Efficacious pleurodesis with OK-432 and doxorubicin against malignant pleural effusions

30Citations
Citations of this article
30Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Malignant pleural effusion develops frequently in patients with advanced lung cancer. Chemical pleurodesis is the most effective palliative treatment for these patients. The efficacy of pleurodesis using both OK-432, a preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes, and doxorubicin for 20 patients with cytology-proven malignant pleural effusion associated with lung cancer was evaluated. After complete removal of pleural effusion, OK-432 and 30 mg of doxorubicin were injected via an inserted chest tube. Treatment was terminated when the volume of daily drainage reached <200 mL. If the daily volume remained >200 mL, an additional OK-432 was administered every 3 days. In total, 16 patients (80%) revealed a complete response, two patients (10%) revealed a partial response, and no response was seen in two patients. Eighteen patients with complete or partial responses did not show subsequent reaccumulation of pleural effusion after pleurodesis. The chest tube remained in place for an average of 6.4 days, draining a mean of 2,854 mL. The main side-effects were fever and pain that were easily treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pleurodesis using both OK-432 and doxorubicin showed high efficacy for controlling malignant pleural effusions caused by lung cancer. © ERS Journals Ltd 2004.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Kishi, K., Homma, S., Sakamoto, S., Kawabata, M., Tsuboi, E., Nakata, K., & Yoshimura, K. (2004). Efficacious pleurodesis with OK-432 and doxorubicin against malignant pleural effusions. European Respiratory Journal, 24(2), 263–266. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.04.00137403

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free