Talc Outpatient Pleurodesis With Indwelling Catheter
United States124 participantsStarted 2019-05-27
Plain-language summary
This study will be a prospective, randomized trial comparing a new protocol to the standard of care. The investigators protocol and the standard of care involves a previously established procedure that will be completed in the investigators pulmonary procedure unit. The study will include using previously, well-established procedures (indwelling pleural catheter placement, talc slurry administration through an indwelling pleural catheter, pleuroscopy with talc poudrage administration) in addition to a new protocol (at home continuous drainage via indwelling pleural catheter).
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:
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years old
* Diagnosis of a paramalignant pleural effusion (defined as a recurrent pleural effusion directly caused by malignancy with known thoracic involvement)
* Estimated life expectancy greater than 3 months
* Full lung re-expansion on chest x-ray after thoracentesis
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age less than 18 years old
* Pregnant or lactating subject
* Any history of prior pleural talc administration
* History of an indwelling pleural catheter placed on the side of the active paramalignant pleural effusion
* Estimated life expectancy less than 3 months
* Active clinical heart failure
* Inability to return for frequent follow up appointments
* Current incarceration
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
Time to pleurodesis
Timeframe: Up to one month from placement of indwelling pleural catheter