Tunneled pleural catheter use for pleural palliation does not increase infection rate in patients with treatment-related immunosuppression.

Publication Title

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer

Authors

Candice L. Wilshire, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Christopher R Gilbert, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Brian E Louie, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Ralph W Aye, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Alexander S Farivar, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Eric Vallières, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow
Jed A Gorden, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Swedish Cancer Institute, 1101 Madison Street, Suite 900, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2018

Keywords

Antineoplastic agents; Chemotherapy; Empyema; Immunosuppression; Malignant pleural effusion

Abstract

PURPOSE: Concerns for infections resulting from antineoplastic therapy-associated immunosuppression may deter referral for symptom palliation with a tunneled pleural catheter (TPC) in patients with malignant/para-malignant pleural effusions (MPE/PMPE). While rates of TPC-related infections range from 1 to 21%, those in patients receiving antineoplastic therapy with correlation to immune status has not been established. We aimed to assess TPC-related infection rates in patients on antineoplastic therapy, determine relation to immune system competency, and assess impact on the patient.

METHODS: Patients with a MPE/PMPE undergoing TPC management associated with antineoplastic therapy, from 2008 to 2016, were reviewed and categorized into those with an immunocompromised versus immunocompetent immune status.

RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, a TPC-related infection developed in 13 (9%): pleural space in 11 (7%) and superficial in 2 (1%). Ninety-three percent (139/150) were identified to be immunocompromised during their antineoplastic therapy. No difference in TPC-related infections was seen in patients with an immunocompromised (9%, 12/139) versus immunocompetent status (9%, 1/11); p = 0.614. The presence of a catheter-related infection did not negatively impact overall survival over a median follow-up of 144 days (interquartile range 41-341); p = 0.740.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that antineoplastic therapy may not significantly increase the overall risk of TPC-related infections, as the rate remains low and comparable to rates in patients not undergoing antineoplastic therapy. Regardless of immune status, the presence of a catheter-related infection did not negatively impact overall survival. These results should reassure clinicians that the need to initiate antineoplastic therapy should not delay definitive pleural palliation with a TPC.

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology

DOI

10.1007/s00520-017-3989-9