting symptoms, volume of aspirate, systemic therapy or number of previous aspirations. Both of these agents appeared to be active in the control of malignant pleural effusions although the response rate was higher with bleomycin and overall, both have acceptable levels of toxicity.

Human peripheral blood and pleural fluid eosinophils can be induced by immune complexes to release IgG immune complexes and aggregated IgE

The ability of IgG and IgE immune complexes and of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a soluble membrane activator, to stimulate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release and to induce oxygen radical-mediated cytotoxic activity by human peripheral blood (PBL) eosinophils and by PBL neutrophils was evaluated in normal volunteers and patients with hypereosinophilic malignant pleural effusions due to lung cancer. PMA stimulated a significant respiratory burst. Similar results were obtained with IgG IC stimulation, although the levels of H2O2 were lower. Agg IgE induced H2O2 release only by PBL and PE eosinophils and not by neutrophils. PMA stimulation resulted in detectable cytotoxic activity. IgG IC generated both PBL and PE eosinophil and PBL neutrophil cytotoxicity. Agg IgE induced significant cellular cytotoxicity in both PBL and PE eosinophils. This study suggests that eosinophil oxidative metabolic burst and cytotoxic activity stimulated by IgG and IgE immune complexes could represent a possible mechanism of parenchymal injury in eosinophilic disorders.

Effect of patient positioning on distribution of tetracycline in the pleural space during pleurodesis

Thoracostomy tube drainage with tetracycline (TCN) instillation is an effective technique for management of recurrent, symptomatic, malignant pleural effusions. Although patient rotation through various positions after instillation of TCN has been advocated empirically, it has not been shown scientifically to be necessary and is often uncomfortable for the patient and time-consuming for personnel. Five patients with symptomatic, malignant pleural effusions were studied during pleurodesis using radiolabelled TCN. Scintigraphic imaging was done immediately after TCN instillation prior to patient rotation. Patients were rotated through six positions and multiple images were obtained at 30 and 120 minutes. Tetracycline dispersed throughout the pleural space within seconds. Patient positioning had no effect on the intrapleural distribution of TCN in four of the five patients. In one patient with loculated hydropneumothorax and trapped lung, rotation minimally improved distribution of TCN to the apex. Rotation during pleurodesis does not appear to be necessary in patients with a relatively normal pleural space. However, patient rotation enhances distribution of TCN when the lung is separated substantially from the chest wall, as with trapped lung. Possibly, in this situation the properties of fluid mechanics and capillary action no longer apply.

Tetracycline pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions. A 10-year retrospective study

We retrospectively examined the use of tetracycline pleurodesis for the palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions. Twenty-five patients (32 procedures) were identified for study. In contrast to higher success rates in prior reports, 13 procedures (40.6%) failed as repeated pleural drainage was required. Only five procedures (15.6%) achieved complete resolution of pleural fluid. In 14 procedures (43.8%) pleural effusions recurred but were not treated. In some of these cases the effusion may have been reduced sufficiently to relieve symptoms, while in others the high short-term mortality rate (29% in 30 days) and the development of loculated effusions (34%) may have led to the decision not to treat. Instillation of a larger dose of tetracycline (greater than or equal to 1 g) was associated with a better outcome. Although adequate pleural drainage and proper technique were used, other factors such as the presence of pleural masses, atelectasis, loculations, and patient performance status were not uniformly controlled. Greater attention to these factors and use of a larger dose of tetracycline (greater than or equal to 1 g) may increase the likelihood of a successful pleural symphysis.

Diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is a common and important complication of malignancy which may at times be difficult to diagnose or treat. Its well recognized association with numerous diseases plus the limitations of our usual diagnostic tests may occasionally cause difficulty. In the oncology patient there are a number of common medical problems associated with the development of pleural effusion which frequently coexist with the malignancy. Pleural effusion may be a presenting or late sign of cancer, and when recurrent can be a vexing symptomatic problem. Fortunately, an increasing number of effective diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are available which, when judiciously applied, facilitate our approach.

The integration of cytogenetic analysis into the evaluation of cryptic exudative effusions

Cytogenetic analysis of serous effusions is a proven method of distinguishing a malignant from a benign effusion. This article demonstrates that patient management can be altered because of the results of karyotyping. Because such analysis is not necessary in all cases, an algorithm is constructed that defines the place of cytogenetics in the orderly evaluation of exudative serous effusions. As cytogenetic techniques improve, specific malignant cell types can be diagnosed based on cytogenetic abnormalities.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and pleural effusion of unknown origin

We reviewed our experience with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in patients with pleural effusion of unknown origin. Seventy patients underwent FOB for the investigation of pleural effusion between 1978 and 1983. Those with a second reason for FOB, a mass on chest roentgenogram, or lobar atelectasis were excluded. Forty five patients remained: 28 patients with unexplained pleural effusion after pleural fluid analysis and pleural biopsy (UPE), and 17 patients with malignant pleural fluid cytology and/or pleural biopsy but no known primary tumor (MPE). In the UPE group, only one FOB demonstrated malignancy, despite a final diagnosis of tumor in seven. No other specific diagnoses were made by FOB in this group. In the MPE group, FOB demonstrated bronchogenic carcinoma in two; ultimately, five patients were found to have a bronchogenic neoplasm. Although pleural effusion of unknown origin is frequently caused by bronchogenic carcinoma, FOB in the absence of other indications for this procedure is rarely diagnostic and should not be routinely employed.

Pleural effusions and diseases of the pleura

There are four factors that govern fluid movement to or from the pleural space: hydrostatic pressure, colloid osmotic pressure, filtration coefficient, and lymphatic function. When any of these factors are altered, fluid accumulates within the pleural space. Congestive heart failure, pancreatitis, neoplasia, hypoalbuminemia, and pulmonary thromboembolism can evoke pleural effusions by altering normal fluid transport mechanisms. This approach to pleural effusion helps to explain fluid accumulation. Chylothorax, hemothorax, and empyema are also covered in the article.

Treatment of malignant pleural effusion

Two hundred consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusion were reviewed. The pathologic etiology of malignant pleurisy was: primary lung cancer in 123 cases; five, mesothelioma; and 72 cases secondary to metastatic tumors. Adenocarcinoma of the lung and mammary cancer were the most frequent tumors causing malignant pleural effusion. The modalities employed in local treatment consisted of thoracocentesis in 62 patients, tube thoracotomy in 111 cases with local instillation of adriamycin, MMC, CQ, 5FU, OK432 or talc. Surgical procedures including pleuropneumonectomy or reduction surgery of the tumor with decortication were performed in ten patients. Tube drainage with local instillation of drugs was more effective than thoracocentesis with or without local therapy. Excellent initial results were obtained in patients who received reduction surgery with decortication and pleurodesis. Results of cytologic investigation were positive in 157 cases (78.5 percent). The tumor cells disappeared in 79.4 percent of primary cancer pleurisy cases and 81.1 percent of patients with metastases while disappearance or significant decrease in pleural effusion following treatment was obtained in 75.2 and 77.8 percent respectively. The median survival was 11.3 months in primary cases, and 11.7 months in patients with metastases.

A case report and description of the pharmacokinetic behavior of intrapleurally instilled etoposide

Etoposide, at a dosage of 100 mg/m2 (156 mg in 250 ml 0.154 M NaCl), was instilled through a thoracostomy tube into the left pleural cavity of a 60-year-old woman with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma and a refractory, recurrent, malignant left pleural effusion. Etoposide concentrations in plasma and pleural cavity fluid were measured by a reverse-phase HPLC system with a C18-reverse phase column, a mobile phase of methanol: H2O (55:45) pumped at 1.2 ml/min, and detection by absorbance at 254 nm. Pleurodesis was successfully accomplished by this maneuver and there were no adverse clinical consequences. Absorption of etoposide from the pleural cavity was slow (approximately 0.2 ml/min). The pleural cavity exposure to etoposide, as measured by the area under the curve, was 46 times greater than if a similar dose had been given IV. Conversely, systemic exposure to etoposide, as assessed by plasma AUC, was less than 50% that associated with IV injection of a similar dose.

Cisplatin and cytarabine administered intrapleurally as treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Eight patients with histologically-documented malignant pleural effusions received a total of ten courses of intrapleurally administered chemotherapy with cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and cytarabine (10(-2) M). Sodium thiosulfate was simultaneously administered intravenously to protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. There was no local toxicity observed and the only significant systemic toxicity (bone marrow depression) developed in a patient with poor marrow reserve prior to the initiation of therapy. Six of seven evaluable patients exhibited major reductions (greater than 75%) in the size of their effusions lasting for 2 to 10 plus months (median: 4 months). We conclude that the intrapleural administration of this chemotherapy regimen results in objective and subjective improvement in patients with malignant pleural effusions with minimal local and systemic toxicity (except for cisplatin-induced emesis) and does not require chest tube drainage or prolonged hospitalization.

Intracavitary chemotherapy

Pharmacokinetic modeling has suggested, and clinical investigations have confirmed, that intracavitary drug administration can result in a much greater drug exposure for the cavity into which the agent is instilled compared to the plasma. Both the safety and the efficacy of several agents administered individually or in combination have now been demonstrated. Several malignancies, in particular ovarian carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma, which remain confined to body cavities for much of their natural history, might be most rationally treated by the intracavitary treatment approach. Early clinical trials have demonstrated significant activity of intracavitary chemotherapy in both of these malignancies. Optimal drugs and dosages as well as appropriate scheduling for the various tumors involving body cavities remain to be defined. Whether or not combination intracavitary chemotherapy will significantly improve survival of patients with malignant disease confined to body cavities must await carefully controlled clinical trials comparing this treatment approach to standard systemically administered chemotherapy.

Diagnostic utility of pleural fluid eosinophilia

It has been stated that pleural fluid eosinophilia (defined as greater than 10 percent eosinophils in the pleural white cell differential count) is not helpful in the diagnosis of exudative effusions. By review of the recent literature, it was found that pleural fluid eosinophilia was associated most often with idiopathic effusions or with air previously introduced into the pleural space. Also, a high proportion of "idiopathic" and benign asbestos effusions were characterized by pleural fluid eosinophilia, a previously unrecognized phenomenon. The diagnostic utility of finding eosinophils in the pleural space was assessed from its impact on prior probabilities of disease. Estimates of pretest likelihoods of malignant versus nonmalignant pleural effusions and the prevalence of eosinophilia in effusions of known cause were obtained from extensive literature review. These were modified by using Bayes' rule to estimate the revised probability of disease in the presence of an eosinophilic effusion. The presence of pleural fluid eosinophilia considerably reduced the probability of malignancy or tuberculosis and increased the likelihood of an underlying benign disorder. Pleural fluid eosinophilia is a useful finding that can aid in the diagnosis of an exudative pleural effusion.