Intrapericardial cisplatin for the management of patients with large malignant pericardial effusion

Nine patients (seven men and two women), median age 57 years (range 40-68 years), with large malignant pericardial effusion confirmed by cytological examination, were treated with direct intrapericardial administration of cisplatin. After insertion of a polyurethane catheter, fluid was drained and cisplatin (10 mg in 20 ml normal saline) was instilled over 5 min during 5 consecutive days (total cisplatin dose: 50 mg). If fluid reaccumulation occurred the courses were repeated every 3 weeks. All of the patients achieved a complete therapeutic response (no more fluid reaccumulation). The median time of response was 2.8 months (range 1-24 months). Mild nausea occurred in two patients, supraventricular arrhythmia in one patient and infectious complications in one patient. Eight patients died because of disease progression without evidence of cardiac tamponade or stricture. Autopsy, performed in 7 cases, revealed neoplastic involvement of the pericardium in all of the patients, but pericardial effusion was seen in one patient only.