[Comparison of the therapeutic effects of pleural perfusion of NDP and cDDP in NSCLC patients with malignant pleural effusion]

Abstract

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of pleural perfusion of NDP and cDDP in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with malignant pleural effusion, their quality of life and toxic side effects.

Methods: Sixty-eight NSCLC patients with malignant pleural effusion after chest drainage were randomly divided into two groups according to the pathological types: 34 cases in the NDP (Group A) and cDDP groups (Group B), 34 cases each. They were treated with NDP (40 mg/m(2)) and dexamethasone (10 mg) dissolved in 40 ml normal saline, or cDDP (40 mg/m(2)) and dexamethasone (10 mg) dissolved in 40 ml of normal saline, respectively, through pleural perfusion weekly for 2-4 weeks. Routine and symptomatic treatment was used in all the patients. The therapeutic effects, life quality and toxic side effects were evaluated.

Results: The response rates of groups A and B were 88.23% and 61.7%, respectively, (P < 0.01). The rates of toxic side effects in groups A and B were 39.6% and 41.9%, respectively, (P > 0.05). However, the rates of gastrointestinal side effects of the two groups were 5% and 12.9%, respectively, (P < 0.05). The Karnofsky scores of group A were higher than that in group B (P < 0.05). The survival time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B.

Conclusion: Pleural perfusion with NDP is a good treatment method with milder toxicity for patients with malignant pleural effusion caused by NSCLC.