Treatment of primary or metastatic pleural effusion with intracavitary cytosine arabinoside and cisplatin. A phase II study

Acta Oncol. 1994;33(2):191-4. doi: 10.3109/02841869409098404.

Abstract

Thirty-three patients with microscopically verified primary or metastatic malignant pleural effusion were studied: 7 had malignant mesothelioma and 26 metastatic pleural disease. The treatment was based on biochemical and clinical studies which show a synergy between cytosine-arabinoside (Ara-C) and cisplatin. These drugs were instilled in the pleural cavity at the dose of 100 mg for Ara-C and 100 mg/m2 for cisplatin. The cavity was drained after 4 h. If it was possible, the treatment was repeated weekly for 3 times and, after a 6-week rest, it could be started again with the same schedule. The overall response rate (complete plus partial remissions) was 74%. Toxicity was mild or moderate. We conclude that the combination of Ara-C and cisplatin is well tolerated and produces a high response rate in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Cytarabine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Instillation, Drug
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / drug therapy*
  • Mesothelioma / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cytarabine
  • Cisplatin