Talc slurry versus thoracoscopic talc insufflation for malignant pleural effusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: Talc pleurodesis is a widely used treatment option for malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, the optimal form of administration remains controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of talc slurry (TS) in comparison with thoracoscopic talc insufflation/poudrage (TTI) for MPE treatment. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies that compared TS with TTI in patients with MPE. We used a random-effects model with a 95% CI to pool the data. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics. Results: We included eight studies involving 1,163 patients, 584 of whom (50.21%) underwent TS. Pleurodesis failure rates were similar between the procedures (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.56-2.06; p = 0.83; I² = 62%); and 68% of patients (95% CI: 0.31-1.47; p = 0.33; I² = 58%) had postoperative complications, which were lower in patients in the TS group than in the TTI group. In a subgroup analysis considering only randomized clinical trials, the failure rate was significantly lower in the TS treatment group (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42-0.90; p = 0.01; I² = 0%). Similarly, dyspnea was less common in the TS group (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.41-1.34; p = 0.32; I² = 55%). Adverse effects were reported in 86 patients, and no significant difference was seen between the TS and TTI groups: empyema (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.36-5.64; p = 0.86; I² = 0%), pain (OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 0.67-2.21; p = 0.51; I² = 38%), and pneumonia (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.30-4.46; p = 0.86; I² = 27%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TS is an effective treatment for MPE, with no significant increase in adverse events. Results suggest equivalent efficacy and safety for both procedures.