Combination Tissue Plasminogen Activator and DNase for Loculated Malignant Pleural Effusions: A Single-center Retrospective Review.

Background: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are frequently used for the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), but drainage can be impaired by pleural loculations. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) versus combination tPA-deoxyribonuclease (DNase) in the treatment of loculated MPE.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with confirmed or presumed MPEs requiring IPC insertion. We compared the efficacy of intrapleural tPA, tPA-DNase, and procedural intervention on pleural fluid drainage. Secondary endpoints included the need for future pleural procedures (eg, thoracentesis, IPC reinsertion, chest tube insertion, or surgical intervention), IPC removal due to spontaneous pleurodesis, and IPC-related complications.

Results: Among 437 patients with MPEs, loculations developed in 81 (19%) patients. Twenty-four (30%) received intrapleural tPA, 46 (57%) received intrapleural tPA-DNase, 4 (5%) underwent a procedural intervention, and 7 (9%) received ongoing medical management. tPA improved pleural drainage in 83% of patients, and tPA-DNase improved pleural drainage in 80% of patients. tPA alone may be associated with increased rates of spontaneous pleurodesis compared with tPA-DNase. There was no difference in complications when comparing tPA, combination tPA-DNase, procedural intervention, and no therapy.

Conclusion: Both intrapleural tPA and combination tPA-DNase appear to be safe and effective in improving pleural fluid drainage in selected patients with loculated MPE, although further studies are needed.