Novel therapies for malignant pleural effusion: Anti‑angiogenic therapy and immunotherapy (Review)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pulmonology
• Immunology

Background:

• Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication in various cancers.
• MPE leads to severe symptoms, reduced quality of life, and poor prognosis.
• MPE is understood as an immune and vascular manifestation of pleural metastases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on anti-angiogenic therapy and immunotherapy for MPE treatment.
• To identify current gaps in clinical data for these therapeutic approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy in MPE.
• Analysis of clinical trial data and reported patient benefits.

Main Results:

• Anti-angiogenic agents like bevacizumab and endostar have shown benefits in MPE patients.
• No prospective Phase III trials have specifically evaluated anti-angiogenic therapy for MPE.
• Immunotherapy shows potential for MPE, but requires more clinical data on efficiency and safety.
• Combined anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy may be a promising strategy for MPE.

Conclusions:

• Anti-angiogenic therapy and immunotherapy are potential treatment strategies for malignant pleural effusion.
• Further clinical research, including Phase III trials, is essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these treatments for MPE.
• Combination therapy warrants further investigation as a promising approach for managing MPE.