RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility of Ambulatory Talc. Pleurodesis

This study aims to make treatment easier for people with cancer-related fluid around their lungs. This fluid can cause breathlessness. The usual treatment involves draining the fluid and using a special powder (talc) to stop it from coming back, which often requires a hospital stay of several days. We want to see if this treatment can be given mostly at home, allowing patients to be more comfortable and have a better quality of life. The study will check if this new approach works well and if patients find it acceptable and helpful.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

David Rollins

Enrolment target

Start

10 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2025

Malignant Pleural Effusion Malignancy Palliative Care

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a way to help people who have fluid building up around their lungs because of cancer. This fluid can make it hard to breathe and can be very uncomfortable. The main treatment involves draining this fluid and then using something called 'talc pleurodesis'. This is a procedure where a special powder, talc, is put into the space around the lung to stick the lung lining to the chest wall, helping to prevent the fluid from coming back.

Currently, this treatment usually means staying in the hospital for a few days, which can be difficult for patients, especially if they are already not feeling well. Our study wants to find out if it's possible to do this treatment mostly from home, using a special drainage bag that you can wear. This could mean less time in hospital and a better quality of life for people. We want to know if this home-based approach is practical and if patients find it a good option.

We'll also be asking for feedback from patients who take part to understand their experience and ensure this approach is helpful and comfortable. The main goal is to find a way to manage this condition that is more convenient and less disruptive to daily life.

Key takeaways

This study explores home-based treatment for cancer-related lung fluid.
Aims to reduce hospital stays and improve patient comfort.
Involves placing a drain and administering talc while mostly at home.
Will assess if the treatment is practical and acceptable to patients.
Focuses on managing breathlessness, not curing cancer.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 or over who have fluid around their lungs due to cancer. We are looking for people who are expected to live for at least another month and whose general health is good enough to manage the treatment, even if they sometimes get out of breath.

However, you won't be able to join if you've already had this specific treatment (talc pleurodesis) on the same side of your chest and it didn't work. Also, if your lung is unable to fully expand due to existing disease, this study might not be suitable for you.

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.

Do you have fluid around your lung because of cancer?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you expected to live for at least one more month?
Have you not had this treatment on the same side before, where it didn't work?
Is your lung able to fully expand?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would first have a small tube (a drain) put into your chest on the first day to start removing the fluid. This is done just like the standard hospital treatment. You would go home with a special bag attached to the drain, which collects the fluid throughout the day and night.

You would then return to the hospital on day two to continue the drainage. If enough fluid has been removed and your lung has expanded well, we would then put the talc powder through the drain. You would again go home with the drain and bag. On day three, you would return to have the drain checked, and if everything looks good, it might be removed. All through this process, we will also ask for your feedback on how you find the treatment at home.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part include the possibility of receiving your treatment largely at home, which could mean less time in the hospital and potentially a better quality of life. This new approach might also be more comfortable and convenient. Potential risks are similar to the standard hospital procedure, such as pain where the drain is inserted, infection, or the talc not working as well as hoped. You are always free to discuss any concerns with your medical team and can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

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

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS foundation trust
Verified postcode
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'malignant pleural effusion'?

It means fluid has built up around your lung because of cancer.

What is 'talc pleurodesis'?

It's a procedure where special talc powder is put into your chest to help stop fluid from coming back around your lung.

Will I have to stay in hospital?

This study aims to let you have most of your treatment at home, coming to the hospital for checks and procedures.

Will this treatment cure my cancer?

No, this treatment is to help with symptoms like breathlessness caused by the fluid, not to cure the cancer itself.

What if the treatment doesn't work?

If the fluid doesn't drain, or your lung doesn't expand, the drain may be removed, and other options would be discussed with you.

How to find out more

Kevin Conroy, MBBS, FRCP

kevin.conroy@nhs.net 01642624615 Official trial record

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