[Treatment strategies in malignant pleural effusion of breast carcinoma]

Symptoms are dyspnea, pain and reduced common feeling. Aine of the study was, to compare our results of talc pleurodesis with the literature. In a prospective trial we performed talc pleurodesis via a chest tube in 41 patients. All patients had radiologically proven pleural effusions. No additional therapy was permitted 30 days before or after entry into the study. Response was assessed monthly. Seven patients dies because of tumor progress. We examined 34 patients. Treatment was successful in 31 patients adverse effects we saw only a few times. Application of iodized talc for therapy of malignant pleural effusions is effective and cheep. We did not see major adverse effects or complications.