[Negative pleural cytology after intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy for malignant pleural effusion]

We gave intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy to a 72-year-old woman in whom malignant pleural effusion developed after surgery for primary cancer. This procedure involved irrigating the pleural space for 2 hours with a water solution at 42-43 degrees containing 240 mg cisplatin using specially devised extracorporeal circuits. Thoracoscopy was used to examine the intrapleural cavity and to place the catheters for perfusion. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged for hospital on the second postoperative day. Thereafter, she experienced good quality of life with negative pleural cytology. Unfortunately, the patient died 3 months after the therapy, but the cause of death was unknown and there was no cancer recurrence. This technique may be safe and feasible for controlling malignant effusion to preserve quality of life, although the survival benefit has not yet been clarified.