Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a complication of almost any site of primary cancer as well as primary tumors of the pleura. Half of MPE patients have non-expendable trapped lungs not suitable for talc pleurodesis. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs), however, can be used in this cohort of patients, bringing about an improvement in dyspnea and quality of life (QOL).
The aim of this study is to obtain pilot data - comparing patients receiving two different types of indwelling pleural catethers normally used in clinical practice (10 patients receiving Pleurocath® and 10 patients receiving PleurX®) - for power calculation of a Randomized Controlled Trial comparing two different drainages for MPE trapped lung.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adult patients, with a clinical confident diagnosis of symptomatic malignant pleural effusion, enrolled for VATS exploration but not amenable of VATS talc poudrage because of trapped lung (patients with only partial expansion however receiving talc poudrage, but needing permanent pleural cathetes, are also eligible)
Exclusion Criteria:
* \- Age younger than 18 years
* Expected survival of less than 3 months
* Chylothorax
* Total white blood cell count less than 1000/microL
* Pregnancy or lactating mothers
* Irreversible bleeding diathesis
* Irreversible visual impairment
* Contraindications to general anesthesia
* Poor general clinical conditions ( ECOG PS \>=2)
* Patients unable to provide informed consent
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) range 0 (no pain) - 100 (maximum pain)
Timeframe: Post operative day 4th
2
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) range 0 (no dyspnea) - 100 (maximim dyspnea)