Alteplase Through an Indwelling Pleural Catheter for the Management of Symptomatic Septated Malig… (NCT06184321) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Alteplase Through an Indwelling Pleural Catheter for the Management of Symptomatic Septated Malignant Pleural Effusion
United States30 participantsStarted 2023-08-17
Plain-language summary
This study investigates whether alteplase can help to improve pleural fluid drainage and dyspnea (breathlessness) in patients with non-draining malignant pleural effusion. Alteplase helps dissolve blood clots and is used to treat heart attacks, strokes, and clots in the lungs. Alteplase may help to control symptoms of breathlessness.
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:
* Referral to pulmonary services for inability to drain fully via IPC
* Presence of a symptomatic septated pleural effusion
* A pleural effusion of significant moderate to large volume based on:
* Chest radiograph: effusion filling \>= 1/3 of the hemithorax, or
* Computed tomography (CT)-scan: AP depth of the effusion \>= 1/3 of the AP dimension on the axial image superior to the hemidiaphragm, including atelectatic lung surrounded by effusion, or
* Ultrasound: effusion spanning at least three intercostal spaces, with a \>= 3 cm in at least one intercostal space, while the patient sits upright
* Age \> 18
* Borg score \>= 3
* Absence of a blocked IPC as demonstrated by a flush with 20 cc of saline x1 without resistance
* Presence of septated effusion based on ultrasound (US) and chest CT
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Study subject has any disease or condition that interferes with safe completion of the study including:
* Uncorrectable coagulopathy based on criteria followed by cardiopulmonary center for procedures.
* Active bleeding
* Known allergic reaction to thrombolytics
* Pleural effusion is smaller than expected on bedside pre-procedure ultrasound
* No septations and/or no loculations on bedside pre-procedure ultrasound
* Patient is asymptomatic
* Blocked IPC as determined by saline flush
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
Incidence of Adverse Events, Graded According to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
Timeframe: through study completion; an average of 1 year