Intrapleural injection of brucea javanica oil emulsion provided a long-term benefits in patient with malignant pleural effusion from pleural mesothelioma: A case report.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a severe form of cancer that originates from mesothelium cells. Around 54-90% of mesotheliomas are associated with pleural effusions. Brucea Javanica Oil Emulsion (BJOE) is the processed oil derived from the seeds of Brucea javanica, which has shown potential as a treatment option for several types of cancer. Here, we present a case study of a MPM patient with malignant pleural effusion who received intrapleural injection of BJOE. The treatment resulted in the complete response of pleural effusion and chest tightness. While the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BJOE for pleural effusion are not yet fully understood, it has demonstrated a satisfactory clinical response without significant adverse effects.

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion caused by breast and ovarian cancer: A systematic literature review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Breast and ovarian cancer account for over 30% of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Treatment of the metastatic disease requires control of the MPE. Even though primarily symptomatic, the treatment of the MPE can potentially affect the oncological course of the disease. The aim of this review is to analyze the effectiveness of intrathoracic chemotherapy in the treatment of MPE caused by breast and ovarian cancer. METHODS: A systematic literature research was conducted up until May 2021. Studies published in English on patients undergoing either surgical or interventional intrapleural chemotherapy were included. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a total of 497 patients were included. Analysis was performed on 169 patients with MPE due to breast cancer and eight patients with MPE secondary to ovarian cancer. The pooled success rates of intrathoracic chemotherapy for controlling the MPE were 59.1% and 87.5%, respectively. A survival analysis was not possible with the available data. The overall toxicity of the treatment was low. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathoracic chemotherapy achieves symptomatic control of the MPE in 59.1% of patients with metastatic breast cancer and 87.5% of patients with metastatic ovarian cancer. This is inferior to other forms of surgical pleurodesis. Data from small case series and studies on intraperitoneal chemotherapy show promising results. However, formal oncological studies on the use of intrathoracic chemotherapy for metastatic breast or ovarian cancer are lacking. Further prospective pilot studies are needed to assess the therapeutic oncological effects of this treatment.

Pleural fluid MYD88 L265P mutation supporting diagnosis and decision to treat extramedullary Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Our case of a patient with untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia with extramedullary pleural effusion is the first documented case of pleural fluid MYD88 L265P mutation status in a community hospital setting. Our patient was intolerant to 420 mg ibrutinib, but still achieved a lasting complete remission, as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, with a dose reduction to 240 mg of ibrutinib. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Caucasian (white) man diagnosed with monoclonal immunoglobin M kappa lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia monitored without treatment for 2 years, presented with dyspnea and a left pleural effusion. At presentation, computed tomography scans of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed layering left pleural effusion and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Pleural fluid cytology demonstrated B-cell lymphoma of the lymphoplasmacytic subtype, with monoclonal kappa B-cell population on flow and a positive MYD88 L265P mutation. The pleural effusion recurred post-thoracentesis and he achieved a lasting complete remission as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline with 240 mg ibrutinib. CONCLUSIONS: Our discussion details a comprehensive literature review of extramedullary pulmonary involvement in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Establishing a malignant etiology for pleural effusion in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia can be challenging, as standard techniques may be insensitive. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction for detecting MYD88 L265P mutations is more sensitive for confirming lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia in pleural fluid. Extramedullary pulmonary involvement usually presents post-diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and responds well to Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia-directed treatment regimens. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive assay for detecting MYD88 L265P mutations in pleural fluid to support the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion in the setting of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and helps guide the treatment decision to use ibrutinib. Although intolerant of ibrutinib 420 mg, our patient achieved complete and sustained remission of pleural effusion with a dose of 240 mg with progression free survival of over 30 months.

Viscum pleurodesis is as effective as talc pleurodesis and tends to have less adverse effect.

PURPOSE: Many patients diagnosed with advanced cancer have malignant pleural effusion that does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These patients often have respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnea. In order to relieve these symptoms, various procedures including chemical pleurodesis have been performed. Although talc is the most widely used and effective sclerosing agent, there it has various adverse effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether Viscum (ABNOVA Viscum® Fraxini Injection, manufactured by ABNOVA GmbH, Germany) could be used as an agent to replace talc in clinical practice. METHODS: Data of 56 patients with malignant pleural effusion who received chemical pleurodesis after tube thoracostomy from January 2003 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze clinical course and response after pleurodesis with each agent. RESULTS: After pleurodesis, changes in numeric rating scale (NRS) was 1.4 ± 1.6 in the talc group and 0.5 ± 1.5 in the Viscum group (p = 0.108). Changes in white blood cell counts after pleurodesis were 4154.8 ± 6710.7 in the talc group and 3487.3 ± 6067.7 in the Viscum group (p = 0.702). Changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) were 9.03 ± 6.86 in the talc group and 6.3 ± 7.5 in the Viscum group (p = 0.366). The success rate of pleurodesis was 93.3% in the talc group and 96% in the Viscum group (p = 0.225). CONCLUSION: Viscum pleurodesis showed comparable treatment results with talc pleurodesis while its adverse effects such as chest pain and fever tended to be relatively weak.

Chinese medicine Xiaoshui decoction inhibits malignant pleural effusion in mice and mediates tumor-associated macrophage polarization by activating autophagy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiaoshui decoction (XSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription that has been shown to reinforce the spleen and remove the fluid retention, while being widely used in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). We previously reported that XSD alleviates symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients with MPE; however, the mechanism employed by XSD on MPE has not yet been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the role and mechanism of XSD in inhibiting the development of MPE, and in regulating macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A murine MPE model was used to study the effect of XSD on MPE. Mice with MPE were randomly allocated to a control group and XSD-low-dose (1.144 g/mL), XSD-middle-dose (2.288 g/mL), XSD-high-dose (4.576 g/mL), or cisplatin groups. RAW264.7 cells were induced to form tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) as well as M1 and M2 macrophages using different conditioned media in vitro. RESULTS: XSD effectively inhibited MPE formation, reduced pleural permeability and angiogenesis, and prolonged mice survival. Particularly, XSD treatment induced the polarization of TAMs to the M1 phenotype in MPE. Moreover, in-vitro XSD remarkably promoted the expansion of M1 macrophages and reduced M2 macrophages by enhancing autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: XSD inhibits MPE development and regulates macrophage polarization by activating autophagy, indicating that XSD may serve as a novel option for integrative MPE therapies.

Efficacy and safety of Viscum album extract (Helixor-M) to treat malignant pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Manifestations of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are alleviated by local therapies as well as by systemic treatment. After 2009, when commercial use of talc was discontinued in Korea, we have used Helixor-M, which is derived from the European mistletoe (Viscum album), as an alternative sclerosing agent for pleurodesis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Helixor-M for controlling MPE. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2015, we consecutively enrolled 52 patients with lung cancer, who underwent pleurodesis to treat MPE and were analyzed retrospectively. On day 1, 100 mg of Helixor-M was instilled via pleural catheter. If the procedure was not effective, it was repeated every other day up to five times, and the dose increased each time by 100 mg. The primary study outcome was reappearance of pleural effusion at 1 month after the last pleurodesis procedure. RESULTS: The median age of patient was 63 years, and 77% of the 52 patients were male. About 85% of pleural effusions were found to be malignant by cytogenetic analysis. Forty-two (81%) patients were evaluable for recurrence of MPE. The 1-month recurrence rate was 48% (20/42). Among the 20 patients who developed recurrent MPE, 6 required therapeutic thoracentesis. Thirteen (25%) patients experienced procedure-related pain requiring medication. Eight (15%) had fever > 38 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a pleurodesis with Helixor-M was an effective and tolerable procedure for controlling MPE in lung cancer patients.

Talco estéril versus yodopovidona en pleurodesis como tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno. Estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado / Sterile talc versus povidone-iodine in pleurodesis as a treatment for malignant pleural effusion. Non-randomized prospective study

Comparar el uso del talco estéril versus yodopovidona como agentes químicos en pleurodesis para el tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno.Materiales y Métodos: Estudio clínico, analítico, observacional, prospectivo, el cual incluyó 12 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de derrame pleural maligno, a quienes se les practicó pleurodesis empleando talco estéril y yodopovidona.Resultados : Edad promedio fue de 46,25 ± 17,3 y la neoplasia primaria más común fue el cáncer de mama, representando el 50% de los casos estudiados. El grupo de pacientes tratados con yodopovidona tuvo 100% de efectividad en la fusión pleural posterior a la pleurodesis, y presentaron menos complicaciones durante el procedimiento y 24 horas posteriores al mismo con respecto al grupo tratado con talco estéril, el cual tuvo un 71,4% de efectividad y un 28,6% de falla al procedimiento; asimismo, estos últimos presentaron mayor porcentaje de complicaciones. Por otra parte, no se evidenció recidiva del derrame pleural en los 30 días de valoración posteriores al procedimiento. Estas diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas.Conclusiones : Ambos agentes esclerosantes fueron eficaces para lograr la fusión de las pleuras en pacientes con derrame pleural maligno, siendo el talco estéril el agente con mayor tendencia a producir complicaciones y fallo del procedimiento, en comparación a la yodopovidona(AU)

To compare the use of sterile talc versus povidone-iodine as chemical agents on pleurodesis for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.Materials and Methods : A total of 12 patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnose of malignant pleural effusion were enrolled in a clinical, analytic, observational and prospective trial, to whom sterile talc and povidone-iodine pleurodesis was applied.Results : The mean age was 46,25 ± 17,3 and the most common primary neoplasm was breast cancer, which was present in 50% of the surveyed cases. The group of patients who received povidone-iodine had 100% of effectiveness on post-pleurodesis pleural fusion, and had fewer complications during the procedure and 24 hours afterwards vis-à-vis the group who received sterile talc powder, which had 74.4% of effectiveness and 28.6% of procedure failure; furthermore, the last mentioned had higher percentage of complications. Moreover, there was no evidence of recurrence of pleural effusion in the 30 days post-procedure assessment.Conclusions : Both sclerosant agents were efficient to accomplish pleural fusion in patients with malignant pleural effusion, with sterile talc being the agent with higher tendency to generate more complications and procedure failure compared to povidone-iodine(AU)

Evaluation of efficacy and safety for Brucea javanica oil emulsion in the control of the malignant pleural effusions via thoracic perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) is traditional Chinese medicine with implicated anti-tumor activity, which has been used for treating lung cancer in China. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects and safety of intrapleural injection of BJOE in treating malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: The randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects and safety of BJOE in treating MPE were searched from electronic medical database including MEDLINE, SCI, EMBASE, Cochrance Library and CNKI. A total of 14 RCTs with 1085 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: The overall response rate (ORR) of traditional chemotherapy drugs plus BJOE was higher than that of traditional chemotherapy drugs alone (p = 0.001; odds ratio = 1.39). Meanwhile, the combination of BJOE and traditional chemotherapy drugs improved the quality of life (QOL) of patients with MPE (p < 0.001; odds ratio = 1.56) compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs alone. Moreover, the participation of BJOE reduced the myelotoxicity and digestive reactions caused by traditional chemotherapy drugs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of traditional chemotherapy drugs plus BJOE was superior to traditional chemotherapy drugs alone via intrapleural injection in controlling MPE, which suggested that BJOE can be used to treat MPE.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of intrapleural perfusion with hyperthermic chemotherapy using cisplatin in patients with malignant pleural effusion.

OBJECTIVES: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has a poor prognosis. Most patients are treated with tube thoracostomy and sclerotherapy, although its success rate is around 64%. We have investigated intrapleural perfusion with hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) using cisplatin in a study with a pharmacokinetic evaluation. METHODS: Patients with MPE, performance status of 0-1, possibility of good lung expansion and Cr<1.2mg/dL were treated with IPHC. The circuit was filled with 2000mL of normal saline containing cisplatin at a dose of 80mg/m2. Under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the thoracic cavity was filled and perfused at a speed of approximately 1L/min at a temperature of 43°C for 1h. Perfusion solution and plasma samples were periodically collected, and concentrations of protein-unbound (free) platinum, which was the active derivative of cisplatin, and total platinum were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty patients with MPE (8 lung cancers, 7 mesotheliomas, and 5 others) were enrolled in this study. Rate of free platinum concentration relative to total platinum concentration in perfusion solution after 1hr IPHC at 43°C was 61.1±12.9%. Area under curve (AUC) of free platinum in the pleural space was calculated to be 26.3µg/mLxh, resulting in complete control of pleural effusion for 3 months after IHPC in all cases (95% confidence interval: 83-100%). While, absorption rate of total platinum from the pleural space was 33.8±17.0% (27.4±13.6mg/m2), and the maximum concentration of total platinum in serum was low, 0.66±0.31µg/mL, resulting in controllable side effects; grade 1 renal toxicity: 6 patients, grade 1 emesis: 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: IPHC with cisplatin showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for an optional treatment to control malignant pleural effusion.

Effect of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) on the malignant pleural effusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been widely used to treat malignant ascites or as a preventive strategy for microscopic carcinomatosis following surgical resection of abdominal tumors, application of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion is limited. The objective of the current study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the application of HITHOC in the palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion. METHODS: After thorough searching of online databases, total 27 articles were included into qualitative systematic review and 5 of them were used to conduct qualitative meta-analysis. RESULTS: It was found that most of HITHOC was used in combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) including pleurectomy/decortication or after surgical resection of primary tumors, which mainly were lung cancer, thymoma or thymic carcinoma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Patients who received HITHOC had significantly longer median survival length compared to the patients without HITHOC (Hedges g = 0.763, P < 0.001). In addition, HITHOC therapy was favored (Hedges g = 0.848, P < 0.001) in terms of median survival length, tumor-free survival rate, with tumor survival rate or Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scale. CONCLUSION: HITHOC is a safe and effective therapy in controlling pleural effusion and increasing patient's survival rate.

Herbal extract elemene intrathoracic injection in the treatment of lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion: a meta-anaylsis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of elemene intrapleural injection in the treatment of lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion by meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed (1960-2014.4), EMBASE (1980-2014.4) and CNKI (1979-2014.4) data bases were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials about elemene intrapleural injection in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion caused by lung cancer. The relativel risk (RR) was used to evaluated the the clinical efficacy of elemene intrapleural injection in the treatment of pleural effusion compared to other drugs. RESULTS: A total of 1298 subjects with 14 studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the objective response rate (ORR) in elemene group was much higher than that in other drugs group (RR =1.20, 95% CI:1.05-1.37, P = 0.008). We performed the sub-groups analysis according to the drugs used in the control group. And the subgroup analyzed demonstrated that the ORR in elemene group was higher than that in Cisplatin (DDP) and high sugar group with statistical difference (P < 0.05). But no statistical difference was found in the bleomycin and interleukin-2 [IL-2] subgroups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: High clinical efficacy of elemene was found in the treatment malignant pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer.

Intrapleural chemo- and hyperthermotherapies for malignant pleural effusion: a randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The current prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined intrapleural cisplatin and OK-432 (picibanil) plus hyperthermotherapy in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: A total of 358 patients with MPE due to end-stage malignancies were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups, A and B: the intrapleural combination of cisplatin and OK-432 with hyperthermotherapy (n = 179) or without hyperthermotherapy (n = 179), respectively. Mild toxicities such as nausea, vomiting or anorexia, bone marrow depression, and pyrexia were similar in both groups. RESULT: Patients in Group A (with hyperthermotherapy) showed a significantly higher overall response (93.4%) compared to those in Group B (79.8%, χ(2) = 43.11, p < .05). The median survival time for patients in Group A and Group B were 8.9 and 6.2 months, respectively (p > .05). After treatment, the quality of life scores were significantly increased in both groups as compared to prior treatment (p < .05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study suggests that combined intrapleural cisplatin and OK-432 followed by hyperthermotherapy are more effective in the control of MPE and improve patients' quality of life.

Recombinant human endostatin endostar suppresses angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of malignant pleural effusion in mice.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of lung cancer. One widely used treatment for MPE is Endostar, a recombined humanized endostatin based treatment. However, the mechanism of this treatment is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Endostar in mice with MPE. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was injected into pleural cavity to establish MPE mice model. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. High dose of Endostar (30 mg/kg), low dose of Endostar (8 mg/kg), normal saline, or Bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) was respectively injected into pleural cavity three times with 3-day interval in each group. Transverse computed tomography (CT) was performed to observe pleural fluid formation 14 days after LLC cells injection. Mice were anesthetized and sacrificed 3 days after final administration. The volume of pleural effusion n was measured using 1 ml syringe. Micro blood vessel density (MVD), Lymphatic micro vessel density (LMVD), the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C were observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. RESULTS: The volume of pleural effusion as well as the number of pleural tumor foci, MVD and the expression of VEGF-A were significantly reduced in high dose of Endostar treat group. More importantly, LMVD and the expression of VEGF-C were markedly lower in treat group than those in the other three control groups. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrated that Endostar played an efficient anti-cancer role in MPE through its suppressive effect on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which provided a certain theoretical basis for the effectiveness of Endostar on the MPE treatment.

Effects of a simple intraoperative intrathoracic hyperthermotherapy for lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion or dissemination.

We examined the effect of a simple intraoperative intrathoracic hyperthermotherapy (IIH) and a simple intraoperative intrathoracic hyperthermo-chemotherapy (IIHC) on malignant pleural effusion and/or dissemination with primary non-small lung cancer. This study included 19 patients who had malignant pleural effusion and/or dissemination recognized for the first time at the time of surgery. We performed surgical procedures on the primary lesions and then the additional therapies followed. Seven patients received IIH (group A), five patients underwent IIHC (group B), and seven patients did not have any additional therapy (group C). There was no death during the follow-up period (9-35 months) in the group A. The median survival time was 41 months in the group B and 25 months in the group C. The group A was completely free of pleural effusion and one patient in the group B suffered from pleural effusion 26 months after surgery, although the median term of freedom from pleural effusion was three months in the group C. In patients with malignant pleural effusion and/or dissemination with primary non-small lung cancer, not only IIHC but also IIH might be beneficial in the prevention of pleural effusion instead of the improvement in prognosis.

Induction of apoptosis by intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PURPOSE: Despite extensive clinical research, no effective therapy for advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma has been established. In this study, we induced apoptosis in patients with this disease, using intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy, a new procedure developed in our surgical department. We then measured the tumorcidal effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 6 consecutive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (stage III: 5; stage IV: 1). Because of the advanced stage of the disease, none of the patients underwent tumor resection or pleurectomy. All patients, however, received perfusion treatment. Tumor cells collected from pleural effusions pre-and at 0, 24, and 48 h postperfusion were examined using an immunocytochemical stain to determine apoptosis. The percentage of positively stained cells was expressed as the apoptotic index. RESULTS: Preperfusion, the apoptotic index was 3.8%+/-2.0%, indicating spontaneous apoptosis of untreated tumor cells. Postperfusion, the apoptotic index at 0, 24, and 48 h was 22.8%+/-5.15%, 63.8%+/-8.2%, and 47.8%+/-6.9%, respectively. The patients had a median survival time of 30 months. No patient morbidity was associated with the perfusion treatment. CONCLUSION: In patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy induced potent apoptosis of tumor cells, increasing immediately postperfusion and peaking at 24 h.

Management of malignant pleural effusion associated with trapped lung syndrome.

Management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion associated with trapped lung syndrome remains problematic. An alternative treatment using a pleural catheter has been advocated. Between August 1999 and August 2002, 127 patients underwent thoracoscopy for malignant pleural effusion. Of these, 52 (41%) with trapped lung were managed by insertion of a pleural catheter. Mean age was 66 years (range, 42-89 years). The most frequent diagnosis was breast cancer. Spontaneous pleurodesis (drainage < 10 mL) occurred in 25 (48%) patients whose catheter was removed after 30 to 255 days (mean, 93.8 days). Symptomatic relief was achieved in 49 (94%) patients. Mean dyspnea score improved significantly from 3.0 to 1.9. Complications comprised catheter blockage, surgical emphysema, cellulitis, and loculated effusion in 2 patients each. Mean length of hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-16 days). Median survival was 126 days (range, 10-175 days). We conclude that long-term placement of a pleural catheter provides effective palliation for malignant pleural effusion associated with trapped lung syndrome.

De novo CD5+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma with basophilia in the peripheral blood: successful treatment with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Basophils play an important role in allergic inflammation and are pathologically related to hematological disturbances, such as iron deficiency anemia and myeloproliferative disorders; however, they are only rarely encountered in lymphoid malignancies. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old man with a bulky mass of the small intestine, multiple paraaortic lymphoadenopathy, pleural effusion, and ascites, who was diagnosed as a case of de novo CD5+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This patient showed a marked elevation of the basophil count in the peripheral blood, which appeared to run in parallel with the tumor burden. High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood cell transplantation yielded complete remission, and the patient has remained disease free for 5 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of de novo CD5+ DLBCL showing marked elevation of the PB basophil count.

[Negative pleural cytology after intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy for malignant pleural effusion].

We gave intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy to a 72-year-old woman in whom malignant pleural effusion developed after surgery for primary cancer. This procedure involved irrigating the pleural space for 2 hours with a water solution at 42-43 degrees containing 240 mg cisplatin using specially devised extracorporeal circuits. Thoracoscopy was used to examine the intrapleural cavity and to place the catheters for perfusion. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged for hospital on the second postoperative day. Thereafter, she experienced good quality of life with negative pleural cytology. Unfortunately, the patient died 3 months after the therapy, but the cause of death was unknown and there was no cancer recurrence. This technique may be safe and feasible for controlling malignant effusion to preserve quality of life, although the survival benefit has not yet been clarified.

[Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy under local anesthesia using a 2 mm laparoscope].

Thoracoscopy is indicated in patients with undiagnosed effusion after conventional methods. It has been usually performed under general anesthesia or using a thoracoscope with a thoracoscope with a diameter over 5 mm. However, it is an invasive diagnostic technique. We evaluated the feasibility of thoracoscopic pleural biopsy under local anesthesia using a 2 mm laparoscope. Six patients with a pleural effusion of unknown etiology after conventional methods, underwent thoracoscopy under local anesthesia. A 2 mm laparoscope and biopsy forceps (2 mm Minisite, United States Surgical Corp., USA) was used in all patients. Pleural fluid was removed, and the thoracic cavity was inspected. Thoracoscopic intercostal blocks were performed with 1% lidocaine, and then a biopsy was performed. The biopsy specimen was sent for histopathology. Three patients were shown to have carcinomatous pleurisy, two of them with localized lesions less than 10 mm. In the remaining three patients, non-specific diagnoses were made, but long-term follow-up revealed no malignant pleural disease. Although the pictures obtained using a 2 mm laparoscope were inferior in quality, they were adequate for the detection of malignant lesions in the pleural cavity. There were no procedure-related complications. These findings suggest that thoracoscopy using a 2 mm laparoscope is (1) a useful diagnostic tool in cases of pleural malignancy; (2) a minimally invasive method with the advantage of being easily performed under local anesthesia. Thus, thoracoscopic pleural biopsy using a 2 mm laparoscope appears to be useful for undiagnosed pleural effusion.

Investigation of pleural effusion: an evaluation of the new Olympus LTF semiflexible thoracofiberscope and comparison with Abram's needle biopsy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Recently, pulmonologists have performed thoracoscopy under local anesthesia using rigid thoracoscopes or flexible bronchoscopes. The latter allow greater access within the pleural cavity but are difficult to manipulate. The Olympus LTF semiflexible fiberoptic thoracoscope combines features of both instruments, having a solid body and a flexible terminal section. In the first study with this instrument, we evaluated ease of use and compared diagnostic yield with closed needle biopsy. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with pleural effusion were investigated. SETTING: Scottish University Hospital. DESIGN: Thoracoscopy was performed in the bronchoscopy suite after premedication with atropine and papaveretum. Following a standard Abram's needle biopsy, the LTF thoracoscope was inserted through a flexible introducer (Olympus Optical Co Ltd; Tokyo, Japan). The pleura was inspected and biopsy specimens were taken of suspicious areas. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was malignant pleural effusion in 16 of 24 patients. Ten of 16 were positive by Abram's biopsy, giving a sensitivity of 62%. Thirteen of 16 were positive by fiberoptic thoracoscopy, giving an improved sensitivity of 81%. The LTF thoracoscope was easy to use for pulmonologists experienced in rigid thoracoscopy and flexible bronchoscopy. Excellent views of the pleura were obtained from a single entry point. The procedure was well tolerated and no complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: The LTF thoracoscope allows excellent pleural access but a larger biopsy channel (currently 2 mm) might increase the accuracy of diagnosis.