BACKGROUNDMalignant pleural effusion is one of the common complications in patients with advanced lung cancer. Intracavitary injection of drug is a usual method, but it also exhibits unstable efficacy and obvious adverse reaction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hyperthermia combined with intracavitary injection of drug for malignant pleural effusion.

METHODSFifty patients with malignant pleural effusion caused by lung cancer were randomized into two groups after puncture or closed drainage. Group A was treated with hyperthermia combined with intrapleural injection of cisplatin and interleukin-2. Group B was treated only with intrapleural injection of cisplatin and interleukin-2.

RESULTSThe response rate of pleural effusion was 88% in group A and 60% in group B (P=0.024). The quality of life in group A was significantly better than that in group B (P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONSHyperthermia combined with intracavitary injection is effective and secure in treatment of malignant pleural effusion.