english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2011 > In the December issue of Prescrire International: Bleomycin in malignant pleural effusion

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In the December issue of Prescrire International:
Bleomycin in malignant pleural effusion

FREE DOWNLOAD Some cancer patients develop malignant pleural effusion that persists or recurs despite cytotoxic chemotherapy and drainage. For pleurodesis, it is better to choose talc rather than bleomycin, as it is safer and no less effective.
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Summary

  • Bleomycin is not more effective than talc in preventing recurrent pleural effusions, based on a review with meta-analysis of 7 trials in 256 patients.
     
  • Bleomycin carries a risk of systemic adverse effects and treatment errors.
     
  • In practice. For cancer patients with persistent or recurrent malignant pleural effusion, it is better to choose talc.

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 ©Prescrire 1 December 2011

"Bleomycin. In malignant pleural effusion: choose talc pleurodesis" Prescrire Int 2011; 20 (122) : 291. (Pdf, free)

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