Related Experiment Videos
Intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum for recurrent malignant pleural effusions
1Third Medical Department, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum (CBP) with methylprednisolone effectively treated malignant pleural effusions in 90% of patients. This combination therapy demonstrated a high success rate for pleurodesis with manageable side effects like fever and mild chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) pose a significant challenge in cancer care.
- Effective pleurodesis is crucial for managing MPE symptoms and improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum (CBP) combined with parenteral methylprednisolone (MP) for pleurodesis in MPE.
- To determine the frequency and nature of adverse reactions associated with this treatment regimen.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two consecutive MPE patients received intrapleural CBP (7 mg) post-thoracentesis.
- Parenteral MP (1 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly 30 minutes prior to thoracentesis.
- Response was assessed as complete response (CR) or partial response (PR); immunological parameters were analyzed in pleural fluid and blood.
Main Results:
- Of 20 evaluable patients, 18 (90%) achieved CR and 2 (10%) achieved PR.
- Common adverse events included fever (50%) and mild chest pain (32%); no other significant side effects were reported.
- Pleural fluid pH did not significantly correlate with treatment outcomes, and immunological markers showed no significant changes post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Intrapleural CBP combined with parenteral MP is a highly effective and simple method for controlling malignant pleural effusions.
- The treatment regimen is well-tolerated, with manageable side effects, supporting its clinical utility in MPE management.