Indwelling Pleural Catheter Combined with Chemical Pleurodesis for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion

Malignant pleural effusions affect a significant fraction of cancer patients and represent a large portion of all exudative effusions. Given the advanced stage of malignancy and the overall low rate of associated survival, effusion management is considered palliative. Traditionally, malignant pleural effusions have been treated with either chemical pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheters. Each treatment is effective, with its own risks and benefits. Some have suggested that the approaches can be combined with a resultant cumulative benefit. While trials are limited, multiple studies demonstrate a short hospital length of stay, a high rate of effective pleurodesis, and a median catheter duration much lower than without chemical pleurodesis.