A simple technique to manage malignant pericardial effusion with a local instillation of bleomycin in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Abstract

To examine the efficacy of bleomycin on the local control of malignant pericardial effusion, we prospectively conducted a clinical trial consisting of continuous pericardial drainage and a local instillation of bleomycin. In the current study, we treated 7 patients, who suffered from malignant pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade due to advanced-stage non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. The pericardial effusions were continuously drained through an echo-guided inserted catheter. After the effusions were drained as completely as possible, 5 mg of bleomycin were instilled locally via the catheter. In all patients but one, the draining catheter could be successfully removed. The duration of drainage ranged from 4 to 13 days (mean: 9.2 days). Five of the 7 patients achieved a complete remission of pericardial effusions, which was maintained until death or the last day of follow-up. Intrapericardial bleomycin treatment was thus found to be effective on malignant pericardial effusions without any adverse effects. However, a further study comparing the effect of pericardial instillation of bleomycin versus drainage alone would be needed for the determination of the usefulness of bleomycin.

• Authors: T Yano, H Yokoyama, T Inoue, N Takanashi, H Asoh, Y Ichinose
• Journal: Oncology (Oncology) 1994 Nov-Dec Vol. 51 Issue 6 Pg. 507-9 ISSN: 0030-2414 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 7526307 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bleomycin

Topics

• Aged
• Bleomycin (administration & dosage)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy)
• Drainage
• Female
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pericardial Effusion (drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies