Increased myelosuppression during cytostatic treatment and pleural effusion in patients with small cell lung cancer.
30 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and malignant pleural effusion were compared with 30 matched patients with SCLC but without pleural effusion. In the 30 with pleural effusion, white blood cell and platelet counts fell significantly after initial chemotherapy, necessitating dose reduction. Of the patients with pleural effusion, 16 developed severe (WHO grade IV) leukopenia, 7 had severe thrombocytopenia, and 2 patients died of infection. Accordingly, exhaustive aspiration of radiologically verified pleural effusion before starting chemotherapy in patients with SCLC is recommended.
Herrstedt
J
J
Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Clementsen
P
P
Hansen
O P
OP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000150:complications*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016896:Treatment Outcome