Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a cancer, caused by asbestos, which currently affects 2500 people in the UK each year. The main symptom is breathlessness caused by fluid building up in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural effusion). Treatment involves draining the fluid to allow the lung to re-expand (pleurodesis). However, sometimes tumour growth over the surface of the lung can prevent it from re-expanding. This 'trapped' lung results in fluid re-accumulation and repeated drainage which can lead to discomfort and multiple hospital visits. One approach to dealing with 'trapped' lung in mesothelioma is to insert a thin tube (Indwelling Pleural Catheter - IPC) into the space around the lung. The tube can stay in place for a long time allowing patients to drain off fluid at home. Another approach is a keyhole surgical operation (video-assisted thoracoscopic partial pleurectomy/decortication - VAT-PD) to remove as much tumour as possible from the lining of the lung to allow it to re-expand. While both approaches are currently offered in clinical practice, it is not known which of the two is most effective at relieving breathlessness. The only way to find out is to conduct a research trial comparing the two. The Investigators plan to do this, but first of all need to carry out a small pilot study to collect information necessary to help plan the full study.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
To measure the standard deviation of Visual Analogue Scale scores for breathlessness
Timeframe: Daily from randomisation to 12 months