Pleuroscopy First Versus Thoracentesis First in Patients with Suspected Malignant Pleural Effusions

ID#: NCT06892691

Age: 18 years - 66+

Gender: All

Healthy Subjects: No

Study Phase: N/A

Recruitment Status: Recruiting

Start Date: March 01, 2025

End Date: September 17, 2026

Contact Information:
Udit Chaddha, MBBS
212-241-5900
Summary: This is a randomized control trial of patients with suspected malignant pleural effusions to compare whether patients who have a thoracentesis or pleuroscopy (pleural biopsy) obtain an adequate biopsy, achieve a diagnosis, and begin cancer-directed therapy faster.
Eligibility:

Inclusion Criteria:

- Referral for diagnostic pleural procedure.

- Age ≥ 18 years.

- Suspected malignant pleural effusion (Suggestive radiologic appearance (based on computed tomography or positron emission tomography) OR suspected cancer with associated effusion.)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Inability to provide informed consent.

- Needs emergent drainage.

- Pleural effusion is known to be malignant.

- Suspected transudative, infectious or inflammatory effusion etiology.

- Having prior inconclusive/non-diagnostic thoracentesis or pleuroscopy.

- Patient is deemed by the clinical team to be more appropriate for VATS biopsy.

- Terminally ill patients in whom a diagnosis will not change management, or who is unlikely to be a candidate for oncological treatment due to significant comorbidities.

- Pregnancy
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