Pressurized IntraThoracic Aerosol Chemotherapy (PITAC) directed therapy of patients with malignant pleural effusion and pleural metastasis

Objectives: Pressurized IntraThoracic Aerosol Chemotherapy (PITAC) has been suggested as a new therapy for patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and/or pleural metastasis (PLM). The patients have a poor prognosis with a median survival of 3 to 12 months. We present feasibility, patient safety, and cytological/histological response assessment in PITAC-treated patients with MPE and/or PLM.

Methods: Patients eligible for PITAC and treated at Odense PIPAC Center were included. PITAC was performed in lateral decubitus or prone position under double-lumen endotracheal tube ventilation to allow exclusion of the lung if necessary. After positioning of the ultrasound-guided trocar, the second trocar is inserted by video-assisted thoracoscopy. MPE was evacuated and measured. Pleural lavage was performed if no or small amounts of MPE were present. MPE or pleural lavage fluid was analyzed cytologically. Visible PLM was biopsied and sent for histology assessment using a four-tiered Thoracic Regression Grading Score (TRGS). After a walkthrough of the safety checklist, the chemotherapy was nebulized followed by 30 min of passive diffusion. The chemotherapy and chemotherapy-saturated air was evacuated through a closed bag and ventilation system.

Results: We report data on 11 intended PITACs in five patients. Nine PITACs were completed and two PITACs were discontinued due to intraoperative complications or technical reasons. Response evaluation was available in three patients: one showed complete response (TRGS 1) and another stable disease (TRGS 2). Cytology was available from two patients: one showed conversion from malignant to benign. The 30-day mortality was zero.

Conclusions: PITAC appears to be safe and feasible.