Effect of an indwelling pleural catheter vs chest tube and talc pleurodesis for relieving dyspnea in patients with malignant pleural effusion: the TIME2 randomized controlled trial

Management of malignant pleural effusions: questions that need answers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is common. However, regardless of the differences between patients, their underlying cancer type, and pleural fluid characteristics, management options are often limited. These have not advanced significantly over the last 80 years since pleurodesis was first described. Correspondingly, patient-related outcome measures have been neglected. The evidence (or lack of) behind the current treatment recommendations is reviewed and key research questions are described.

RECENT FINDINGS

Talc continues to be the most effective sclerosant available for pleurodesis in MPE. A recent randomized controlled trial comparing talc pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheter insertion as first-line therapy suggests these approaches are equally effective, and utilized a patient-based symptom score as the primary outcome. The need to acknowledge the advances in translational medicine and oncological therapies to measure patient-related trial outcomes and to target pleural fluid formation in MPE is discussed.

SUMMARY

Pulmonologists should be aware of the staggering lack of progress in the evidence that supports the current 'recommended' management of MPE. The need for a re-think about MPE management with a focus on alternative therapeutic targets and treatment objectives should be appreciated, in order to optimize future patient care.

Prolonged pleural catheters in the management of pleural effusions due to breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the second most common etiologic cause in malignant pleural effusions (MPE). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of long term pleural catheters in inducing self sclerosis in pleural effusions of breast cancer patients.

METHODS

In this study, 26 patients with breast cancer relapleural effusions that occurred between January 2011 and July 2013, who were considered not to undergo any other treatments and managed with prolonged pleural catheters (Jackson-Pratt silicone flat drain), were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty pleural catheters were inserted in 26 patients. All patients were female, mean age was 52 (range, 37-66) years old. Drainage over 1,500 mL per day was not allowed in order to avoid a lung edema. The catheters were removed in patients who had restoration of lung expansion and drainage under 50 mL/day.

RESULTS

The histologic subtypes in pleural effusions were invasive ductal carcinoma in 18 patients, ductal carcinoma in situ in 4, invasive lobular carcinoma in 2, tubular carcinoma in 1, and medullary carcinoma in 1. Three of the 26 patients underwent bilateral catheter insertion, and one patient underwent a reinsertion of the catheter into the same hemithorax due to a recurrence. The catheters were retained for a mean period of 18 days (range, 11-38 days). In one patient with invasive ductal carcinoma and paramalignant pleural effusion (PMPE) (3.8%), a recurrent pleural effusion was seen 34 days after removal of the catheter. There were no complications. One patient died while the catheter was in place.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged catheters for the management of pleural effusions in selected patients have become more popular than other treatment alternatives due to a shorter length of stay and lower costs. We recommend the use of Jackson Pratt (JP) silicone flat drains which in our opinion provide effective pleurodesis in addition to easy application in recurrent effusions caused by breast cancer.

Early dislodgement of Indwelling Pleural Catheter ( IPC ): a balancing act

A 63-year-old nonsmoker with right malignant pleural effusion derived symptomatic benefit following drainage of his effusion. Following insertion of indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), 1.3 L of blood-stained fluid was drained into underwater sealed bottle (Atrium®), but the IPC dislodged 26 h after continuous connection. We believe that the weight of the drainage bottle (including the un-emptied fluid) and the prolonged connection time contributed to this uncommon event reported in the literature. There was no recurrence when his second IPC was connected to a drainage bag which was emptied at every 500 mL, capped at 2 h each time. An anchoring stitch should also be considered when drainage devices heavier than the manufacturer bottles are used to drain IPC.

Malignant pleural effusion

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) refers to the presence of neoplastic cells in the pleural fluid. Approximately 40 000 people per year in the UK are affected by MPE and it is associated with significant morbidity and an overall poor prognosis. Management should be prompt and care plans should be individualized and involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This article reviews the pathophysiology of MPE along with available investigations and management strategies for these patients.

Efficacy and safety of talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: a meta-analysis

Background

Talc pleurodesis has been widely used to control malignant pleural effusion; however, it is still not clear whether talc pleurodesis is more effective than other local therapies. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusion.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies of clinical controlled trials comparing talc pleurodesis with control therapies until August 8, 2013. Success rate and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. Relative risks were estimated using random- or fixed- effects model and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I² test.

Results

Twenty trials involving 1,525 patients with malignant pleural effusion were included. The success rate of talc pleurodesis was significantly higher than that of control therapies (relative risk, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.45; p = 0.035) with similar adverse events. In addition, thoracoscopic talc poudrage was more effective than bedside talc slurry (relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.23; p = 0.026).

Conclusions

The current evidences suggested the benefit for talc pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. Talc pleurodesis, especially thoracoscopic talc poudrage pleurodesis, should be performed in patients with malignant pleural effusion, especially those with life-expectancy longer than one month.

Advances in interventional pulmonology

Interventional pulmonology (IP) remains a rapidly expanding and evolving subspecialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases of the thorax. As the field continues to push the leading edge of medical technology, new procedures allow for novel minimally invasive approaches to old diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and metastatic or primary lung malignancy. In addition to technologic advances, IP has matured into a defined subspecialty, requiring formal training necessary to perform the advanced procedures. This need for advanced training has led to the need for standardization of training and the institution of a subspecialty board examination. In this review, we will discuss the dynamic field of IP as well as novel technologies being investigated or employed in the treatment of thoracic disease.

Use of indwelling pleural catheters for cardiogenic pleural effusions

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic pleural effusions are rarely refractory to treatment of the underlying disease. Few options are available in these cases. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) insertion has been well described for the management of malignant pleural effusions. We present our experience with using IPCs for cardiogenic pleural effusion management.

METHODS

We prospectively constructed a cohort of patients who underwent IPC insertion for cardiogenic pleural effusions. Patients were carefully selected, and the IPCs were inserted as a palliative measure or while awaiting cardiac transplantation.

RESULTS

There were 43 IPCs inserted in 38 patients. Patients had significant dyspnea, with a mean baseline dyspnea index of 2.24 (95% CI, 1.53-2.94). There was significant improvement in dyspnea 2 weeks after IPC insertion, with a mean transitional dyspnea index of 6.19 (95% CI, 5.56-6.82). There was no occurrence of empyema. Pneumothorax, mostly ex vacuo, occurred in 11.6% of procedures but did not require further intervention. IPCs were removed in 18 patients (47.4%), and successful spontaneous pleurodesis occurred in 11 patients (29.0%) after a median of 66 days (interquartile range, 34-242 days). Patients who eventually had their catheters removed had better performance status (P = .008) and were less dyspneic (P = .005) at baseline and had longer survival (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

IPC insertion for cardiogenic pleural effusion is a feasible option in carefully selected patients. Further research is needed to confirm the results and to assess the impact of IPC insertion on the quality of life of these patients.

Clinical outcomes of indwelling pleural catheter-related pleural infections: an international multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) offer effective control of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). IPC-related infection is uncommon but remains a major concern. Individual IPC centers see few infections, and previous reports lack sufficient numbers and detail. This study combined the experience of 11 centers from North America, Europe, and Australia to describe the incidence, microbiology, management, and clinical outcomes of IPC-related pleural infection.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective review of 1,021 patients with IPCs. All had confirmed MPE.

RESULTS

Only 50 patients (4.9%) developed an IPC-related pleural infection; most (94%) were successfully controlled with antibiotics (62% IV). One death (2%) directly resulted from the infection, whereas two patients (4%) had ongoing infectious symptoms when they died of cancer progression. Staphylococcus aureus was the causative organism in 48% of cases. Infections from gram-negative organisms were associated with an increased need for continuous antibiotics or death (60% vs 15% in gram-positive and 25% mixed infections, P = .02). The infections in the majority (54%) of cases were managed successfully without removing the IPC. Postinfection pleurodesis developed in 31 patients (62%), especially those infected with staphylococci (79% vs 45% with nonstaphylococcal infections, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of IPC-related pleural infection was low. The overall mortality risk from pleural infection in patients treated with IPC was only 0.29%. Antibiotics should cover S aureus and gram-negative organisms until microbiology is confirmed. Postinfection pleurodesis is common and often allows removal of IPC. Heterogeneity in management is common, and future studies to define the optimal treatment strategies are needed.

The treatment of pleural carcinosis with malignant pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

Pleural carcinosis is caused by tumors of the chest (e.g., lung and breast cancer) or elsewhere in the body (e.g., ovarian carcinoma) that metastasize to the visceral and/or parietal pleura. Recurrent malignant pleural effusion due to pleural carcinosis is one of the most common findings in oncology. It affects about 56 000 patients per year in Germany alone.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent literature retrieved by a selective search of the Medline database (key words: malignant pleural effusion, pleural carcinosis) and on the authors' clinical experience.

RESULTS

Although many retrospective studies have been published, there has been only one randomized controlled trial of treatment, in which permanent pleural catheters were compared with talcum pleurodesis. Patients with pleural carcinosis have a median survival of less than 12 months. Many are suffering from progression of their underlying disease, with generalized tumor involvement; thus, the symptomatic treatment of pain and dyspnea is often the main therapeutic issue. The underlying tumor, usually an adenocarcinoma, can be diagnosed either by histology or by cytology. The main complication is progressive respiratory failure. The treatment is palliative, rather than curative. The main approaches are drainage of the effusion (by thoracocentesis or with permanent pleural catheters) and pleurodesis (obliteration of the pleural space by causing the visceral and parietal pleura to adhere to each other).

CONCLUSION

Pleural carcinosis with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is treated palliatively. The appropriate treatment in each case should be determined through discussion with the patient, with the goal of improving the patient's quality of life.

Management of malignant pleural effusions with indwelling pleural catheters or talc pleurodesis

BACKGROUND

Management of malignant pleural effusion typically involves insertion of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) or chemical pleurodesis with agents such as talc.

OBJECTIVES

To compare these management strategies with regard to success of pleural effusion management.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was designed comparing patients with malignant and paramalignant pleural effusions and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status <4 managed with IPC insertion or talc pleurodesis (TP) through tube thoracostomy during noncontemporary three-year periods at a single centre.

RESULTS

The IPC and TP groups comprised 193 and 167 patients, respectively. The pleural effusion control rate at six months was higher in the IPC group (52.7% versus 34.4% in the TP group; P<0.01), but the rate of freedom from catheter at 90 days and pleural effusion at 180 days was not significantly different (IPC 25.8% versus TP 34.4% [P=0.17]). Median effusion-free survival from the date of catheter insertion was significantly longer in the IPC group (101 days versus 58 days in the TP group; log-rank P=0.025). Both procedures were safe.

DISCUSSION

While the results suggest better pleural effusion control and longer effusion-free survival with IPC insertion compared with TP, the present study had several limitations. Other recent studies have not shown one strategy to be clearly superior to the other.

CONCLUSION

Both IPC insertion and TP remain acceptable options for the management of malignant pleural effusions.

Advances in the management of pleural disease

Pleural disease affects over 3000 people per million population annually. Consequently, it represents a significant proportion of the respiratory physician's workload and can present to clinicians of all backgrounds in primary and secondary care. Pleural effusions have been reported in association with over 50 different conditions; some related to specific pulmonary pathologies, but many being manifestations of multisystem disease. The burden that conditions such as pleural infection; malignant pleural disease; and pneumothorax impose on patients and health care systems is enormous and growing. As such, a clear understanding of these key conditions is crucial to any physician regardless of the specialty. This article addresses a number of areas relating to pleural disease, providing an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic advances that have been made in our understanding of pleural pathology in recent years. The directions that future research in this important area of respiratory medicine might take will also be discussed.

Beneficial impact of CCL2 and CCL12 neutralization on experimental malignant pleural effusion

Using genetic interventions, we previously determined that C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) promotes malignant pleural effusion (MPE) formation in mice. Here we conducted preclinical studies aimed at assessing the specific therapeutic potential of antibody-mediated CCL2 blockade against MPE. For this, murine MPEs or skin tumors were generated in C57BL/6 mice by intrapleural or subcutaneous delivery of lung (LLC) or colon (MC38) adenocarcinoma cells. Human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were used to induce MPEs in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Intraperitoneal antibodies neutralizing mouse CCL2 and/or CCL12, a murine CCL2 ortholog, were administered at 10 or 50 mg/kg every three days. We found that high doses of CCL2/12 neutralizing antibody treatment (50 mg/kg) were required to limit MPE formation by LLC cells. CCL2 and CCL12 blockade were equally potent inhibitors of MPE development by LLC cells. Combined CCL2 and CCL12 neutralization was also effective against MC38-induced MPE and prolonged the survival of mice in both syngeneic models. Mouse-specific CCL2-blockade limited A549-caused xenogeneic MPE, indicating that host-derived CCL2 also contributes to MPE precipitation in mice. The impact of CCL2/12 antagonism was associated with inhibition of immune and vascular MPE-related phenomena, such as inflammation, new blood vessel assembly and plasma extravasation into the pleural space. We conclude that CCL2 and CCL12 blockade are effective against experimental MPE induced by murine and human adenocarcinoma in mice. These results suggest that CCL2-targeted therapies may hold promise for future use against human MPE.

The use of indwelling pleural catheters for the management of malignant pleural effusion--direct costs in a Dutch hospital

BACKGROUND

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are increasingly used in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). In general, these catheters have been reported to manage MPE efficiently. Unfortunately, insurance companies in the Netherlands do not reimburse these catheters in either first-line treatment or following failed talc pleurodesis.

OBJECTIVES

Investigation of direct costs of IPC placement.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Direct costs for both catheters and vacuum bottles were calculated. Indicators for indirect costs such as adverse events and complications and the need for additional home care for drainage were registered.

RESULTS

Mean costs for IPC amounted to EUR 2,173 and were different between tumor types - mesothelioma: EUR 4,028, breast: EUR 2,204, lung: EUR 1,146 and other: EUR 1,841; p = 0.017. Four patients were admitted to hospital for treatment of complications. Mean costs for IPC placement was similar when inserted as frontline treatment and after failed pleurodesis. Approximately 75% of patients did not need any help from specialized home care.

CONCLUSION

Direct costs for IPC placement turn out to be acceptable when compared with estimated hospitalization costs for pleurodesis treatment. Randomized controlled trials have to be performed to compare the cost-effectiveness of IPCs compared to pleurodesis.

Malignant pleural effusions: a review

Malignant pleural effusions are a cause of significant symptoms and distress in patients with end-stage malignancies and portend a poor prognosis. Management is aimed at symptom relief, with minimally invasive interventions and minimal requirement for hospital length of stay. The management options include watchful waiting if no symptoms are present, repeat thoracentesis, medical or surgical thoracoscopic techniques to achieve pleurodesis, pleuroperitoneal shunts, placement of tunneled pleural catheters, or a combination of modalities. To determine the best modality for management, patients must be assessed individually with concern for symptoms, functional status, prognosis, and their social and financial situations.

The use of Jackson-Pratt silicone flat drains as prolonged pleural catheters for the management of pleural effusions

INTRODUCTION

Imbalance between secretion and absorbtion of pleural fluid results in pleural effusion. Emergence of pleural effusion ipsilateral or contralateral to the side drained previously is named recurrent effusion. There is currently no standart approach for the management of recurrent pleural effusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients, treated between 2011 and 2012 for recurrent pleural effusions due to various etiologies, not considered for surgical or other treatments, and underwent placement of prolonged pleural catheters (Jackson-Pratt drain) were included in this study. Twenty two prolonged pleural catheters were inserted in 18 patients. There were 10 females and 8 males, with mean age 59 (35-77). In 20 patients the catheters were inserted by an anterior approach, and by a posterior approach in one patient. Daily drainage above 1,500 mL was not permitted in order to avoid pulmonary edema. Catheters were removed in patients who had lung expansion and drainage under 50 mL/day.

RESULTS

The most common etiology for pleural effusions was extrathoracic malignancy in 9 patients, primary bronchial carcinoma in 5 patients, and benign pleural effusion in 4 patients. Four patients underwent bilateral prolonged pleural catheter insertion. The catheters were retained for a mean period of 19 (10-40) days. Pleural effusion recurred two months after removal of the catheter in one patient with primary bronchial cancer (5%). Only one patient developed a complication (empyema) while under drainage (5%). Two patients died while the catheter was in place.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased length of stay and lower costs have enabled prolonged are the major advantages of pleural catheter applications in appropriate patients compared to other treatment methods. We believe that the Jackson Pratt silicone flat drains provide effective pleurodesis along with easy application, and suggest their use as an alternative to pleurodesis in especially malignant pleural effusions and not benign pleural effusions.

Quality-of-life improvement and cost-effectiveness of interventional pulmonary procedures

Most interventional pulmonology studies focus on the technical success of procedures without measuring validated quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes. Studies are now incorporating end points that include QoL measurements and there are examples of interventional procedures that likely improve QoL. It is vital for the interventional pulmonary literature to incorporate cost-effectiveness when introducing new technology. While not uniformly analyzed in a rigorous manner in all studies, there are examples of interventional pulmonary studies that analyze cost-effectiveness through avoidance of more expensive procedures, cost savings per day free of emergency room visit, or cost savings per day not requiring intensive care unit care.

Large-bore and small-bore chest tubes: types, function, and placement

Chest tubes are placed in the pleural space, either surgically or percutaneously to evacuate abnormal fluid and air. Indications for chest tubes include therapeutic drainage of pleural conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema, chylothorax, and malignant effusions, as well as prophylaxis drainage of air, blood, and other fluids after chest surgery. This article characterizes the types of chest tubes, reviews the basic techniques for insertion, and describes the comparative effectiveness between large-bore and small-bore chest tubes.

Permanent indwelling catheters in the management of pleural effusions

The treatment of chronic recurrent pleural effusions continues to evolve with the recent emergence of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs). Talc pleurodesis has been the standard of care for treatment of recurrent pleural effusions, but IPCs have gained more favor in recent years. IPCs offer several advantages, including a less invasive procedure, short postprocedure hospital stay, and greater patient control in the management of symptoms. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to more clearly differentiate which patients are better served by an IPC rather than traditional pleurodesis as their initial intervention.

Tunneled pleural catheters: an update for 2013

Tunneled pleural catheters (TPCs) are a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option for palliation in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPEs) on an outpatient basis. TPCs are incorporated into international guidelines for the management of MPEs and appear to be the most cost-effective option according to current data.

Latest advances in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic pulmonary procedures

Over the past 15 years, patients with a myriad of pulmonary conditions have been diagnosed and treated with new technologies developed for the pulmonary community. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures once performed in an operating theater under general anesthesia are now routinely performed in a bronchoscopy suite under moderate sedation with clinically meaningful improvements in outcome. With the miniaturization of scopes and instruments, improvements in optics, and creative engineers, a host of new devices has become available for clinical testing and use. A growing community of pulmonologists is doing comparative effectiveness trials that test new technologies against the current standard of care. While more research is needed, it seems reasonable to provide an overview of pulmonary procedures that are in various stages of development, testing, and practice at this time. Five areas are covered: navigational bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, endoscopic lung volume reduction, bronchial thermoplasty, and pleural procedure. Appropriate training for clinicians who wish to provide these services will become an area of intense scrutiny as new skills will need to be acquired to ensure patient safety and a good clinical result.

Straightening out chest tubes: what size, what type, and when

Although chest tube placement is one of the most common procedures in managing patients with pleural disease, it is not clear what size and type of chest tube is indicated for various conditions. Chest tubes can be divided into small- (≤14 French [Fr]) and large-bore (>14 Fr) and can be placed by blunt dissection, guidewire (Seldinger), or trocar guidance. Recently a trend has been seen toward using smaller chest tubes for most indications, given their relative ease and patient comfort. This article summarizes the rationale for using different chest tubes depending on the clinical scenario.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: update on treatment options with a focus on novel therapies

There is evidence that improved treatments of malignant pleural mesothelioma are increasing the quality and quantity of life for patients with mesothelioma. Multimodality treatment programs that combine maximal surgical cytoreduction with novel forms of radiation therapy and more effective chemotherapy combinations may offer significant increases in survival for certain subgroups of patients with mesothelioma. Lung-sparing surgery may allow improvements in pulmonary function after surgery-based multimodality therapy, and potential longer overall survival than that seen with extrapleural pneumonectomy. Experimental treatments provide hope for all patients with mesothelioma, and in the future may be combined with standard therapy in multimodality protocols.

Pleurodesis outcome in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Few data exist on the pleurodesis outcome in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). A retrospective review of the Western Australian Mesothelioma Registry over 5 years revealed 390 evaluable patients. Only a subset of patients (42.3%) underwent pleurodesis, surgically (n=78) or by bedside instillation of sclerosants (n=87). Surgical pleurodesis showed no advantages over bedside pleurodesis in efficacy (32% vs 31% failures requiring further drainage, p=0.98), patient survival (p=0.52) or total time spent in hospital from procedure till death (p=0.36). No clinical, biochemical or radiographic parameters tested adequately predict pleurodesis outcome.