Management of malignant pleural effusions.
Malignant pleural effusions are a common clinical problem in patients with primary thoracic malignancy and metastatic malignancy to the thorax. Symptoms can be debilitating and can impair tolerance of anticancer therapy. This article presents a comprehensive review of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical approaches to the management of malignant pleural effusion, and a novel algorithm for management based on patients' performance status.
Uzbeck
Mateen H
MH
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Almeida
Francisco A
FA
Sarkiss
Mona G
MG
Morice
Rodolfo C
RC
Jimenez
Carlos A
CA
Eapen
Georgie A
GA
Kennedy
Marcus P
MP
D000465:Algorithms; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D015505:Chest Tubes; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003663:Decision Trees; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D019152:Paracentesis; D018579:Patient Selection; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D018700:Pleurodesis; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D013907:Thoracostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions