The majority of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is caused by metastatic disease: most commonly lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women. MPE worsens the quality of life in patients due to the occurrence of respiratory failure, compression of internal organs and violation of homeostasis. Existing methods for MPE treatment have a number of disadvantages, including insufficient analgesia and the use of standard drainage tubes that do not adequately irrigate the pleural space with drugs, thereby reducing the drugs' effectiveness. The proposed method for the treatment of MPE improves the treatment results by improving the drainage and introduction of drugs into the pleural cavity.
This brief review provides up-to-date information on the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE). In general, selection of the most appropriate treatment approach should be individualized. Management of MPE relies on tumor type, pulmonary re-expansion, performance status, symptoms, and life expectancy. Pleurodesis and IPC placement are two effective treatments recommended for recurrent MPE, both of which can effectively improve dyspnea and quality of life of patients. Other options such as intrapleural therapies, radiation therapy, and pleuroperitoneal shunting are alternative treatments. However, most of these treatments are temporary, and MPE would recur soon. Hence, further palliative treatments to effectively control pleural effusions and relieve symptoms are necessary.
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