RecruitingObservational

Discovering new methods of analysing pleural fluid samples to reach a diagnosis earlier in pleural effusions with an unclear cause

This research wants to improve how doctors diagnose fluid around the lungs, called a pleural effusion. Sometimes, current tests can't find the cause right away, leading to long waits for patients. This study will examine fluid samples using advanced lab techniques to discover new clues, called 'biomarkers', that can help tell different causes apart, including serious conditions like cancer. The goal is to develop faster, more accurate tests for the NHS. Participants will donate a small amount of leftover fluid from an already planned procedure and allow researchers to look at their medical records. There are no direct benefits to participants, but it could help future patients get diagnoses sooner.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Lancaster University

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

Diagnosis of patients with exudative pleural effusion

What is this study about?

Imagine you have fluid building up around your lungs, which is called a pleural effusion. This can happen for many reasons, from simple infections to more serious illnesses like cancer. Right now, doctors usually take a sample of this fluid and look at it closely under a microscope to figure out what's causing it. However, in more than one out of four cases, this examination doesn't give a clear answer straight away. This can mean a long and worrying wait for patients to get a diagnosis, which is particularly tough if it turns out to be something serious like cancer, where early treatment makes a big difference.

This study, called PROSPECT-PLEURA, is trying to solve this problem. Researchers are looking for new 'clues' or 'markers' in the pleural fluid samples that could help doctors identify the cause much faster and more accurately than current tests. They are especially interested in those cases where the usual microscope test isn't clear. By using special laboratory methods to study the cells and molecules in the fluid, they hope to find unique patterns that point to different conditions, including various types of cancer.

The main aim is to develop new and better tests that could eventually be used regularly in NHS hospitals. While participants won't get direct benefits or results, their contribution is vital for improving how we diagnose pleural effusions. This could ultimately reduce stressful waiting times and allow future patients to start treatment sooner if needed.

Key takeaways

Aims to find new ways to diagnose fluid around the lungs faster and more accurately.
Contributes leftover fluid from an already planned procedure.
No extra hospital visits or changes to your medical care.
Results won't affect your treatment or be shared directly with you.
Participation helps future patients get quicker diagnoses.
Your medical records will be checked for up to 3 years to match with lab findings.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and are already scheduled to have fluid taken from your chest at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. This fluid must be suspected or confirmed to be a certain type called an 'exudate', which often means there's some inflammation or other active problem.

You would not be able to participate if you have or might have tuberculosis, or if you need to have fluid removed very quickly in an emergency. You also can't join if you've had a procedure called pleurodesis previously (where the layers around your lung are sealed together), or if you are already involved in helping to plan this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having fluid taken from your chest at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay?
Is the fluid known or thought to be an 'exudate' type?
Do you not have or suspect you have tuberculosis?
Do you not need emergency fluid removal?
Have you not had a 'pleurodesis' procedure before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part, you won't have any extra hospital visits or procedures. The main thing you'll do is donate a small amount of your pleural fluid. This fluid is actually leftover from what doctors already need for your standard care and would otherwise be thrown away, so it doesn't affect your treatment.

If you're having fluid removed to help with your symptoms, the procedure will be exactly the same. We'll simply take a small portion of the fluid that's already being removed for the study. If you're having fluid sampled to help find a diagnosis, the procedure might take an extra minute or two while a little more fluid is collected for research. You might be asked to donate a second sample if your pleural effusion comes back and more fluid is collected later on. You'll always be asked to confirm your agreement again before any second sample is taken.

We will also ask for your permission to look at your medical records. This includes information from up to one year before your sample was taken and up to three years afterwards, even if you pass away during this time. This is really important for us to match what we find in the lab with your actual diagnosis. The results from our lab tests won't be shared with you and won't change your medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits to you as a participant in this study. However, by taking part, you could be helping future patients. Your contribution might lead to new tests that diagnose pleural effusions more quickly and accurately, which could reduce waiting times and allow treatments to start sooner for others. The risks involved are generally the same as those explained to you by your lung specialist for the procedure to collect fluid, whether you join the study or not. If you're having fluid taken for diagnosis, the procedure might be one or two minutes longer, but this doesn't add any new risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Unverified
Lancaster, England
Furness General Hospital
Unverified
Barrow-in-furness, England

Common questions

What is a pleural effusion?

It's when extra fluid builds up in the space between your lungs and the inside of your chest wall.

Will taking part change my treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change your medical care or treatment in any way.

Will I get results from the study?

No, the results from the lab tests on your sample will not be shared with you or your doctor.

Do I have to make extra hospital visits?

No, you won't need any extra hospital visits or appointments to take part in this study.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by Lancaster University, in partnership with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

How to find out more

Oliver Mann

o.mann@lancaster.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.