Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions

Malignant pleural effusion frequently complicates both solid and hematologic malignancies and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Although no pleura-specific therapy is known to impact survival, both pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) placement can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The optimal choice of therapy in terms of efficacy and particularly cost-effectiveness depends on patient preferences and individual characteristics, including lung expansion and life expectancy. Attempting chemical pleurodesis through an IPC in the outpatient setting appears to be a particularly promising approach in the absence of a nonexpandable lung.