[Intrapleural DDP and systemic thiosulfate rescue in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion]

One hundred twenty cases of malignant pleural effusion were treated by intrapleural administration of large doses of DDP (500-1,000 mg) followed by iv infusion of sodium thiosulfate for 3 days. Each patient received 1-4 cycles of treatment. Of 120 cases, 89 had their effusion completely disappeared and in 6 of them, it was accompanied by complete regression of tumors in the lung. Partial response was observed in 19 cases with an overall response rate of 90.0%. The median remission period was 6.4 month. Severe (grade III and IV) gastrointestinal, renal toxicity and myelosuppression occurred in 46,8 and 12 cases, respectively, Two patients died of severe intoxication.