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Updated: May 28, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Multidisciplinary management of malignant pleural effusion
Jussuf T Kaifi1, Jennifer W Toth, Niraj J Gusani
1Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. jkaifi@hmc.psu.edu
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|October 1, 2011
Summary
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) affects half of patients with metastatic cancer. Treatment aims for symptom relief, but optimal management strategies for MPE remain debated, requiring personalized approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication in patients with metastatic cancer, affecting approximately 50% of cases.
- Effective management of MPE is crucial for patient palliation and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current management strategies for malignant pleural effusion.
- To highlight the controversies and lack of a universal standard approach in MPE treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MPE management.
- Discussion of various treatment modalities including observation, thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheters (IPC), chest tube placement, pleurodesis, and surgical pleurectomy.
Main Results:
- Optimal treatment for MPE is controversial with no single universally accepted standard.
- A range of management options exist, each with potential benefits and drawbacks.
Conclusions:
- Treatment decisions for MPE should be individualized based on patient symptoms, overall health status, and life expectancy.
- Personalized management is key to achieving successful palliation in MPE patients.
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