Combined As₂O₃ Intrapleural Infusion And Radiofrequency Hyperthermotherapy In Treatment For Malignant Pleural Effusion

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of As₂O₃ intrapleural infusion in treatment for malignant pleural effusion and the interaction between As₂O₃ and Radio-frequency HyperthermotherapyMethods: 89 patients with malignant pleural effusion were divided into four groups: Group A were treated with As₂O₃ intrapleural infusion, Group B with DDP intrapleural infusion, GroupC with As₂O₃ intrapleural infusion combined with radiofrequency hyperthermotherapy, GroupD with As₂O₃ intrapleural combined with radiofrequency hyperthermotherapy. Check up the different efficacy and incidence rate of toxic effect of the four groups.Results: 1. Efficacy: The overall response rate of group C was higher than group A, group D was higher than group B, the difference was significant (P〈0.05). The response rate difference between group A and group B, group C and group D was not significant(P〉0.05).2. Toxic effect:The incidence rate of myelosuppression and symptoms of gastrointestinal side-effects in group A was lower than in group B, and that in group C was lower than in group D (P〈0.05). But the incidence rate of toxic effect between group A and group C, group B and group D was not significant (P〉0.05).3. Quality of life: The improvement of quality of life in group A was better than in group B, group C was better than group D(P〈0.05). Conclusions:1. The method of As₂O₃ intrapleural infusion in treatment for malignant pleural effusion had a equivalent efficacy to the method of DDP intrapleural infusion.2. Side- effects in the groups treated with As₂O₃ intrapleural infusion was loser than the groups treated with DDP intrapleural infusion.3. Radiofrequency hyperthermotherapy in cavitas thoracis had synergistic effect with As₂O₃ and DDP.